Description
Book SynopsisBorn in 1914, Joe Purdon was one of North America’s early conservationists. After stumbling as a child upon a cluster of Showy Lady’s Slippers in bloom, Joe dedicated his life to protecting these rare orchids. In this picture book, award-winning author and illustrator Ian Wallace depicts how Joe Purdon became a steward of a fragile piece of land in Eastern Ontario. Thanks to his passion, diligence and generosity, the Purdon Conservation Area (now part of the Mississippi Valley Conservation Area) was established in 1982. It is home to one of the largest colonies of Showy Lady’s Slippers in North America.
Trade ReviewWhile kids today are sometimes exhorted to 'act locally' to help the environment, here’s an example of a boy who made his mark as naturalist by doing just that. * Booklist *
This exquisitely illustrated picture book . . . introduces young readers to the concept of conservation and emphasizes that one person can make a difference. * School Library Journal *
An exquisitely illustrated true story . . . The Slippers' Keeper honors this amazing legacy. * Children's Bookwatch *
Ian Wallace is one of the grand masters on the Canadian picture book scene. . . . The text includes much detail about the Lady’s Slipper, itself, and about Purdon’s efforts to nurture its survival. * CM Magazine *
