Description
With crisp, luminous illustrations by celebrated Indigenous artist Roy Henry Vickers, and a simple rhythmic text, this sturdy board book introduces the alphabet using iconic imagery of the West Coast, creating a book that will be cherished by young readers and their families.
Starting with colourful sea anemones waving in the ocean current, and closing with a snoozing grizzly bear (Zzz), this board book supports both early literacy and children’s awareness of the natural world.
Publishers Weekly described Vickers’ previous collaboration with Lucky Budd as “a gorgeous glimpse of the distinctive landscapes and creatures of the Northwest, [that] will enchant residents and nonlocals alike.”
Author Bio
Roy Henry Vickers is a renowned carver, painter, printmaker and storyteller. He is the illustrator and co-author of Harbour Publishing’s popular children’s First West Coast Book series and Northwest Coast Legends series, the latter of which were all shortlisted for the Bill Duthie Booksellers’ Choice Award: Raven Brings the Light in 2014, Cloudwalker in 2015, Orca Chief in 2016 and Peace Dancer in 2017. His other books include Storyteller (2014), Voices from the Skeena (2019) and Ben the Sea Lion (2022). He lives in Hazelton, BC.
Roy Henry Vickers is a renowned carver, painter, printmaker and storyteller. He is the illustrator and co-author of Harbour Publishing’s popular children’s First West Coast Book series and Northwest Coast Legends series, the latter of which were all shortlisted for the Bill Duthie Booksellers’ Choice Award: Raven Brings the Light in 2014, Cloudwalker in 2015, Orca Chief in 2016 and Peace Dancer in 2017. His other books include Storyteller (2014), Voices from the Skeena (2019) and Ben the Sea Lion (2022). He lives in Hazelton, BC.
Lucky Budd holds an MA in history and has digitized many high-profile oral history collections, including that of the Nisga'a First Nation. In addition to co-authoring the award-winning First West Coast Book series and Northwest Coast Legends series, he is also the author of Voices of British Columbia (Douglas & McIntyre, 2010)—a bestseller which was shortlisted for the 2011 Bill Duthie Booksellers’ Choice Award—and its sequel, Echoes of British Columbia (2014). He lives in Victoria, BC.
Prizes
- Bill Duthie Booksellers’ Choice AwardShort-listed 2022
- Moonbeam Children’s Book Award Gold Medal in the Alphabet/Counting categoryWinner 2022
Review Quotes
“A Is for Anemone is a tactile knockout... [Vickers’] illustrations beautifully depict representations of the West Coast, but the art literally stands out—every page includes a softly embossed feature that often can’t be seen until children run their fingers over the page. The texture is in the tentacles of jellyfish, the lines of pouring rain and a bird that is almost invisible to the eye... it’s a touch sensation.”
— Shelf Awareness“A is for Anemone offers a memorable introduction to West Coast language, culture and biodiversity all of which need to be protected.”
— Raina Deslisle, The Tyee and Hakai Magazine