Muise.
It is her 2nd volume involving Rabiznaz, an over 2000 year old gentle, Red Colobus monkey. This time we witness his reunion with his human friend, Ettie, who has invited Rabiznaz to visit her in her homeland of Goa Dourado (Golden Goa). You may recall that Ettie is the heroine of the first book, who is remarkable for her generosity of heart and uncompromising love of life.
Rabiznaz learns about Goa, and in particular about St. Francis Xavier, through a group of very personable and peaceable animals, who, we discover have overcome their natural antipathy towards each other because of their close friendship with Ettie, whose essential goodness has changed them.
These amazing animals boast among their number an excellent
historian and biographer of the life of St. Francis Xavier, and outstanding geographers, who help us fall in love with the sights and sounds of Goa. King Cobra, Mongoose, and Spanish Bat, are our guides. They are bound to become favourites with Rabiznaz fans.
This is a proudly faith based book, and with marvelous paintings and photographs, we will easily understand how a strong Christian upbringing fostered through generations of faithful forefathers and mothers, leaves what can only be described as a stamp on the Goan people - comparable to any other character trait in a person's DNA.
In a moment, Yvette will read excerpts from the book for your enjoyment. She will provide you with the background from which it arose, but in the meantime, I will tell you a little bit about the author.
Yvette is an educator. Through the years, she has taught both children and adults in Canada and abroad. She was educated in East Africa; at the University of Southampton in Great Britain; and at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish. Yvette is now retired from teaching at Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School, and after more than 40 years she has reluctantly withdrew from leading the children's choir. Yet, she has in no way slowed down. Currently, she brings her considerable talents and efforts to the presidency of St. Ninian's CWL, leading many worthwhile projects, including acting as Vice Chair of CARE'S fund-raising efforts to bring a Syrian Refugee Family to Antigonish.
Now, partly in response to requests for a 2nd book, but mostly to share her faith with her beloved children - and here I'm not just referring to her own 3 children and 6 grandchildren, but for all those who are young and optimistic of heart - Yvette has once again put pen to paper.
She never forgets that she is writing for young people. It's easy to envision parents and grandparents lovingly reading this tale to children, who will be drawn in by the wonderful story, and enthralled with the extraordinary illustrations beautifully rendered with vibrant colours and a striking attention to detail.
Congratulations Yvette, what a beautiful book! It is a compelling story, and one that challenges us to think about the bigger issues. I can only say that my interest was captivated and held to the end. You've once again created a treasure!
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Catherine
.......What a wonderful speech the import of which has doubly hit me as
I read it for myself after hearing it at the launch. Thanks Catherine.
You have more than made my day. Thanks a million again. With much love and admiration, dear friend. Yvette