• Age: 12 to 15
• Grade: 7 to 10
• Reading age: 12 to 15

For twenty-three years during the golden age of radio in Canada, stories for children by Mary Grannan, "Just Mary," were broadcast by CBC and beloved across the country. She retired from broadcasting in 1962 and died in 1975, but her sweet-tempered and humorous stories still have the power to entertain, while recapturing the atmosphere of another time.

Grannan published stories from Just Mary and Maggie Muggins in over thirty best-selling books, but she had other radio series that were never released in print. The "Just Mary" Reader presents for the first time a selection of her stories from two other radio drama series. Jubilee Road tells the adventures and misadventures of Johnny and Patty Little and their friend Salty Pickle. Or, as Johnny describes it: "We get into quite a few messes, but if you know us, you’ll know that it’s hardly ever our fault."

In Land of Supposing, Grannan retold fairy tales and legends from around the world, as well as a few legends of her own making. Previously unpublished selections from Just Mary and Maggie Muggins complete the collection.

Mary Evelyn Grannan was a Canadian children's writer and radio personality. She wrote and performed in programs for children on CBC radio and CBC television between 1938 and 1962. Stories broadcast on her radio and television programs Just Mary and Maggie Muggins were published in a series of popular books.

Mary Grannan's profile page

Margaret Hume, a former librarian at Concordia University in Montreal, received her education from the universities of New Brunswick and McGill. Born in Halifax, she grew up in New Brunswick in the 195s as an adoring young fan of Maggie Muggins. Margaret's later curiosity about Maggie Muggins author and fellow New Brunswicker, Mary Grannan, led to an extensive and rewarding journey of discovery into Grannan's life. Margaret lives with her husband in Vancouver. "Just Mary": The Life of Mary Evelyn Grannan is her first book.

Margaret Anne Hume's profile page

"I am honoured to recommend this book. The format will allow students to use the Just Mary Reader for Reader's Theatre, bringing Mary Grannan's stories to life for a new generation."

Judy MacLean, Acting Director, Nashwaaksis Public-School Library