Beverley Brenna – författare

From award-winning author, Beverley Brenna, What If There Are Alligators? is the hilarious, heart-warming story of Belvin—a nine-year-old boy who worries about just about everything, especially alligators!Nine-year-old Belvin has always lived in the shadow of his gregarious twin brother Beaman, who is determined to go away to summer camp—which Belvin will not. His parents have decided to take different paths for their summer vacation, so his perceptive mom sends Belvin to his Aunt Edna’s goat farm. Belvin misses home at first and is reluctant to try new things—until he does, gaining more confidence every day as he learns to navigate the farm from wise Aunt Edna.When a neighborhood girl, Ellie, offers to come work at the goat farm, Belvin discovers the satisfaction of how great teamwork makes their daily chores a lot more fun. As the kids dive into looking after the rabbits, goats, cats, dogs and one donkey, the two discover they have a lot in common and become good friends. Belvin learns to problem-solve, which serves him well in a dangerous situation when he finds in himself a new, unexpected bravery which saves the day.As his friendship with Ellie grows, so does their unique entrepreneurial venture, which helps the survival of Aunt Edna’s farm but also surprises everyone, even Belvin’s twin brother.Beverley Brenna’s knack for writing a funny tale shines in this hilarious middle grade story which will appeal to young readers who are contemplating a summer away from home.

This enriched reference guide offers a unique overview of more than 200 picture books published by Canadian publishing houses between 2017–2019. The authors cover key themes in contemporary Canadian titles that match broad curriculum trends in education. Response activities are included in the text, for example frameworks for critical literacy discussions, along with annotated bibliographies that specifically recognize titles by Indigenous authors and illustrators. The book also contains original interviews with a dozen rising stars in Canadian writing and book illustration. While the book is specifically geared for educators, it also supports public libraries, Education researchers, and future picture book creators, as well as families who are interested in learning more about reading development and related literacy activities for the home setting.