This book is an excellent way for children and young teenagers to learn about Canada. Harrison breaks the country down into its provinces, and then describes the unique qualities of each one. He goes into the history of how Canada came about as well as how all the different peoples of Canada live and work together in that country. Although the illustrations are not very true to life, the descriptions about the places being described paint a vivid enough picture all on their own. Harrison's enthusiasm for his beloved country comes right off the page, inspiring the reader to want to learn more about this country. This book would be great in either a history lesson or a geography lesson. Students will be able to glean a lot of information out of this easily accessible book. ( )

A beautifully illustrated version of O Canada. Each page includes an illustration and blurb about each province. Text is in both English and French.

Ted Harrison is one of Canada’s most well known modern artists. His bold, colorful, block-style paintings are famous for their depictions of Canada’s north and have often been incorporated into picture books about our great nation.

It is very fitting then that O Canada, the first illustrated edition of Canada’s national anthem “O Canada” is illustrated by Harrison. What is truly delightful is that this collection of Harrison’s paintings pairs visual depictions of each of Canada’s wildly diverse territories and provinces with portions of the national anthem.

In addition to the standard anthem there are two other verses included that will likely not be familiar to most readers – I’m not sure if they are part of the original, or if they are newly written. The French and English are given on each page, and a French and English blurb about each depicted province as seen through Harrison’s eyes is also provided.

Sheet music for the anthem can be found at book’s end, along with both the French and English lyrics of the traditional anthem. Some background statements from the author of the lyrics are also included.

I always enjoy children’s picture books that you can sing your way through. Our family has greatly enjoyed some of Raffi’s songs set into book form, and O Canada is a fun way to provide some visuals for your children while singing the national anthem together.

We own the paperback version, but I highly recommend investing in a hardcover copy. My children find Harrison’s bold work enticing, and they often look through it independently, subjecting it to bumps and cover-bending affection.

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com ( )