Local author Debra Ann Renner is launching the second book in her Bear and Raven adventure series.
Bear and Raven (Lost in the Rainforest) sees Young Bear and Black Raven continue their journey across Canada. They are now passing through the Great Bear Rainforest in northern B.C. and come across a few interesting and humorous characters.
Two First Nations children, Michelle and McKenzie, have run away from the residential school they are forced to attend and now they are lost and in danger of not finding their way home. With winter approaching they will need help if they are going to survive. There is also a brave Salmon that jumps right into Young Bear’s arms for a chat.
A Bald Eagle and Black Raven hatch a plan together along with the Bear and Salmon to help the children.
Renner will be on hand for a book signing at Black Bond Books in Ladner this Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m.
Renner was born in Eston, Sask., but spent most of her adult life working as a nurse in Calgary where she and her husband raised two daughters. After the birth of a granddaughter, she moved to Tsawwassen.
She started the Bear and Raven series because she loved reading stories to her granddaughter, but wanted her books to have educational value too.
“This second book of the series took much more care and attention to get it just how I wanted it, so I did consult with a few First Nations people who have been through the residential schools system, a cultural elder and others deeply affected,” she said. “For me, it had to be very sensitive and yet still appropriate for children.”
Besides Black Bond Books, the book is available online through Red Tuque Books.
Renner will also be at Vancouver Word, a Vancouver Public Library event on Sept. 30.
“My goal is to read to the children at local schools and hopefully it might get picked for libraries who are trying to include self-published books,” she added.
