The Lemonman : A Picnic, A Toad and Swampwater Road by Natasha Ferrill

`When I received this book I was eager to read it to my son as I was struck by the colourful characters, the charm of The Lemonman and the idea that another author is focusing on healthy protagonists. Although I loved reading this story out loud to my son, for it’s rhythm and rhymes, the story line and patterns were too much for an exhausted two year old boy.

A perfect read for school aged children and their parents, it’s sing song quality will reverberate for days to come. I am still so very eager to continue on the journey through Applenook by way of Cherry Bay Street with Lemonman, Professor Celery and Miss Strawberry.

The intrigue I have is mainly do to the challenging but brilliant use of poetic story-telling by emerging fellow Canadian author, Ferrill. I know I’ll be reading this book for years to come, often enough for my son to tell it back to me I’m sure.

The Lemonman : A Picnic, A Toad and Swampwater Road introduces the series main characters as well as a Toad, a traveling salesman who has less of an honest outlook. While he swindles Lemonman intentionally and cruelly, the loveable characters have an opportunity to get Toad back or help him.

As good children’s books go this is a great one as it teaches a lesson without preaching and instead creates a world any young reader would love to be a part of.

Visit The Lemonman’s website today to get your copy!

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland


Jamie Oliver’s One Cup Pancakes

Do you love pancakes? Make them for your parents this Saturday morning. It’s as easy as One and One – Cup that is.

Check out Jamie Oliver’s One Cup Pancakes and let me know what you think. I made them and LOVED them.

Thanks for reading,

Sarah Butland


Canadian Children’s Book Authors

With my first child on the way I decided to fill my child’s bookshelf with Canadian authors and will post reviews on each book. I’d love to have your help with this.

How to help:

  • Tell me your favourite Canadian children’s book author
  • Share your favourite Canadian children’s book
  • If you’re an author yourself, ask for my address and send me a copy

It doesn’t matter to me the age target, anything will do. I will review them all!

Thanks for your help.