A small cottage with a spectacular view once stood on Beach Avenue in Roberts Creek. It belonged to the family of education consultant Gillian Kydd ever since her childhood; her parents bought it in 1953. Now, it becomes the setting for a lively children's novel, Secrets of the Creek, that Kydd self-published this year.
There's no doubt that the 118-page little book has already earned a gold star from its junior readers. Kydd took her manuscript to the class of Lorrie Swan at Davis Bay Elementary School, and she uses the kids' comments on the cover: "Chock full of action," said one child. "You are definitely in for a treat," said another.
How can a reviewer argue with those assessments?
The book's two young heroines, Sara and Carly, are strong characters giving the story lots of appeal to girls between the ages of eight and 12. Sara has an embarrassing secret - a learning disability that makes it difficult for her to read and write. But her summer friend Carly recognizes that Sara is clever in so many other ways and this comradely support helps Sara to blossom. It is an interesting twist that makes the book more meaningful beyond a simple action tale.
"I'm a teacher who taught some very bright kids who had learning disabilities," Kydd said. She started the Open Minds Education Program in Calgary to enhance class visits to existing museums such as the Glenbow. During a similar program at the Coast's Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives, she met the children from Mrs. Swan's class.
"They're the ones who really pushed me to publish it," she laughs.
The two girls build a tree fort, though meddlesome boys try to scare them away. From their hiding place they attempt to unravel clues about lost treasure - money stashed by a local rum runner during times past that they believe is on the cottage property of Sara's parents. But danger lurks when they realize they are not the only ones looking for the money.
The book's cover features a painting of the original cottage by Gillian's husband, Ronald Kydd. Gillian researched Creek history before writing the novel and developed her own childhood memories to flesh it out. One of the characters, Sara's grandfather, a retired prison doctor, is based on Kydd's own father. This personal involvement enriches the story and makes it a fun read for adults as well as children.
Secrets of the Creek is available for $8.95 at Talewind Books, Coast Books, Pier 17 and the Sunshine Coast Museum and Archives.
