Children’s history book set for launch at library Saturday

A lot of attention to detail and facts went into a local history book for children being launched Saturday at the Kelowna library.

Growing Up in Wild Horse Canyon was written by Karen Autio and illustrated by Loraine Kemp.

Told from the perspective of a ponderosa pine, Growing Up in Wild Horse Canyon, the nonfiction narrative weaves First Nations history with accounts of European settlement and natural history in a story that spans more than two centuries.

The pair made several trips into Wild Horse Canyon in Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park while working on the book together.

Autio consulted extensively with Jordan Coble, administrator at Sncewips Heritage Museum, to ensure the syilx/Okanagan perspective was respected throughout the book. Coble also provided feedback about appropriate language for discussing the syilx/Okanagan people.

Kemp researched historical details to ensure the highest level of accuracy in her paintings.

Crwth Press of Vancouver has developed a free teachers’ guide to accompany the book.

The authors will be at the downtown Kelowna library branch from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday with lots of activities and prizes for kids.

The school with the most students at the event will receive a free author-illustrator presentation and copy of the book.