About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
With a long list of activities and events to attend, cousin Thomas paints a picture of city life that makes Jessie’s world seem a little dull in comparison.
When Jessie's mother suggests they invite Thomas to visit their island, Jessie wonders glumly what she could possibly write in her letter that would sound as exciting as zoos, planetariums or video arcades. But as Jessie looks out over her island home, she sees a world of endless variety, from killer whales in the strait and bald eagles soaring overhead to anemones in tide pools and tiny hermit crabs on the shore. She thinks of countless days spent exploring, fishing, swimming and canoeing.
This reissue of Jessie’s Island, which was originally published over twenty years ago, will introduce a whole new generation of children to the joy of unstructured play and the pleasures to be found in the natural world.
Contributor Notes
Sheryl McFarlane is the author of more than a dozen award-winning books for young readers, including the multi-award-winning Waiting for the Whales. A former teacher, Sheryl loves bike riding, beachcombing and discovering new books for her grandchildren. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia, where she keeps a little free library stocked with books for her friends and neighbors.
Sheena Lott is a multi award-winning artist whose vibrant watercolors have graced 14 children’s books. Her fine art paintings in oil, acrylic and watercolour are enjoyed in many private homes and corporate settings. Sheena is represented by the Peninsula Gallery. She continues to paint and be inspired in her studio by the ocean in North Saanich, British Columbia.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 3 to 5
- Grade:
- p to k
- Reading age:
- 3 to 5
Editorial Reviews
"The realistic depiction of life on the island off the west coast conveys the wonder and beauty of nature...Although fashion trends have changed since the original 1992 release, nature never goes out of style, making this an appropriate and lovely addition."
— School Library Journal (SLJ)
“This Canadian classic is a celebration of nature and the wonders of living on a small island on the West Coast…Beautifully illustrated by Sheena Lott, Jessie’s Island makes a wonderful springboard into a study of island ecosystems and the creatures that live there.”
— Canadian Teacher Magazine
