Grampa's Alkali

by Jo Bannatyne-Cugnet

Maybe it's just bad luck, but ten-year-old James cannot seem to keep out from under his Grampa's feet. It's not just the color of his hair, which has gained him the nickname Alkali from the white crust that is the ruination of fertile soil. That's Alkali all right! But there is also an undeniable bond between James senior and junior, a bond which proves to be a lifeline when danger strikes.

96 pages, Paperback

Published September 10, 2002

About the author

Children’s author Jo (Elizabeth Jo-Anne) Bannatyne-Cugnet was born on July 19, 1951, in Estevan and grew up in that city. She completed a BSc in Nursing at the University of Saskatchewan in 1974, and started work in Weyburn as a public health nurse. Bannatyne-Cugnet wrote to learn for herself and to teach her four sons about life on a prairie farm. She has been most successful in collaboration with Yvette Moore of Moose Jaw, the illustrator for A Prairie Alphabet, A Prairie Year, and Heartland, A Prairie Sampler, which have sold nearly half a million copies and won several awards. Other books include two novels for young children, one of which was translated into French, and a picture book on new Canadians. Regina composer Elizabeth Raum was inspired by Bannatyne-Cugnet’s work to write a symphony for children, “A Prairie Alphabet Musical Parade,” which has been recorded by the Regina Symphony Orchestra. Following early retirement from nursing in 1994, Bannatyne-Cugnet continues to write but spends considerable time doing volunteer work for community, social service and arts organizations.

Bob Ivanochko

Reviews

[Megan Holodniuk · Rating 1 out of 5]

Literally the worst book I have ever had to read. It's so bad I sought it out on Goodreads just to tell everyone how much I hate this book.
Jo's other books are two of my favourite children's books - I LOVE A Prairie Alphabet and a Prairie Year. Not sure why she felt she had to write this atrocity.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Farm boy's special relationship with his grampa.