• Age: 6 to 8
• Grade: 1 to 3

Omar loves drawing pictures and wishes he could be as good at it as his classmate Elsie. But his teacher, Ms. Fudge, can never figure out what Omar's pictures are- no matter how hard she tries.

When the whole class goes ice-skating, however, Omar's true talent emerges. He shows Elsie how he can glide and whirl and spin.

After all, it's easy when you don't worry and just have fun. And the whole class discovers with Omar that there is more than one way to draw pictures.

In her latest book with Orca,Queen Nadine, Maryann Kovalski has once again blended the unique voice and warm-and-bouncy artwork that has made her a favorite across the country. She has illustrated over twenty titles, six of which she also wrote. Her touching Brenda and Edward has become a Canadian classic and her illustrations for The Big Storm by Rhea Tregebov earned her a Governer General's Award nomination. Best-selling collaborations include Mable Murple with Sheree Fitch and Princess Prunella and the Purple Peanut with Margeret Atwood.

Maryann Kovalski's profile page

"Omar on Ice has a wintry backdrop. But the story and artwork are as warm as a winter sweater . . . a nice choice for little ones from 3 to 7, who might be struggling with new skills."
- The Detroit Free Press

"Kovalski's portly, endearing bear spins through a beautifully light, snowy landscape as he learns to accept his own talents. The whole book has a cozy, comfortable feel, with its soft edges, well-meaning young bears and Omar's good-natured smile."
- Deirdre Baker, The Toronto Star, Toronto, Ontario

"Omar is a small brown bear, instantly appealing as drawn by Maryann Kovalski -- and that's even before he begins to speak. He begins to speak in Ms. Fudge's art class. Ms. Fudge is the large brown bear wearing a dangling gold earring -- by these little details is Kovalski known and much admired."
- Susan Perren, The Globe and Mail

" . . . a charming story. Omar learns that, not only should he take joy in the things he does do well, he finds that he can even achieve his heart's desire if only he doesn't spend too much time worrying about it."
- January Magazine