Are We There Yet? A Journey Across Canada

Told from the perspective of nine-year-old Gabbie, Are We There Yet? A Journey Across Canada chronicles an active family of five’s camping trip across Canada. The trip takes the family and their dog, Chili, through every province and territory, beginning in their home city of St. John’s, Newfoundland, and ending in Nunavut. Gabbie’s narration of this whirlwind tour reads much like a diary in which she adds trivia and dialogue to the text, but often there are too many ideas in the same paragraph. Some of the text omits important facts (e.g. the family attends a ceilidh, but the author doesn’t explain what it is) while some of the text is superfluous. Parts of the text are infused with humour, but, for the most part, the facts about Canada are explained in a rather bland and didactic manner, and the family members’ individual personalities rarely shine. Even references to older brother Sam’s interest in the environment occasionally seem awkward in their placement. A “Did You Know?” section at the back of the book provides fun facts about Canada, some of which might be new to readers. For example, Toronto’s Yonge Street is the longest street in the world (1,896 km), and Canada has its own Seven Wonders, one of which is the northern lights.

Included at the beginning of the book is an explanation of what the book entails. The author introduces the family and describes each member’s personality and interests along with the book’s themes, such as environmental sustainability, the importance of a healthy lifestyle, the beauty of Canada, and why young Canadians should experience and appreciate their country. Though the themes are extremely important, there is no need for the author to include this information here; rather, the writing in the main story should weave these themes so expertly throughout the text that the reader becomes well-aware of them and their significance.

Detailed cartoon-like illustrations add humour and context to the story, and a map of Canada (not labelled) traces the family’s vacation route. A list of useful web sites is also included.

Generally, this journey across Canada touches on a few facts per province or territory, and, as a kind of diary, it works well. However, those readers who require more information will have to find it elsewhere.