Canada's Great Water Adventure
While volunteering for the Waterlution’s Great Water Challenge (GWC) Youth Advisory Board, three Youth Advisors and I co-wrote a children's book called, Canada's Great Water Adventure (available in French and English)! The book was illustrated by a young emerging artist, Emily Francis, from British Columbia.
Working with a team across the country was a big challenge! From scheduling meetings in different time zones, to mapping out a route the youth could travel from coast to coast to coast, we came across many hurdles along our storybook journey. When we finally met on a video call, we shared many laughs, stories, and experiences. Overall, we had a blast conceptualizing, mapping, and writing the book together; the four of us authors became close friends!
This project has inspired me in countless ways. I have felt so inspired to explore more of the country I call home 一 to visit all the provinces and territories and to jump/swim/paddle in lakes and rivers that I have never been to before. I feel very inspired to discover new ways to engage youth in building relationships with water, such as creating more children's books. Overall, this project has energized me to be a water leader and to inspire future water leaders!
About the Book
Written to inspire children through life-enriching educational content that sparks an interest in water and outdoor adventures, this book invites readers to see Canada and its waterways through the eyes of Fernando - an exchange student from Brazil, and Brooke - a young Canadian, whose family is hosting Fernando. The adventurous youth visit each province and territory from coast (east) - to coast (north) - to coast (west) across Canada, to learn about our diverse history, all the breathtaking and unique waterways, and water’s impact on livelihood and well-being. This book is specifically written for children aged 6-11 (grades 1-6) to learn about water through a fictional story, featuring real Canadian waterways and facts.
This is a story about curiosity, a desire to learn, connections with nature and water, and a deeper respect for all cultures and traditions on this land, from indigenous peoples of Canada to newcomers.
Authors: Stephanie Woodworth (Toronto, ON), Ellen Stitt (Woodville, ON), Dorothy Graham (Lethbridge, AB) and Jill Pelkey (Fredericton, NB). Illustrator: Emily Francis (Victoria, BC)
About the Campaign
Here is the link: https://igg.me/at/canadasgreatwateradventure
The crowdfunding campaign for the book launched November 24, 2017! All proceeds will cover production and distribution costs of the books, and any remaining funds will go towards supporting water workshops throughout Canada.
We were inspired by amazing children from across Canada who participated in the Great Waters Challenge (hence the name - Canada’s Great Water Adventure!)
If you are interested, you can donate minimum $20 to receive the e-book or $25 to receive a softcover copy of the book. There are also other donation categories to donate to local libraries or other folks who may not be able to afford the book.
Please help spread the word about the book - share on social media, via email or word of mouth to your friends, families and colleagues! We want this book to reach as many children and youth as possible!
About the YAB
The advisory board members represent sixteen communities from seven provinces. All youth advisors are outstanding young professionals and students working or studying in the water/environmental sector. These young water leaders were selected to develop Great Waters Challenge partnerships, inspire youth in their regions to participate, and host water workshops for participating schools.
Avery Deboer-Smith, Nelson, BC
Breda Muldoon, Edmonton, AB
Catherine Thompson, Antigonish, NS
Dorothy Graham, Lethbridge AB
Ellen Stitt, Woodville ON
Faris Mecklai, Hamilton, ON
Jill Pelkey, Fredericton, NB
Julie Segal, Montreal, QC
Krista Magee, Ottawa, ON
Lena Beckley, Halifax, NS
Mark Christian, Nanaimo, BC
Megan Kot, Victoria, BC
Nicholas Damer, St. John’s, NL
Olivier Saint-Jean Rondeau, Sherbrooke, QC
Owais Ghory, Surrey, BC
Stephanie Woodworth, Toronto, ON