When fiction is just as real as fact.
50 Below Zero by Robert Munsch and illustrated by Michael Martchenko is a story about a cold, northern climate. The idea came to Munsch while he was making a book tour stop in Watson Lake, Yukon Territory. While the setting is cold . . . very, very cold, the story is really about sleepwalking.
Many of Munsch’s books introduce a child who takes control of a problem and then, eventually solves it . . . most times in an unconventional way. In 50 Below Zero, Jason repeatedly gets up to find that his father has been sleepwalking and is in a new and different location each time. Most importantly, he locates his dad sleeping by a tree out in the forest when it is “50 Below Zero.” Brrrrrr!! Jason figures out how to keep his father out of danger. How does he do that? You’ll have to read the book to find out! Michael Martchenko’s illustrations are delightful and feature illustrations in an icy blue colour that remind us of the cold winter weather.
It’s cold out there . . . stay warm.