Once Upon a Time Long, Long Ago
by Henry Shykoff
illustrated by Marilyn Mets
- Short-listed, Silver Birch Award
How did we get to be US? Who are WE? This story for the younger reader, set in the period some 50,000 years ago when an almost explosive change in people's behaviour occurred, addresses these questions. From this period on, people, the Cro-Magnon or Homo sapiens sapiens who are considered to be our ancestors, became what we term human. This recreated story presents a sister and brother in a sequence of events that fits what little is known about that time. Learn to create fire, shape tools, partner with wolves and develop into thinking, creative persons who can influence the world around them. Discover what effect a few curious and reasoning people can have on their society.
A devoted grandfather and reader of stories to grandchildren, Henry Shykoff has created a classic adventure for the younger reader, answering the question, "How did we get to be human?"
Nominated for the Silver Birch Award.
"This is an intriguing story that vividly brings to life an exciting moment in human evolution. Full of struggle and adventure, this highly readable tale is as entertaining as it is informative."
- Linda McQuaig, Author and Journalist
Henry Shykoff's family came to Canada from Poland when Henry was six years old. He grew up in Toronto and graduated from the University of Toronto medical school in 1949. Anaesthesia was his chosen profession and he enjoyed forty years of a distinguished medical career, which included teaching and research.
After retiring from the hospital, he pursued his love of storytelling and the study of paleoanthropology. His first book, Once Upon a Time Long, Long Ago, was enthusiastically acclaimed by young readers. It was a Silver Birch nominee.
Henry lives in East York with his wife, Ruth. They are the proud parents of three daughters and the happy grandparents of four grandchildren. Now in his eighties, Henry is working on his third book about Eevo and Sim.
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