It has been a banner year for Sarnia authors, from sports to history, and children’s books to poetry,
To help match local readers with local writers The Journal has prepared a compendium of 2014 titles. Here, in no particular order, is Part Three:
Sarnia: 100 Years
History Committee of the Sarnia Centennial Celebration Committee
A highlight of the city’s birthday has been the release of Sarnia: 100 Years, which features more than 120 historical images of our municipality’s past culled from public and private archives.
The committee, which researched, wrote and made the final image selections, featured many local historians who met regularly to settle on a cross-section of people, places and things.
Those involved enjoyed sharing their own personal stories during the preparation of the book, said spokesperson Alison Mahon.
“We hope that Sarnia: 100 Years will encourage more citizens to share their stories and learn about the history of our community.”
It features a message from Chris Hadfield and was design and printing with help from an Ontario Trillium grant.
Sarnia: 100 Years, which is selling well, is available at city hall and The Book Keeper in soft cover and hard cover.
Plein Air Painting by a Plein Air Master
J. Allison Robichaud
A Canadian landscape painter now living in Sarnia, Robichaud is known for his “plein aire” or open air technique, which means working outdoors with your paints and easel.
Plein air painting has been around for centuries and requires specific skills and techniques, which Robichaud is happy to share in this, his third book.
It’s full of hints, advice and stories from the 82-year-old artist.
“Plein air painting is enjoyed by many, but few are prepared for all of the eventualities of weather changes and other surprises,” he says.
Robichaud produces about 120 pieces a year, mostly landscapes and still lifes. But he paints over all but the best two dozen, which sell in the range of $500 to $2,000.
Born in New Brunswick, Robichaud is represented by galleries in Ontario and Quebec and has staged more than 20 solo exhibitions.
Plein Air Painting by a Plein Air Master is available at www.jallisonrobichaud.com
Jamie and the Monster Bookroom
Kerry Simpson
The first book by Sarnia native Kerry (Smith) Simpson was inspired by her daughter Jamie, a four-year-old with a curious imagination.
Jamie especially loves the public library and the smells and textures that come with books.
In the story, which was just released on Sept. 18, Jamie visits all the rooms in the library but one, known as The Monster Bookroom.
It’s dark and scary and Jamie is sure there are creepy things inside. But, from the doorway, she can see books that are inviting, in a strange kind of way.
Will she find the courage to go inside?
Simpson was born and raised in Sarnia. A teacher who has taught in Korea and Saudi Arabia, she now lives in Manitoba with her husband and daughter.
Jamie and The Monster Bookroom is available at The Book Keeper and can be ordered online from DriverWorks Inc.