Readers across Canada were appalled when the country’s Education Minister, Yves Bolduc, proclaimed that school libraries are not in need of new books because they are already well-equipped. The statement led to a discussion in the media of the place of contemporary children’s literature in schools and libraries. Even the Premier of Canada, Philippe Couillard, chimed in: “Are there too many or not enough? What’s important is that there are always new books [coming into libraries], that the books are interesting for the children,” he said.
Elise Gravel responded to Bolduc’s declaration by creating a free e-book, Artsy Boys and Smelly Girls, which she posted online for all to read and share. The book has been shared through Facebook nearly 7,000 times, and Elise was featured on Radio Canada and Voir Magazine, two well-known Canadian publications. Artsy Boys and Smelly Girls dismantles gender stereotypes and promotes creativity and self-expression, using technology to make these fresh and inspiring ideas accessible to all. “Whether you’re a boy or girl, you can just be yourself,” Elise writes. The free e-book shows the importance of telling new stories that are relevant to the world children live in now, and sustaining the tradition of creativity. Download here: http://elisegravel.com/fr/content/artsy-boys-and-smelly-girls