1. Riverview teacher builds on life-altering experience
    When Bad Things Happen is Lorie Little's first foray into children's literature

(PHOTO CONTRIBUTED)

As published on page D1 on April 5, 2006

Lorie Little and her husband Marc pose with When Bad Things Happen, the book she wrote and he illustrated.
By Sara Goguen
TIMES & TRANSCRIPT STAFF

For years, the Dominican Republic has been a choice destination for many Canadians to migrate to during the winter months. These trips are usually filled with life-lasting memories of fun and laughs. For Lorie Little, her sunshine vacation turned into a life-changing experience that later gave her the chance to realize a childhood dream.

Growing up, Lorie could usually be found with her nose stuck in a book. "I loved to read," she explains, "My friends and I were amazed that we could borrow books. We used to go to the library that was down the street and borrow bags of books, then sit on the grass and read."

Not only did her love for reading grow as she did, her adoration for children's books always stayed with her in life. "I enjoyed reading them in my high school and university years too. They bring back childhood memories," she says.

She was inspired to write her first children's book, When Bad Things Happen, after a visit to a school while on vacation in the Dominican Republic. "We saw the conditions that teachers and students had to deal with. It makes you realize that we're blessed to live in Canada," she says.

When Bad Things Happen is a story about a young girl named Grace who is having a bad day. Her mother helps her to realize that she will never appreciate the good things if bad things never happen. Lorie hopes the book will teach kids to appreciate the things they have and maintain a positive attitude.

Lorie and her husband, Marc, are a team not only in everyday life, but also when it comes to the production of the book. Marc, a professional artist, has filled the book with bright and colourful illustrations. "I wanted to make the book entertaining and educational," Lorie says, "I respect him as an artist, and he respects my text."

From concept to completion, the process that she describes as "difficult," took a little over a year. "We shelved it for three to four months when we moved," she explains, "We were excited to come back to it with fresh ideas."

Lorie and Marc have two daughters, one who is currently in kindergarten. "She's really excited. The main character's name is her name, so she's excited about that, and she wants me to go and read the book to her class."

Together, Lorie and Mark are working on a series of books. The next book, Ew A. Bug, is a story about a little bug who just wants to fit in like everyone else. Her third book, which she is currently working on, is entitled, Pete the Puddle Magnet. All of these books are recommended by Lorie, a French immersion teacher at Claude D. Taylor School in Riverview, for children ranging from kindergarten to Grade 3

When Bad Things Happen can be purchased from Lorie and Marc, and will be appearing on the shelves of local bookstores soon.
Lorie Little presenting a cheque to the Relay for Life Co-op Atlantic Representative in June 2006.

Magnetic Hill Zoo - March 2nd, 2006


The Magnetic Hill Zoo was pleased to welcome Claude D. Taylor School from Riverview, N.B., and Edith Cavell School in Moncton, N.B. to their launch event.

The students from School District #2 arrived at 9:15 a.m. and were greeted by Arlene Reade (Moncton Launch organizer) and volunteers from Moncton City Hall. Students enjoyed a slide show presentation title Get to Know the Wildlife in your own Backyard by Moncton naturalist, Jim Edsall. Les Sampson from Environment Canada followed with a presentation on the protection of Endangered Wildlife and Exotic International Species. Following a short break, students enjoyed a "meet and greet" with Magnetic Hill Zoo Education Coordinator, Cathy Smith, and her "slithery critters."¬Ý

For the afternoon, students broke off into two groups and workshops were presented by local children's author, Lorie Somers-Little who did an "idea web" with the kids and provided some pointers on good writing techniques, followed by art workshops by local artist Marc Little.¬Ý

The students were all provided with sketch tablets, construction paper tablets, crayons, pencils, etc. to take home with them courtesy of Wal-Mart.
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