A series of 10 comics about 11-year-old Chase Superman Duffy is bringing the wonder of growing things to Alberta students.
Chase is featured in a series of graphic novels that combines science, fantasy, mystery and adventure for readers eight to 12 years old.
In each story, Chase visits his grandfather’s central Alberta farm and practises his track and field skills in the canola field. At the same time, he explores with friends and learns about canola, insects, soil, biodiesel, weather, water, biotechnology and growing food.
The books have been released at Aggie Days, the Calgary Stampede and small farming communities where children receive free copies and are invited to brainstorm with author Dawn Ius and illustrator James Grasdal to build more adventures for the character.
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Each book run started with 5,000 copies but the first few in the series have been reprinted, said Ius, who started the project with the Alberta Canola Producers Commission five years ago.
She said they are suitable for all children because farm children often don’t know much more about farming than what happens on their home place.
“A lot of kids don’t see much beyond those yellow fields,” said Ius.
The books offer easy to understand concepts that also fit in with the Alberta Education science and English curriculum.
“There’s not a lot of agriculture centred books for kids that are entertaining and educational,” said Grasdal.
The books are available for schools and educational purposes at no cost.
For more information, visit www.learncanola.ca or www.fieldsofhome.blogspot.com.
This month, Aggie Days in Calgary hosted more than 10,000 children and offered interactive activities about Alberta agriculture.
Contact barbara.duckworth@producer.com
