Kalifax (Kalifax series) - Softcover

Thornton, Duncan

3.67

27 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1550501526 ISBN 13: 9781550501520

Publisher: Coteau Books, 1999

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Designated an Our Choice title by the Canadian Children's Book Centre.

The Captain wants to sail his ship Volantix to the other side of the West, into spice winds and lazy islands that bloom like summer flowers. But he'll have to take his crew under the rafters of the sky, past strange squeaking beasts, and through narrow icy seas, and none of the sailors want to go. Then Tom tells them the story of Kalifax, the magical elfin torch that burns brighter as danger gets greater, and will always keep you warm.

Trapped in the ice on the voyage, the crew encounters fearsome snow goblins and ice trolls. All looks grim until Grandfather Frost himself appears, down from the very roof of the world to see to their keep.

Kalifax is a magical, allegorical trip through the Northwest Passage, told in a lilting and lively language that will keep readers of all ages enthralled. Accompanied by a dozen fantastical drawings by Yves Noblet, Kalifax is the first step in the author's campaign to mythologize Canada and its history.

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About the Author:

Duncan Thornton is the author of the juvenile fantasy adventure Kalifax, which was a finalist for the Governor-General's Award for Children's Literature, the Mr. Christie Book Award program; and two Manitoba Book Awards. He has also written radio drama, theatrical drama and several screenplays, in addition to his fiction and non-fiction prose. Born at God's Lake Narrows in Manitoba, Duncan Thornton has honours degreees in English and History.

From School Library Journal:

Gr 5-9-When their ship, the Volantix, becomes trapped in the ice, young Tom sets out alone over the frozen lands to find help, despite his fear of snow-goblins and ice trolls. Santalike Grandfather Frost rescues him at the last possible moment, and together they save the crew and winter in one of Grandfather Frost's lodges before continuing their voyage. This myth-infused novel is set in a world only half a step from our own. In fact, the book reads as more of a seafaring adventure and survival story than a fantasy novel. The characters, save Tom, seem like characters out of myths; they are one-dimensional, described wholly by their name or rank. The writing is solid, but the denseness of the prose may put off some readers. Still, it's a good choice for large collections or readers who have finished Ursula Le Guin's "Earthsea" novels (Bantam).-Timothy Capehart, Leominster Public Library, MA

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