Local teacher and children’s author Duane Lawrence will read from two of his classic books this Canada Day to launch a special summer book series in Stanley Park.
Starting July 1 at 2pm and then running every Saturday until Labour Day, children can gather round in a shady spot near the Painters’ Circle to share in the adventures of Sammy Squirrel and Rodney Raccoon – two of Stanley Park’s most recognizable residents.
Lawrence’s first book Sammy Squirrel and Rodney Raccoon: A Stanley Park Tale (which includes a Stanley Park anthem and was featured in the Vancouver Sun Raise-a-Reader series) was inspired on one of Lawrence’s regular walks through the 1,000-acre park. While Stanley Park sees more than eight million visitors per year, it is home to herons, beavers, swans, skunks, eagles, coyotes, and of course, squirrels and raccoons, and Lawrence spun an intercontinental caper starring the animals that live there. Lawrence was also inspired by the park’s famous Hollow Tree. In both books, the Hollow Tree is a pivotal part of the animals’ neighbourhood and serves as their community center (a couple of years ago, a class from Lord Roberts West End School sang the Stanley Park anthem in front of the Hollow Tree in an attempt to help save the tree after severe storm damage prompted talk of its removal).
Lawrence’s second book, Sammy Squirrel & Rodney Raccoon: To The Rescue,was launched at the legendary Sylvia Hotel in 2013 to commemorate the hotel’s 100th birthday. Lawrence wove a tall tale about an Animal Inn located beneath the hotel based on fond memories of staying at the hotel before he moved to Vancouver.
For more information about the readings, email [email protected]. The Sammy Squirrel and Rodney Raccoon series is available at Kidsbooks, Indigo, and Black Bond Books in Vancouver.
