Local author, Jackie Cameron, pens novel for young rural readers

As a librarian and school district resource professional, Jackie Cameron noted the absence of books for young rural readers, specifically those who grow up on a farm or a ranch. Now retired, she decided to fill that gap for children who would like to see their own lives reflected in the books they read. The result is Adventures on the Circle Star Ranch, published by Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing this year.

Adventures on the Circle Star Ranch is a chapter book for children, illustrated by Wendi Nordell with vivid line drawings, and full of drama, mystery, humour and the occasional touch of sadness. Jackie Cameron’s experiences raising cattle on her own family farm provided the inspiration and even some of the adventures in this fast-paced tale of life on the Circle Star Ranch.

There is never a dull moment from the beginning of the novel in a spring blizzard to the conclusion the following summer! Nine year old Ben and his older sister Sarah do chores, ride horses, help move the herd to the summer pasture, and find an abandoned dog they name Scruffy, who becomes their fiercely loyal companion. Meanwhile, the adults discuss the mystery of disappearing cattle, and the possibility of cattle rustlers in the area. Little does anyone suspect that Ben and Sarah might have a hand in solving the puzzle!

This is a perfect book for children who live in rural areas and who will enjoy a story about their experiences, as well as for those in urban centres who will learn a lot about life outside of the city. Adventures on the Circle Square Ranch will make an excellent gift for the youngsters on your Christmas list. It is available in Swift Current at Sputtergotch and Pharmasave, as well as from www.skbooks.com, www.indigo.ca, www.mcnallyrobinson.com, and from Your Nickel’s Worth Publishing at http://www.ynwp.ca/.