FROM THE STACKS

The Dark is Rising series by Susan Cooper

When the Dark comes rising, six shall turn it back;

Three from the circle, three from the track;


Wood, bronze, iron; water, fire, stone;


Five will return, and one go alone.

Published between 1965 and 1977, this series chronicles the adventures of charming English children as they participate in the battle for good over evil. Pretty standard fare for children’s fantasy literature but written with a sensitivity to nature, myth and higher ideals that will stay with you for years to come. If you or your child is tired of re-reading JK Rowling, Philip Pullman or CS Lewis take refuge in Cooper’s engaging characters and layered stories.

Avoid watching the movie loosely based around the second book as little of the original quality carries through.

ARTISTS OF THE LIMBERLOST

It hasn't been the sunniest summer in cottage country.  On a mid-August weekend with temperatures in the low teens and storm clouds brewing, we gave up on swimming and deck staining and headed out to Muskoka's Summer Studio Tour presented by the Artists of the Limberlost. This collective takes their name from a scenic and winding road close to Huntsville. At each stop we rushed inside to avoid the pelting rain and enjoyed both the work and the different cottage styles.

I was very taken with the above sculpture by Brenda Wainman Goulet.  It reminds me of the Greenwich character from the children's book series The Dark is Rising (a must read for the ten year olds in your life).  My favourite stop was at Jerry Friedman's place.  He's a driftwood artist and had set up an interactive display in his shed.  His cottage was the only on the tour untouched by "updates" and  I particularly enjoyed the names he has attributed to his sculptures.