Holy Smoookes
Illustrations
Illustrator | 2024-2025
Please look forward to future projects with Groundwood Books and Orca Books.
2025 | Maggie Lou Meets Her Match
When Uncle Bobby gets married, Maggie Lou suddenly finds herself with a new cousin, Rosie. Rosie is the same age as Maggie. She also has a fabulous head of curls, although hers are red. And Rosie knows everything about horses and riding — something Maggie Lou has longed to do.
A rivalry sparks between the girls from the start at Uncle Bobby and Aunt Bonnie’s wedding, which features an all-you-can-eat dessert table, as well as lots of energetic dancing. On Rosie’s horse farm, Maggie experiences her share of humiliations as she learns how to ride on a pony so short that her feet can touch the ground.
Eventually the cousins become allies and wreak some hair-raising mischief, including a secret midnight horseback ride. And in the end they are joined by friends and family to train, hilariously, for the famous Otipîm'sowak Race — a Métis voyageur relay — carrying on a family tradition.
Throughout it all, Maggie remains stubborn and enthusiastic, as she navigates the new challenges of defeat, rivalry and family change.
Written by Arnolda DuFour Bowes
Illustrated by Karlene Harvey
2024 | The Hawk Shadow
“A pitch-perfect story about sibling bonds and Anishinaabe cultural traditions, from the bestselling author of SkySisters.
Serenity is following her brother, Big Ed, to his fishing spot on Hawk River. Big Ed explains that the river is named for the Hawk, Gekek, the Keepers of the river and their Protectors. “They see things far off in the distance, things we can’t,” he tells Serenity. Later, when Big Ed gets in trouble while fishing, Serenity follows the Hawk’s shadow to come to her brother’s aid.”
Written by Jan Bourdeau Waboose
Illustrated by Karlene Harvey
2024 | Teachings of the Drum
“The drum is a special symbol in many Indigenous cultures. In this rhyming picture book, young Ren is given a handmade drum by his mother that helps to teach him many things about himself and his culture. An adaptation of best-selling book, Drum from the Heart, by Nuu-chah-nulth author Ren Louie for ages 4-6.”
Written by Ren Louie
Illustrated by Karlene Harvey
2024 | Kaiah’s Garden
“An uplifting story of a girl's connection to her beloved grandmother through the beadwork art they created together.
As she wakes up one dull morning, Kaiah feels as cold and grey as the day. She longs to be with her grandmother again. Kaiah's life doesn't feel right without her. But through Kaiah's treasured bead box ― and the beauty it holds ― she is with her grandmother, in a garden that is full of colour and love.”
Written by Melanie Florence
Illustrated by Karlene Harvey
2023 | Maggie Lou, Firefox
…."“Keep taking up space,” Maggie’s mother says. “You’re only making room for the girls behind you.”
A heroine for today, Maggie Lou discovers that with hard work and perseverance she can gain valuable new skills, without losing one iota of her irrepressible spirit.”
Written by Arnolda Bowes
Illustrated by Karlene Harvey
2023 | Every Child Matters
Orange Shirt Day founder, Phyllis Webstad, offers insights into this heartfelt movement.
Illustrated by Karlene Harvey
2022 | Drum from the Heart
“When he is gifted a handmade drum by his mother, Ren learns the teachings of the drum that she also passes down to him. Ren discovers that through this special drum, he is able to connect to his culture and find a confidence in his voice to joyfully share in singing the traditional songs of his Nuu-chah-nulth Nation.”
Written by Ren Louie
Illustrated by Karlene Harvey
2020 | Posie and the Pandemic
read online.
2018 | Corbeau et Lune
order here.
2013 | A Good Day with Grandma and Me
read online.