Banff, Alta., May 7, 2019: A children’s book that takes kids on patrol in Canada’s rugged Rocky Mountains goes on pre-sale today. ‘Rocky Mountain Rangers: Guardians of the Wild’ is based on the music of Alberta band, The Wardens, with illustrations by award-winning artist Lia Golemba.
The book can be ordered on Kickstarter with a pledge of $20 or more. It will be printed in June and mailed in July.
The Rocky Mountain Rangers picture book aims to bring the majesty of the Rockies to kids across Canada, inspire a love of the outdoors, and pride in our natural heritage.
“We were approached by two moms from the Airdrie area, who wanted to adapt our songs into kids’ books,” says retired National Park Warden Bradley Bischoff.
“Getting children reading – we’re behind that 100 per cent. It’s an investment in their future and ours,” says Bischoff, lead vocalist for The Wardens, a trio based out of Banff National Park, whose songs arise from the very land they’ve protected for 60+ years.
The illustrations are based on actual photos of the Wardens at work in the mountain national parks.
“You can’t ask for a better subject matter,” says the book’s illustrator Lia Golemba. The Airdrie artist hand-carved each two-page spread, made individual prints with ink and paper, then scanned and digitally colorized the images.
“It’s a celebration of Alberta’s natural beauty and our Western way of life, with liberal doses of art, rhyming verse, and humour,” says Golemba, who holds dual degrees in design and education.
The book was inspired by a four-year-old from Carstairs, Alta., who’s obsessed with cowboys and horses. When his mother couldn’t find him many contemporary Canadian books, she decided to publish her own.
“He’s been singing these songs by The Wardens pretty much since he could talk,” says Ayesha Clough, a former CBC News reporter and editor. “I’m so excited to get this first Rocky Mountain Rangers book in kids’ hands, and then hopefully do a couple more.”
The group hopes to raise $20,000 towards the cost of printing and distribution, art and supplies, writing and editing. Pre-order Rocky Mountain Rangers: Guardians of the Wild at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/redbarnbooks/rocky-mountain-rangers-guardians-of-the-wild until June 5, 2019.
