Children - Nature, Children - Fiction & Literature

Wild Bog Tea

Name: Wild Bog Tea
Author: Annette LeBox
ISBN: 9780888994066

by Annette LeBox, Groundwood Books Staff, Harvey Chan

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Overview

This story beautifully describes the gradual development of a bog. A boy and his grandfather visit a newly formed bog and observe bog orchids, sandhill cranes, and wild plum; then they go home and make wild bog tea. As the narrator grows into a man, he continues to visit the special place with his grandfather, and they watch it mature into a full-fledged bog. Finally, after his grandfather’s death, the man revisits the bog and remembers the years of his boyhood.

Synopsis

Children's Literature

A bog is the setting for this warm story about a boy and his grandfather. On the day the boy was born, his grandfather discovered bog orchids, and so there were many things to celebrate. Over the years they visited the bog and the boy learned about the plants and birds. They picked berries and brought home sprigs of Labrador tea. As the years passed, the bog changed and began to dry out, and the forest moved closer. Likewise, the boy grew up and went away. When he returned home, his grandfather had aged and he was no longer able to accompany his grandson to the bog, but they celebrated with wild berries and Labrador tea. Shortly thereafter, the old man passed away, but the boy held onto the memories of the bog and the wonderful days they shared. The realistic pencil sketches on tinted paper almost make you feel that you are looking at pictures that were created many years ago. They are warm and really are a perfect accompaniment to this touching story of change and how it affects nature and humankind. An author's note contains more information about bogs. 2001, Groundwood, $16.95. Ages 7 up. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot

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Editorials

Children's Literature

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-Through their mutual interest in a wild Canadian bog, a boy and his grandfather have built a loving relationship with one another. Now an adult, the narrator looks back on their many walks, when the two marked the changes in the wildlife and nature of the bog, each time bringing back sprigs of Labrador to make "wild bog tea." Eventually, when the young man returns from the city, he must go alone to visit the bog. "My grandfather left us that winter. But I have not forgotten him. When I go walking in the baby bog, I feel him beside me. He is there in the scent of sweet gale-He is there in the hummocks of bright red moss-He is there in the taste of wild bog tea." This quiet reminiscence is beautifully complemented by realistic, soft, sepialike illustrations created with pastels and colored pencils on a background of paper collage. Each page is framed with a narrow, white border, the whole conveying the impression of old photos, which perfectly fits the mood. A two-page author's note describes the wilderness wetland that is the setting for the story, touching on its function in keeping the environment healthy by helping to prevent global warming. An interesting look at a unique habitat as well as a sensitive intergenerational tale.-Judith Constantinides, formerly at East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library, LA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.