Author Archives: English

Something New Just Arrived!

Look what just arrived. It’s my new picture book, Nevin Knows! Isn’t it beautiful?

I got the inspiration for Nevin Knows during the pandemic. Everyday as I sat at my desk trying to write, I watched my neighbour (actually called Frank, like in the book) take his grandson to the park. They went everyday – rain or shine. The routine of it was soothing during a time when the world was particularly chaotic. It radiated love. I wanted to capture that and put it in a book.

I hope Nevin Knows will bring you as much joy as it has brought me.

Nevin Knows will be in bookstores February 11th 2025. It is also available in French.

Nevin Knows

Nevin and his grandpa are heading to the park on a spring day, and Grandpa checks with Nevin about what shoes to wear.

Should he wear boots? NO! Sandals? NO! Slippers? NO! Running shoes? YES! YES! YES! Throughout the book, Grandpa lets Nevin choose which direction to walk in, what to play on at the park and, finally, what flowers to bring home for Nana. Nevin has fun getting to choose for himself, and he shows Grandpa that he might be little, but he knows a lot.

 

Nevin Knows
Orca Book Publisher, February 2025
Story by Mireille Messier
Illustrations by Elena Comte
32 pages

ISBN: 978-1-4598-3684-6
Hardcover
$21.95

Themes: self-cofidence, making choices, intergenerational relationships, seasons, going to the park, grand-parents, toddler
You can order this book by clicking here!
Or by visiting your favourite indie bookstore! 🙂
REVIEWS
“Perfectly mimics the experience of taking an independent toddler to the park, and the book will be enjoyed by children and the adults reading to them. Nevin Knows allows children to consider their own experiences of getting ready and walking to the park and is sure to become a favourite…Nevin Knows is engaging and enjoyable and is a perfect book to pair with a walk to the park. Recommended.”
– CM: Canadian Review of Materials
“Repetitive pattern puts Nevin, and readers, in charge or the days activities—an empowering choice sure to please the toddler set. Comte’s geometric artwork pairs well with the simple text. A delightful day in the life of a curious tot.”
– Kirkus
“Introduces simple vocabulary that is part of most children’s everyday world…Helps young children connect with the older adults in their family and, hopefully, with the broader community.”
– Canadian Teacher Magazine
AWARDS & NOMINATIONS

Coupe et soucoupe à Sudbury

Join Vivi & Simon as they investigate the mysterious disappearance of the Big Nickel Cup. Was the coveted hockey trophy stolen by a rival team? Their grandmother’s strange new boyfriend? Or maybe it was aliens?

Follow our intrepid gumshoes as they solve a third mystery, this time in the streets of Sudbury.

Written by Mireille Messier
Les éditions David, 2024
168 pages
9 & up
$16.95
ISBN: 978-2898-660177

• Buy this book now by clicking here!

Also available:

2024-25 School Year – Limited Availability for In-Person Visits

This upcoming school year I will have much less availability for in-person school visits in the GTA. I have a handful of dates in early Decemebr, late January/early February and late March. If you are interested, please contact me soon as spots are going fast.

If virtual visits are a viable option for your school, my schedule will accomodate those much more easily. And, they are a more buget-friendly alternative. Just sayin’… 😉

Click here for more information about my presentations.

Don’t hesiate to contact me if you have any questions or to book one of the rare spots left for in-person presentations.

 

Thrilled To Be A Part of This Beautiful Initiative!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Toronto (June 19, 2024)—The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is pleased to announce the selection for the 2024 TD Grade One Book Giveaway. Violet Shrink, written by Christine Baldacchino, illustrated by Carmen Mok and published by Groundwood Books, will be distributed to approximately 500,000 Grade 1 students across Canada this fall. Translated into French by Mireille Messier, francophone Canadians and French immersion students will receive copies of the French translation, Violette Cent-Soucis.

Through the generous support of TD Bank Group, the CCBC is thrilled to deliver—for the twenty-fifth year—the gift of a Canadian picture book to every Grade 1 student across Canada. Books are taken home by each child to keep and to read and re-read with their caregivers. The impact of the TD Grade One Book Giveaway is undeniable, with 12.5 million books given to Grade 1 students across Canada since 2000. In a survey after last year’s giveaway, 96% of Grade 1 educators felt that this program allows students to feel included and demonstrates that books and reading are important! 

 

No Horses in the House is Short Listed!

Some happy news!

My biographical picture book No Horses in the House: The Audacious Life of Artist Rosa Bonheur has been short listed for the prestigious IODE Jean Throop Award!

What an honour it is to have my book amongst the five finalists, rubbing shoulders with some of the most well-known and talented children’s book authors and illustrators from Ontario. Congratulations to all, includidng my good friends Frieda, Ruth, Danielle!

The winner will be announced on April 20th 2024 at the IODE Ontario annual general meeting in Goderich, Ontario. Fingers crossed!