Chinook Christmas

Christmas in the Prairies means snow and blizzards and bitterly cold winds. But what happens when a warm Chinook wind blows like an unexpected gift down from the Rocky Mountains, turning December into April in the blink of a child's eye? What happens when the Chinook promises a temporary magic? What happens is the people of a small prairie town abandon old habits and emerge momentarily from the grip of the harsh cold to embrace this wonder.

Smack in the middle of what used to be winter, nine-year old Eric grabs his bike and sails crazily through a maze of paths and puddles that shouldn't be there at all. And on this special Christmas Eve, Eric and his sister Anni marvel at the surprise of a frozen landscape melted into vivid colors and fresh smells. And when they return home from church, they discover an anonymous gift on their doorstep. Who could have left this mysterious treat? As the Chinook whispers in his ears, Eric is certain he knows the answer.

Rudy Wiebe, was born in a northern Saskatchewan farming community; in 1947 the family moved to Alberta, and he completed his education at the University of Alberta, where he teaches. His books are widely published internationally and he is the winner of numerous awards, including two Governor General's Awards for Fiction, and he is an Officer of the Order of Canada. Chinook Christmas is his first book for children.

David More's colorful and intense canvasses are carefully balanced landscapes with a distinct Group of Seven influence. Over a 20-year career, he has built a solid national and international reputation, with work in major private, corporate and government collections. He has also collaborated on several best-selling humour books.