The First Ones on the Ice

For fans of When the Moon Comes, a gentle winter story about a brother and sister and the simple beauty of their neighbourhood outdoor rink, inspired by the author's hometown of St. Stephen, New Brunswick.

My brother and I are the luckiest kids in town.We start the path. We'll get there first. On a quiet winter morning, before the sun has fully risen, a brother and sister set out with their skates. They spend the day on the icy pond behind their house-clearing the snow, skating with the crowd of neighbourhood kids, and cheering on the local hockey team, who play until the sun begins to set. Finally, under the moon and stars, the siblings once again have the ice to themselves. Inspired by the author's childhood memories of growing up in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, this nostalgic and beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates community, family, and the joy of playing outside. Atmospheric, nostalgic, and full of winter fun, the debut picture book by mixed-Cree journalist, book reviewer, and podcast host Lindsay Gloade-Raining Bird is a celebration of Indigenous joy and childhood wonder. Features warm, colourful artwork rendered in traditional gouache and coloured pencil from debut illustrator Ashley Thimot.