Also following the children’s book theme…

Children’s author, Joyce Barkhouse was named as a Member to the Order of Canada on December 30. The Order of Canada is the highest civilian honour within the country and recognizes a lifetime of distinguished service.

The Nova Scotia native is honoured for her contributions to children’s literature and the Canadian literary community.  The now 95-year-old Barkhouse is most recognized for her book, Pit Pony which was made into a CBC movie and a 44-episode TV drama.

Barkhouse published her first full-length novel, George Dawson: The Little Giant in 1974 at the age of 61.

Writing skills seem to be in the genes – Barkhouse is aunt to well-known Canadian author Margaret Atwood with whom she wrote Anna’s Pet.