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Children's Fiction Pre-confederation (to 1867)

There Have Always Been Foxes

by (author) Maxine Trottier

illustrated by Regolo Ricci

Publisher
Fitzhenry and Whiteside
Initial publish date
Mar 2001
Category
Pre-Confederation (to 1867)
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780773732780
    Publish Date
    Mar 2001
    List Price
    $9.95

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Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels

  • Age: 4 to 9
  • Grade: p to 4

Description

When the young ones cannot sleep, we tell a story. When I first heard it I was only a kit, all warm and sleepy in the den, my belly filled with mother's milk. But I remembered, and so I pass it on.

The tale of Fortress Louisbourg began in 1713 on Cape Breton Island. What was a prized French fishing settlement became one of the mightiest fortresses in the New World. Over time Native Canadians, the French, and the English have each called the place home. France and Britain have battled for it, and both have possessed it. The ravages of time and history took their toll, but Fortress Louisbourg stands today, restored to its former majesty and open to thousands of visitors each year.

In such a setting, stories naturally take root and grow. But one in particular has been repeated by those who claim to have seen a fox dancing with a cat inside the fortress walls. It could well be true for, through time and change, there has always been foxes in this place.

About the authors

Maxine Trottier is a prolific writer of books for young people. Born in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan on May 3, 1950, she moved to Windsor, Ontario in Canada with her family ten years later. In 1974 she became a Canadian citizen. She is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario.Maxine spent 31 years working as an educator in elementary classrooms, guiding children toward literacy. The students in her class, who of course thought of her only as their teacher, saw each step in the creation of a new work. They heard the unillustrated story, saw the roughs, and were the first to view the finished book.Maxine lives with her husband William and their two Yorkies, Ceilidh and Moon. They divide their year between Port Stanley, Ontario on Lake Erie, and Newman s Cove, Newfoundland, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Both are wonderful places to write.

Maxine Trottier's profile page

Regolo Ricci was born in southern Italy and moved to Canada as a young child. He has illustrated several picture books, including Gogol’s Coat by Cary Fagan and Mr. Dickens Hits Town by Jan Mark. He was a finalist for the Governor General’s Award for his illustrations in The Market Wedding. Regolo lives in Mississauga, Ontario.

Regolo Ricci's profile page

Editorial Reviews

Trottier's prose is musical and evocative, bringing the fortress alive through all its transitions. And Ricci's illustrations, oils in the style of the old masters, add richness and texture to the fascinating tale.
- The Hamilton Spectator

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