• Age: 3 to 7
• Grade: p to 2

See below for English description.

Un petit cochon contemple la toile vierge posée sur un chevalet devant lui. Il a perdu l’inspiration. Ne sachant pas quoi dessiner, il part à la recherche d’une nouvelle idée. Un voyage fantastique mettant tous ses sens en éveil le conduit dans des contrées fascinantes, à la fois familières et surnaturelles. Lorsqu’il se sent inspiré, il rentre chez lui, prêt à travailler. Ce parcours lui permet de comprendre qu’il n’est pas nécessaire de trop s’éloigner lorsque l’on cherche une idée. Il suffit de regarder autour de soi…

Cet album, rempli d’illustrations magnifiques, pose un regard intéressant sur l’origine de nos idées créatives.

When our hero contemplates his empty canvas, he feels his ideas have run out. Not knowing what to draw, he sets off to find inspiration. A fantastic journey winds him through fascinating places, both familiar and surreal, which provide a feast for his senses. When he’s had enough, he heads home, full of inspiration. Will he learn that creative ideas are closer than we think, if we only remember to look around?

This picture book full of stunning illustrations is a thought-provoking look at where ideas come from.

Original title: Can You Imagine

WALLACE EDWARDS, diplômé de l’École d’art et de design de l’Ontario, était un auteur-illustrateur primé. Ses peintures et ses illustrations se retrouvent dans des collections privées et publiques, des livres, des magazines et des expositions au Canada et aux États-Unis. Il est le créateur de Sur ma route…, Qu’est-ce que la paix?, Tombé du ciel et Alphabeasts. Ce dernier a remporté le Prix littéraire du Gouverneur général en 2002. Depuis, il continue à recevoir des nominations et des récompenses prestigieuses soulignant son approche géniale des albums illustrés. Il est malheureusement décédé en 2022.

WALLACE EDWARDS was a beloved children’s book writer and illustrator, known for his richly imaginative paintings, and the sense of wonder and humour in his work. His picture books were nominated for three Governor General’s Literary Awards; he won the award for Alphabeasts. Other honours include the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award, two Independent Publisher Book Awards, a CLA Honour Book and two OLA Best Bets, among many others; and his work is on the International Youth Library White Ravens list. Edwards completed work on his final picture book, Pigs Can’t Fly, before his sad passing in December 2022.

Wallace Edwards' profile page

Praise for Alphabeasts:

*“Edwards . . . lets his beautiful, mysterious pictures operate on the imagination as they will.” — Quill & Quire, starred review

Praise for The Cat's Pajamas:

*“ Many young readers are (rightly) allergic to anything that can be described as "exquisite", but there is no better word for The Cat's Pajamas.” — Quill & Quire, starred review

Praise for Mixed Beasts:

“In a finished, painterly style, Edwards places his often hilariously imagined subjects in elaborate settings.” — Kirkus Reviews