This book is based on the author’s life story. On a winter day in 1952, a young girl, Patsy, and her siblings await the ceremony that will bring electricity to their small town of Britt, Ontario. Throughout this day, Patsy reflects on how the town will change. She also shares about an extended family gathering and how she, her siblings, and her parents did various activities in the evenings in the one room that had the lantern. Within these memories, Patsy shares that her father has Métis ancestry, but they kept that quiet due to people’s attitudes about Indigenous Peoples. As the author did not learn that her family was Métis until years later, this story is about her reclaiming identity and her family history that included memories of jigging to fiddle and spoons music. The colourful illustrations in this book help to transmit a joyful and excited mood within this author’s pleasant memories.

Other End Matter: Author note
Images: Colour illustrations
Contributor Affiliation: Author Pat Lamondin Skene (Métis), Illustrator Sabrina Gendron
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Evaluator: Meredith R., Elementary School Teacher, Indigenous Books for Schools

Pat Skene retired from the world of banking to find her voice. She is an Indigenous author of seven books for children, including What a Hippopota-Mess!, Rhyme Stones and Monster Lunch in the Orca Echo line. Pat is a regular contributor to the Oakville News and is currently working on her memoir. She lives in Oakville, Ontario.

Pat Lamondin Skene's profile page

Sabrina Gendron's profile page

• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

“Tailor-made for elementary classrooms…Serves as an excellent conversation starter, sparking [students'] curiosity and encouraging them to ask questions. The story not only entertains but also educates, providing valuable insights into the history of electricity in small towns, the role of lighthouses, and the treatment of Indigenous people during the 1950s. The beautiful and colourful illustrations enhance the book’s appeal, making it a must-have for any elementary school classroom or library.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“A great reminder to prioritize family and the outdoors, no matter what innovations come our way. I highly recommend it.”

The Historical Novel Society, Historical Novels Review (HNR)

“Using humour and warm-hearted descriptions of family life, the author explores the curiosity, anticipation, and wonder felt as lights get turned on by a switch on the wall. The colourful, detailed illustrations set the mood for a nostalgic look at the simple pleasures of family life before and after electricity comes to a typical Canadian town.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“An authentic depiction of life in Canada in 1952...Teachers/caregivers can use this book with units of study about then and now, Metis culture, and Canada in the 1950’s. Children will enjoy reading this book or having it read to them. Highly Recommended.”

Canadian Teacher Magazine

“Digital artwork offers a realistic setting that is sure to spark conversations about life in rural areas in the 1950s.”

Sal's Fiction Addiction

“Inspired by the author’s childhood growing up Metis and French, and the changes technology brought to her small town, it has a nostalgic tone. This Canadian historical picture book may find a home in units on unearthing family stories or in writing creative nonfiction.”

School Library Journal (SLJ)