It Takes a Village

by Nikki Tate

The Seventh Expert: An Interactive Medieval Adventure
by Mark Oakley, illustrated by John Mantha
Annick Press, 2008
I haven’t come across too many books that require a six-sided dice and a score sheet, but Mark Oakley’s cool new book/strategy game about life in the Middle Ages sucked me right in and kept me reading, learning, and playing late into the night. The premise of The Seventh Expert is that the reader is the seventh expert in a small group of villagers who must move inland after a violent storm destroys their coastal village in 14th Century England.

Each chapter describes what happens from year to year following the establishment of their new community (New Haven). The reader takes an active part in the success (or failure) of the venture. Designed like a simulation game with a chronological storyline, the reader plays along, earning supplies points and spending effort points by building shelters, growing food, defending the new community, and so on. At the conclusion of each chapter, a page of playing instructions lays out goals for the following year, rewards and penalties for the previous year, and introduces random events (it sucked when harsh weather ruined my crops, but it was great when the hunting was good, especially given my fortuitous decision to invest in a smokehouse, which resulted in a hefty bonus at random event time…).

Clear, detailed illustrations by John Mantha further enhance the reading/playing experience. John Mantha has a great feel for this type of material—he has illustrated many books for children including Stephen Shapiro’s The Siege: Under Attack in Renaissance Europe, another recent release from Annick Press.

Did You Know?
In England during the medieval period, every boy over 12 years old carried a knife, from the lowliest shepherd to the mightiest prince. Blades were often crude and measured 13 to 15 centimeters (5 to 6 inches) in length.

Information sidebars deliver all kinds of tid-bits in well-timed, bite-sized pieces. Though the narrative itself is short and reads more like a series of linked scenarios than compelling historical fiction, the overall experience of this book is absorbing and a fabulous way to soak up all kinds of details about a fascinating time in history.

The Streets Are Free
by Karusa, illustrated by Monika Doppert
Annick Press, 1995/2008
Based on a true story, The Streets Are Free is a re-issue of a picture book first published in North America in 1995. The children of the barrio in Caracas dream of having a place of their own to play. Politicians pay lip service to the idea, but it is the children’s perseverance that brings the community together to get the job done. The illustrations by the award-winning German artist, Monika Doppert provide a real sense of the barrio community and how it changes and evolves over time. This story would be a wonderful way to begin a discussion about working together to accomplish goals. Empowering and inspiring, this is a good reminder for all of us how much can be done by a determined group of citizens, even under difficult circumstances.

Animals at the Edge: Saving the World’s Rarest Creatures
by Jonathan Baillie and Marilyn Baillie
Maple Tree Press, 2008
Did You Know?
The pygmy hippopotamus knows how to keep dry underwater. It secretes oils through its pores that are thought to keep its skin waterproof. The thick oil can be pinkish in colour and is called “blood-sweat.”

If it takes a village of experts to survive in the Middle Ages and a village of families to build a playground in Caracas, it will take the global village to save EDGE species from extinction. Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered species are in real danger of disappearing if they aren’t protected. These unique creatures are so rare and unusual that losing their genetic contribution has a particularly negative impact on the biodiversity of our planet.

Fortunately, scientists, researchers and conservationists are hard at work to protect these unusual species. Eleven EDGE species and the scientists who study them are described in this excellent book. Full colour photographs, detailed illustrations and an engaging design make this book about an important subject inviting, appealing and informative. Animals at the Edge is a great choice for animal lovers, budding conservationists, and classroom libraries alike.

Nikki Tate is an author who lives on Vancouver Island. Kids who like to write should visit Nikki’s website at www.tarragonisland.com or www.stablemates.net.