In a deft dance of word and form, Rosalee van Stelten evokes landscape and spectacle, sadness and laughter, romance and adventure, and displays an overarching empathy with our world, its creatures great and small. Pavlov’s Elephant continues the themes Rosalee developed so successfully in Pattern of Genes: the lasting lessons of childhood that go on to shape an entire life; the warmth of family; the keen observations of the world around her; the pleasures of travel. And always there is the keen delight in words and the ingenious use of rhyme and rhythm that infuse every page throughout the book. Pavlov’s Elephant is easily accessible and a pleasure to read, but leaves a strong impression not easily forgotten.

Rosalee van Stelton's profile page

Rosalee van Stelten, CD, QGJM served in the Royal Canadian Navy (Wrens) during the Cold War. Her working life has taken her from Quonset hut, to palace, to cattle ranch, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans. She is the only royal yachtswoman in HMY Britannia’s history. Born in Thunder Bay, raised in Winnipeg, and a Calgarian for many years, she now lives in Victoria, BC. A widely published free-lance writer, she has authored three books of poetry. She was awarded The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. WREN: memories of navy days/from royal yacht to quonset hut, a work in prose and verse released by Van Stelten in May, is available through http://www.alpinebookpeddlers.ca It recalls her Cold War experiences and special duty in Buckingham Palace and on the Royal Yacht. A former petty officer in the Royal Canadian Navy, Rosalee is the only female Yottie in HMY Britannia’s history. Royalties are donated to the Military Family Resource Centre in Victoria, BC. Awards/Award Nominations Finalist, Canada’s Cowboy Festival, Calgary, national poetry contest Gold watch award, Calgary Herald Christmas story contest Alberta Senior’s Games, Culture Division, bronze medal for poetry.