Books published by publisher Breakwater Books

A long-cherished children's classic is now back in print! This 25th Anniversary Collectors Edition of the classic children's book is a new illustrated edition. It's time for a new generation of children to enjoy this lighthearted collection of rhymes by the acclaimed poet Al Pittman. All new whimsical illustrations by Pam Hall dance through the pages with a sublime silliness perfectly balancing Pittman's rhymes. Her original work was the Winner of the prestigious Amelia Francis Howard Gibbon Award for best Canadian illustration. The late acclaimed poet and author, Al Pittman, died on August 26, 2001 at the age of sixty-one, after a lengthy illness. He was one of Newfoundland's best contemporary writers. Al built an inte ational reputation over the last 40 years creating award-winning poetry, plays and scripts for radio and television. Some of these include the Borestone Mountain Poetry Award, The Canada Council Arts Award, the Lydia Campbell Award, the Stephen Leacock Centenial Award, The Writer's Alliance Book Award for Poetry and has been inducted into the Arts Council's Hall of Honour. Up until his death he was a Writer in Residence at Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Co er Brook, Newfoundland.

From the creator of The Grumpy Goat Gallery. A visually stunning, often humorous book of verse, All Around the Circle celebrates the landscape and spirit of outport Newfoundland. How did Aunt Maud’s cat manage to sail across the tickle? Why is Heloise the chicken so worried? With a colourful cast of characters, tall tales, and vibrant artwork, Cara Kansala, artist of the wildly popular Grumpy Goat Gallery, offers a tongue-twisting playful read that will delight kids from five to ninety-five.

Muinji’j has been waiting all his life to make this trip with his grandfather-a trip to the city to sell rich otter, beaver and muskrat pelts and bring back supplies to the village. It’s a long expedition that tests Muinji’j’s reserves of strength, patience and maturity. Just as he thinks he and his niskamij have faced all of their challenges, the worst happens-his naskamij falls ill. Although Muinji’j gathers the medicine his grandfather asks for, it doesn’t help fast enough. Both of them realize that there is only one solution: Muinji’j must continue the jou ey alone. He must face the challenges and mysteries of a city he has never seen, and retu to help his grandfather as well as his village that relies on him. Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe is the chief of the Miawpukek Mi'kamawey Mawi'omi - Conne River Mi’kmaq Tribal Nation in Newfoundland. The Miawpukek Band Reserve, which is the only one recognized in Newfoundland, has an on reserve population of approximately 700 people. The reserve is located on the south east shore of Newfoundland. The reserve covers an area of some 14 square miles. It lies 560 km from the capital city of St. John's and 180 km from the nearest services center, Grand Falls. Saqamaw Mi’sel Joe was bo in Miawpukek on June 4, 1947 into a strong Mi’kmaq family; both his grandfather and uncle have held the office of hereditary Saqamaw. He has been educated in all the Mi’kmaq ways and traditions. Currently, Mi’sel Joe is in his fourth consecutive two-year term as Administrative Chief. He is also the spiritual leader of his people. In this capacity he has gained recognition provincially, nationally and inte ationally, particularly in the area of spiritual healing. He lives together with his wife Colletta and granddaughter Ansalewit at Miawpukek First Nation in Newfoundland. Muinji’j Becomes a Man is his first book.

Sam, the colourful sculpin, is different. And on one warm summer day, he swims through an underwater community teeming with lively fish of all shapes and sizes. But Sam doesn’t look like anyone else. He feels lonely. Until he finds Sara, his perfect match, in a world where everyone is different in their own way. Al Pittman’s classic story, vibrantly illustrated by Shawn O’Hagan, is a perennial favourite. Breakwater Books is proud to make One Wonderful Fine Day for a Sculpin Named Sam available in a new edition for a whole new generation of readers.

When he was a young boy, Emile Benoit dreamed of having his own fiddle. All he had was a toy with some thread for strings. But on his twelfth birthday, he got a big surprise! His father had made a fiddle out of old violin parts. Soon he was amazing everyone by playing tunes he wrote himself. And by the time he was an adult, he had played his instrument all over the world.

Kate and her intrepid cat-companion, Frazer, wander away from their picnic site to explore the barrens and to see what adventures they can find. The adventures they discover are more exciting than any Kate could ever have imagined. Quite by accident, below a beautiful pond, they encounter an underground world of gentlr Ralans and nasty Gornbats. In this strange, new underworld, Kate and Frazer discover that they possess special powers and abilities. they meet Sillra, a Ralan princess, her brother Brolan, and other strange creatures. Thrilling, fast-paced adventures lead Kate and Frazer more deeply into the centuries-old conflict between the Ralans and the Gornbats while they help their new friends to solve their problems peacefully and to learn to live together in their beautiful underground world.

On Poppy's beach seashells I find. My bucket's filled with every kind. I keep the ones I like the best. to hide home in my treasure chest. Come spend a sweet summer's day exploring and enjoying the curiosities and beauties of a rural Newfoundland beach, as seen through the eyes of a little child. Filled with beautiful illustrations and lyrical verse, here is a warm and happy adventure that is both uniquely Newfoundland - as well as universal in its celebration of nature, nostalgia and joyful childhood innocence. Susan Pynn Taylor's previous books include A Puppy Story, The Jelly Bean Row, and regional best-seller, The Colours of my Home.

When Issac, the bob-tailed cat, is being beat up by the backyard bullies, Gus, the seagull, comes to the rescue. Bullies roam the backyards of downtown St. John’s, scaring and picking on everyone they find. So, when Isaac the bob-tailed cat moves into a house in the neighbourhood, you know he’ll be the next target. It’s only by forging an unlikely friendship with Gus the seagull, who’s afraid of heights, that the two can face their fears and stand up to the backyard bullies.

Acclaimed poet George Murray and award-winning painter Michael Pittman team up for their first-ever childrens’ picture book. Wow Wow the fox pup has learned a lot about the hows and whys of being a fox. He knows how to hunt and hide, and he’s very proud of his red and white and black fur. But he doesn’t know much about fleas, until the day he wakes up feeling very, very itchy. Haw Haw the crow offers her friendship and guidance in this charming adaptation of the Celtic legend, How The Fox Lost His Fleas. Murray’s playful rhyme and repetition, set against a backdrop of Pittman’s lush paintings, will make Wow Wow and Haw Haw an instant classic and a favourite among small children and early readers alike.

Pirating isn’t the life for everyone, but Gran says it's a career more girls should think about. Meet Gran – who's been a pirate since she was a young girl! With a pet crocodile who sleeps under her bed and a wicked sense of humour, knowing Gran is never dull! This witty and quirkily illustrated book will take kids on a rollicking journey of pirating fun, and adults will struggle to contain their giggles.”