Picturing Canada

This scholarly work offers a comprehensive examination of how children's illustrated literature has shaped and reflected Canadian national identity across generations. Edwards and Saltman trace the evolution of Canadian children's publishing through meticulous archival research and extensive interviews with authors, illustrators, and publishing professionals. The analysis reveals how picture books have served as vehicles for cultural transmission while navigating the complex dynamics of children's librarianship and literary criticism. Readers will discover how artistic styles and narrative themes in Canadian children's literature have both transformed and maintained certain traditions over time.

What distinguishes this study is its unprecedented access to the publishing ecosystem, featuring insights from over 130 industry voices that illuminate the commercial and creative forces behind Canadian children's books. The authors successfully demonstrate how children's literature functions as both cultural artifact and nationalist project, particularly in their exploration of how recent digital and global influences are reshaping this distinctive publishing landscape. This thoroughly researched volume provides essential context for understanding the interconnected worlds of Canadian childhood, artistic expression, and national storytelling.