Atlantic Books

Atlantic Books

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Ages 4-8

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Santa Never Brings Me a Banjo
David Myles, illustrated by Murray Bain
Nimbus Publishing
(Ages4-8)

Beloved songsmith and entertainer David Myles (who originally comes from New Brunswick but now calls Halifax home) brings his upbeat Christmas ditty to the printed page in what is sure to be one of this season’s most sought-after bestsellers.The song-turned-storybook relates the melancholy tale of David’s childhood Christmases spent pining for a banjo, a gift which he never, ever receives. 

While his siblings receive the things they asked for, and despite the fact that a banjo is the only thing on his list, Santa never gets it right.  Could it be that “it’s too hard for the workshop, Maybe it’s too tricky for the elves?” Whatever the reason, poor youngDavid is simply forced to accept that: “Santa never brings me a banjo…”

This latest addition to the season’s offerings is pure, unbridled fun. Whether or not you’ve heard the song, one can’t help but hear the sweet, bluegrass-y strains as Myles repeats his lament. And the illustrations provide the perfect accompaniment: lively and bursting with energy. Not to mention banjos! 

There is simply no mistaking the object of the protagonists’s affections here. From the banjos that frame the very first page to the ones on his bedsheets and the snow banjo that young Myles makes while other children are building snowmen,this is indisputably a book about a banjo-obsessed boy. 

Playful and quirky, the lyrics and illustrations capture a sense of whimsy and wistfulness. Astute readers will note that Santa does, in fact, get it (and demonstrates that he has both a sense of humour and compassion for those who may not share Myles’ great passion). 

While Santa may or may not bring David Myles a banjo, he will undoubtedly be leaving copies of this delightful book under many Christmas trees this year.

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“This will be an adventure, Henrietta. I’ll be back for you tomorrow, and you can tell me about all the new things you’ve done.” So says Henrietta’s mother encouragingly as she prepares to leave Henrietta (and her beloved doll, Gwendolyn) for their first overnight visit at her grandparents’ cottage.

Henrietta tries to think about all the things she loves about the cottage, the great blue heron Grampa has said she might see there and the brave explorers who venture off into the great unknown. She has a wonderful day with Gramma Lucie and Grampa Henry, canoeing on the pond, savouring an evening walk on the trail and listening to Grampa play his guitar until she is too sleepy to stay awake.

Then she and Gwendolyn lie alone in the dark, listening to all the frightening noises. Thankfully, Gramma has just the answer. Soon Henrietta is waking up to sunlight, the smell of breakfast cooking and a wonderful morning surprise down in the meadow.

This gentle tale of a young girl’s first overnight adventure away from home sensitively addresses a child’s very real fears. Henrietta is encouraged to make up her mind to be courageous, just like world-famous explorers do when they face new situations. But ultimately her grandmother understands and respects her fear and provides the perfect solution in the form of a very special nightlight.

Henrietta’s Nightlight also beautifully depicts all the wonders of Henrietta’s day at the cottage: her canoe trip with Gramma Lucie, where they encounter a wonderful assortment of birds, and all the exquisite flowers and plants she and Grampa Henry discover on their twilight ramble. The story and its soft coloured-pencil illustrations work beautifully together to capture a strong sense of warmth and familial love as everyone strives to help Henrietta achieve this milestone. It is a sweetly satisfying story of warm, summer nights and loving families and one little girl facing her fear.

Henrietta’s Nightlight
Alice Whitney
Chocolate River Publishing