Classic Maritime song inspires new children book
A new children's book inspired by a Maritime song called Lester the Lobster and the Great Escape is all about not judging a book by its cover.
Local author, Chantal MacDonald, is using her first children’s book to share an important message with the younger generation in a story that highlights a unique-looking lobster.
“Lester looks different from all of the other lobsters in the ocean and yet he’s okay with that, he knows that it makes him special and spectacular,” she said.
However, Lester’s outside appearance isn’t the only thing he has to offer.Lester the Lobster“He’s very clever and when he and his friends get caught up by a fisherman, he’s able to use his red shell, the thing that makes him different, and his cleverness to get them all out,” MacDonald said.
The book was inspired by a musical Maritime classic, Lester the Lobster by Stevedore Steve.
“It’s a fun, silly song about a lobster that’s hatched on the shores of Prince Edward Island and as a result, the shell turns red. The song, of course I remember all the words, and had played with the idea of turning it into something,” she said.Author Chantal MacDonald reading her new book to children in a Moncton school. Stevedore Steve has passed away, but his wife is still alive. MacDonald said she was able to talk to her on the phone about her book and, of course, send her a copy.
Lester the Lobster and the Great Escape is available in both English and French on Amazon and a handful of local stores in New Brunswick, including Chapters Moncton, Magnetic Hill Wharf Village, and Tidewater Books & Browsery in Sackville.
The book is illustrated by local artist Mark Cann who worked alongside MacDonald to bring the characters and story to life.
“It’s been a dream of mine, ever since I started drawing,” said Mark Cann.
“You do it for yourself but if it can be enjoyed by other people, that’s even better.”
It took the pair about six months from start to finish to bring Lester to life and get the book onto shelves.
On Thursday, MacDonald shared her book with students at Birchmount School in Moncton.
“I really hope that kids will see Lester, they’ll see a story that’s fun and funny and makes them laugh, but they’ll also be able to understand that message that what’s really important is who you are on the inside and not your outside appearance,” she said.
Author Chantal MacDonald and illustrator Mark Cann with their new book.Not only did students get the chance to meet and hear from the local author, but they were invited to ask questions and share as a group what makes them special and unique.
“I’m going to tell [my family] that I had the best author and I got to meet the author before she blows up,” said 9-year-old Avery Richard-Pomeroy.
Adding, “I loved it so much and I liked all the illustrations and the words.”
While targeted towards children, Lester brings forward a message that fits all ages, MacDonald and Cann said.
“You don’t need to try and fit in, you are who you are, you were made the way you were made and I think that’s important for kids to understand and everybody to understand,” said Cann.
“Peer pressure isn’t something that just goes away when you grow up, as we all know, so it’s a good message for everybody.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires at apparent Israeli attack drones near Isfahan air base and nuclear site
An apparent Israeli drone attack on Iran saw troops fire air defences at a major air base and a nuclear site early Friday morning near the central city of Isfahan, an assault coming in retaliation for Tehran's unprecedented drone-and-missile assault on the country.
NEW After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Ontario woman loses $15,000 to fake Walmart job scam
A woman who recently moved to Canada from India was searching for a job when she got caught in an online job scam and lost $15,000.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Ottawa to force banks to call carbon rebate a carbon rebate in direct deposits
Canadian banks that refuse to identify the carbon rebate by name when doing direct deposits are forcing the government to change the law to make them do it, says Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
DEVELOPING Israel targets air defence system in Syria, state news agency says
Israel carried out a missile strike targeting an air defence unit in southern Syria, causing material damage, state-run SANA news agency quoted a military statement as saying Friday.
Some Canadian families will receive up to $620 per child today
More money will land in the pockets of some Canadian families on Friday for the latest Canada Child Benefit installment.