This is the story of two families in Dartmouth at the time of the Halifax Explosion, December 1917. Flossie Wright is a prankster, taking pleasure in practical jokes. Isobel Morton, whose father is listed as missing in the war, dislikes Flossie’s jokes, and is ridiculed by the other girl. Although Isobel knows she is a not a “scaredycat,” Flossie's jibes still hurt. Can Isobel prove her bravery and win Flossie's friendship in the terrible days that follow the Halifax explosion? Who's a Scaredy-Cat? is an enjoyable, historically detailed novel now back in print. Includes black and white illustrations by Marijke Simons.

Joan Payzant (1925–2013) is the author of numerous books and articles about the history of Dartmouth, Halifax, and Nova Scotia. She was born in Dartmouth and grew up hearing stories of the Halifax Explosion, which are featured in her books Who's a Scaredy-cat! and December 1917: Revisiting the Halifax Explosion.

Joan Payzant's profile page

Marijke Simons was born in Amsterdam in 1952 and two years later immigrated with her parents to Montreal. After attending McGill University, she studied teaching. In 1976 she moved to Nova Scotia to raise a family. In Halifax she worked mainly as a French and art teacher. In 1988, she set up a small teaching studio where she continues to teach art to children. She has illustrated a number of books, including Who's a Scaredy Cat and wrote and illustrated The Flying Squirrel Stowaways and Jigs and Reels: a Cruise in Maritime Waters.

Marijke Simons' profile page