"A Smashing Undertaking": Review

A recent review in the literary journal Canadian Literature, calls MacKinnon’s book of original Gaelic poetry and English interpretations “a smashing undertaking.”

The book is “remarkable as a symbol of Canada’s renewed interest in Gaelic,” the review continues, “whether in English or Gaelic, [Famhair] Giant is a delight.”

“Overall, this is an impressive first collection.” (Canadian Literature No. 203).

Read the full review: http://www.canlit.ca/reviews.php?id=14702

CBU Press book shortlisted for Atlantic Book Award

Sydney, March 2, 2010 – Finalists for the 2007 Atlantic Book Awards were announced today, and a Cape Breton University Press publication is among them

Sydney artist Marie Moore has been shortlisted for the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Illustration for her artwork in the book Cape Breton Wonders, published by CBU Press.

Cape Breton Wonders is a children’s book for all ages by Shirley Everett, Chris Augusta Scott and Ms. Moore. The book consists of a series of Cape Breton curiosities all prefaced by the question: Did you ever wonder why?

“Did you ever wonder why... your mother re-washed the wash?” “Did you ever wonder why... the lighthouse lights, or why the miners risked their lives?” Educators Everett and Scott wondered and by teaming up with Marie Moore, they authored a charming little piece of Cape Breton for young and old alike.

“Marie’s timeless watercolour paintings proved to be the perfect way to illustrate, and to answer, the question,” says Mike Hunter, Editor-in-Chief at CBU Press.

“Her originals and prints cover a wide variety of subjects and have been popular among Cape Bretoners and visitors alike for many years. Accordingly, the book is as much a keepsake of Cape Breton as it is a children’s book,” he said.

“We are delighted with this new recognition for her work.”

Moore’s works hang in thousands of homes and offices across the country and around the world. Her work has also been featured in book illustrations and covers, calendar and numerous exhibitions.

The Atlantic Book Awards ceremony will take place Wednesday, April 14, 7 p.m., at Alderney Landing, Dartmouth, NS. In addition, there are numerous literary events in the week prior to and following the awards, including Sydney: Tuesday, April 13, 7 p.m., James McConnell Memorial Library.

Lillian Shepherd, a long-time buyer for former The Book Room in Halifax and life-long lover of books, died suddenly in 1997. Customers and authors visiting The Book Room were always put at ease by Lillian's ready smile and laughter, but her love of life shone through most clearly when she spoke of her husband Fred and their two daughters, Lynn and Cynthia. In 2002, Lillian’s legion of friends and colleagues from Halifax, Lunenburg and Bermuda created the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award to applaud the book that combines Lillian’s love for illustrated children’s books and her affinity for locally produced work.


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Cape Breton Wonders www.cbu.ca/press/bookp.asp?book=978-1-897009-31-4