Sometimes creative magic happens – it has again for Max Elliott.
In 2011, a year after she’d written and illustrated her first children’s book, Canadian Rockies ABC, Elliott sat down after a good scramble on Norquay and the words to her next book flowed onto the page.
“Writing about nature outside makes sense to me,” said Elliott. “There’s something about being really clear-headed after a scramble – the fresh air, the clarity that comes.”
Of course, a lot of hard work, research and thought led up to that magical moment en plein air and, three years later, after much more hard work, her second children’s book, A Canadian Wildlife Poem, is ready for launch.
The public is invited to celebrate the new work on Saturday (Nov. 1) at the Masonic Hall in Banff (corner of Bear and Caribou streets). The party will begin at 3 p.m. and run through the evening.
Kids can come dressed up as their favourite animal and there will be prizes for best costumes and treats for all. At 3:30 p.m., there will be a story and movement program to keep kids entertained. Wine and hors d’oeuvres begin at 5:30 p.m.
The original mixed-media collages used in the book have been framed and will be for sale. In all, 28 different animals are featured.
“I went through the animals by eco-zones. It’s a book about wild animals and their habitats, and I wanted to span Canada,” said Elliott.
A combination of collaged papers, “some handmade papers that I have found, others that I have made myself,” and acrylic paint, the images are textured, bright and clear, just like Elliott’s writing.
An avid reader, Elliott studied all the books on the Top 100 list of children’s literature. Dr. Seuss, Eric Carle, H.A. Rey and Graeme Base are favourites.
“I appreciate the art in some books, in some the story, and sometimes both.” A love of rhythm and rhyme come through in her writing. The cadence of A Canadian Wildlife Poem is lovely for reading aloud.
A multi-talented artist, Elliott can add publisher to her resume. But she says, “‘self-published’ is a misnomer when so much depends on the help of others. I relied on the photographic wizardry of John Bonner, the book layout skills of Linda Petras and the expertise of Friesen’s Printing.
“Now I will rely on the experience of Canmore-based Alpine Book Peddlers to handle distribution of the book in our area. I’m proud to say that the book is 100 per cent Canadian, and as locally manufactured as possible.”
Copies of the book will be available at the launch or via bookstores.
“I like to point people toward local Banff, Canmore and Lake Louise retailers when they ask where to pick up a book. I’ve felt so much local support. It’s been amazing.”
Elliott is a longtime Banff local and Bow Valley artist.
“Over the years, I’ve tried my hand at many different creative media and projects,” she said. “I’ve made jewelry and ceramic pieces, done drawings, plein-air paintings, mixed media collages, prints, and mosaics, designed cards, T-shirts, street banners and interpretive signposts; and written poetry.
“But I don’t know if I’ve ever had quite as much fun as I have had recently, creating for children.”
