Scaredy Squirrel is back for a new adventure. This time, he tries to avoid a beach holiday. He knows the beach will be full of all sorts of undesirable things from packs of pirates to mobs of lobsters. But, when he finds himself there by mistake, he finds its loads off fun – especially the crowds of people. Be sure to also check out the other titles Scaredy Squirrel and Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend.
We know by now that Scaredy Squirrel only feels safe when he's at home in his nut tree, with his defenses, his emergency kit and his back-up plans at the ready. So even though the sun is shining and it's time for a vacation, Scaredy does not want to go to the beach - that vast, frightening place where a squirrel could get stranded. Instead, Scaredy builds his own safe beach getaway under his nut tree. Still, the lure of the genuine beach is strong - even a dedicated homebody such as Scaredy can't resist it forever. Can his back-up plans save him from its perils?
How did you get involved with children’s books? Through Michèle Lemieux, my illustration teacher in university. One of our assignments was to create a book about color. I decided to write a story about a chameleon to help explain complementary colors to children. I later sent my book project, Leon the Chameleon, to Kids Can Press.
What was your training or schooling? I have a college degree in graphic design and a bachelors of arts in graphic design from the Université du Québec à Montréal.
Do you have any tips for young creators? If you find something that you enjoy and are passionate about, don’t hesitate to follow that path. It’s amazing what you can accomplish by focusing on things you love doing! I was in administration for two years before I realized that it wasn’t for me and that I wasn't motivated. When you’re in an environment where you don’t fit in, you start to think that you are the one with the problem. It can be very discouraging! When you’re in an environment where you feel comfortable and where you can contribute something, that’s when you feel good about yourself!
