Abstract
Lie, Bjørn R. Slush Mountain. Vancouver: Simply Read Books, 2016. Print. It’s a clear, crisp morning on Slush Mountain. There’s not a cloud in the sky and the fresh snow shines in the sunlight.This basic yet delightfully illustrated book tells the simple pleasures of a day in the village and the slopes of Slush Mountain, located somewhere in the Norwegian mountains. Previously published in Norwegian under the title Slapsefjell, author-illustrator and graphic artist Bjørn Rune Lie gives us a day in the life of a busy resort town from the perspective of locals and visitors alike.Beginning in the morning, we start out on the Nordic tracks with cross-country skiers. But there are also white knuckle slopes and moguls for those interested in a little more speed. Throughout the day we visit Frostbite Fish Pond, watch loggers in the Sluggerdale Forest, travel up along the Gutsy Pines Gondola and the Chilly Winds Chairlift and take part in the exhilarating Slush Mountain Rally, replete with vintage snowmobiles. There are loads of eccentric characters with names like Bruce “the Spruce” Crampon, “Snow Blind” Jefferson and Michael Mittens, who much to my kids’ delight, spots a rare three-headed giant hummingbird while seated in the outdoor privy. The day is finished off in a cozy cabin while a family plays a board game while drinking hot chocolate.While there is no real plot, the nostalgic, retro-inspired illustrations are fun to look at and have lots of detail to engage even the youngest readers. Humans and animals alike are enjoying themselves on the slopes, the rally, and the hotel dance. My children noted that the skiers were not wearing helmets but understood that the bygone era in the artwork represented a different time in terms of alpine safety. This is a fun, sweet book that would be a nice gift for snow-loving kids and perfect for an elementary school library.Recommended: 3 stars out of 4 Reviewer: Debbie FeisstDebbie is a Public Services Librarian at the H.T. Coutts Education Library at the University of Alberta. When not renovating, she enjoys travel, fitness and young adult fiction.
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