Kalifax — Duncan Thornton

Designated an Our Choice title by the Canadian Children's Book Centre.

The Captain wants to sail his ship Volantix to the other side of the West, into spice winds and lazy islands that bloom like summer flowers. But he'll have to take his crew under the rafters of the sky, past strange squeaking beasts, and through narrow icy seas, and none of the sailors want to go. Then Tom tells them the story of Kalifax, the magical elfin torch that burns brighter as danger gets greater, and will always keep you warm.

Trapped in the ice on the voyage, the crew encounters fearsome snow goblins and ice trolls. All looks grim until Grandfather Frost himself appears, down from the very roof of the world to see to their keep.

Kalifax is a magical, allegorical trip through the Northwest Passage, told in a lilting and lively language that will keep readers of all ages enthralled. Accompanied by a dozen fantastical drawings by Yves Noblet, Kalifax is the first step in the author's campaign to mythologize Canada and its history.