“All ‘Bout Canada a Compendium of Canadiana” by Elizabeth F. Hill published in 2020 is a very enjoyable ABC guide to relevant bits of Canadian history and even current affairs. It’s presented in an easy to read and hold format, with pleasing artwork and just enough twitches of humour interspersed amongst facts.
Elizabeth F. Hill covers a variety of topics including musicians, writers, astronauts, Canadian dog breeds and department stores. Canada’s First Peoples, immigrant groups, unique nature spots and poutine are included. There’s also an interesting list of 50 Canadian inventions such as the egg carton, plexiglass, Coffee Crisp, and the Jolly Jumper. The author cleverly finds unique nuggets for challenging letters: X is for, among other items, Camp X, a secret agent school during the second world war. Z is for Zeballos, a Vancouver Island village, which once had a street actually paved with gold.
The author has added some informative appendixes for those who have wondered what their province’s emblem, bird, gemstone, tree and animal is. You can also find the size and location of national parks and maritime conservation areas for future travel plans.
“All’Bout Canada” is suitable for a wide audience and would fascinate high school students as well as veteran journalists. This book would make a great present for a new immigrant as well as for an old established one. Elizabeth F. Hill has expertly selected surprising as well as intriguing bits of Canadiana that would cause even a seasoned citizen delight.