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French Awards

		GOVERNOR GENERAL'S LITERARY AWARD -- CHILDREN'S LITERATURE 2004 FOR BEST TEXT L'HIVER DE LÉO POLATOUCHE NICOLE LEROUX ILLUSTRATIONS: SOPHIE LEWANDOWSKI MONTRÉAL: BORÉAL, 2003. 140 P. (BORÉAL JUNIOR; 81) ISBN 2764602790 AGES 9 TO 12
L'hiver de Léo Polatouche Source

Léo the flying squirrel has injured his leg and can no longer take part in the flying trapeze act of the family circus. Humiliated by a hurtful remark made by his father, Léo runs away in the middle of the night. Upon his return the next morning, he discovers that the barge on which the family lives has broken away from its moorings and sunk. Léo takes refuge underground for the winter in the home of the moles, Griffon and Mélodie. Life beneath the earth could hardly be more different from the one Léo was used to on the barge and at the circus.

During the cold months, Léo discovers his talent for writing and drawing. He also becomes accustomed to a whole new lifestyle: the moles move around with magnifying glasses on the tip of their noses and use a device made of mirrors to illuminate their burrow. They have even developed an ingenious calendar and weather forecast system that helps them stay in touch with the world above.

With the return of spring, the young squirrel is ready to set off in search of his family. The moles have taught him a lot about himself, and so, armed with new courage, Léo rejoins his parents.

-JP