A Really Big Deal

#partner The True Tale of a Giantess: The Story of Anna Swan by Anne Renaud and Marie Lafrance is a new homegrown non-fiction biography published by Kids Can Press.

We love non-fiction picture books.  They are an incredible source of information for young readers.  Anna’s story is so great because unless you live “from Pictou to Tatamagouche” you may not know who Anna Swan was.  She was a really big deal back in the mid to late 1800’s, a 2.4m high deal. She dreamed of a life of adventure and got her wish when she joined P.T. Barnum in New York and became part of his museum.

Author Anne Renaud gives us such a wonderful story about Anna.  Her writing is so accessible. She gives us a lovely story about Anna, about her perseverance, her sense of adventure, and her bravery.  It’s so wonderful to have a story about a Canadian figure who many may not already know. Anna’s story will inspire more inquiry and investigation into P.T. Barnum and his museums, also the areas in Nova Scotia and Ohio where Anna grew up and made her home.

The illustrations by Marie Lafrance are fantastic.  They really evoke the time and are beautifully drawn.  I especially love all the patterns she incorporated into all of Anna’s dresses.  

Don't forget to check out the author's note at the end, containing more detailed information about Anna Swan and her life.

The Tale of a True Giantess is definitely a book to have to inspire adventure and inquiry.