Imagine starting your day just like you do every day, expecting to see the same old things. But what if one day everything changed? What strange and unusual things do you think you would see?
Let your imagination take over as Max discovers more than just leaves and birds in the trees. On this day he will introduce you to many different fish of all different colours, doing different things, all while sitting in the trees. This is the story of 15 fish sitting in a tree.

Stacey Davidson was raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, growing up in the "P" Patch. She has called Amherstburg, Ontario, home since 1996, where she and her husband Michael have raised their two beautiful children, Rachelle and Katie. Amherstburg is one of the most beautiful places to live, so she is incredibly proud to say that she is from there and to be a part of such an awesome community. Spending time with her family and friends is what makes Stacey happy. Her parents and siblings all reside in the Sault, so much of her vacation time is spent there with her mom and dad, Wayne and Cathie Bishop, and her extended family, including her siblings, Mark, Susan and Richard. Rhyming and riddles have always come easily to Stacey, so she has used this talent to write and to create stories, poems and even road-rally scavenger hunts.

https://www.instagram.com/staceybishopdavidsonauthor/

With an emphasis on creative writing, The Algomian is an online platform that gives emerging and seasoned artists a place to share their work with the world.

The Algomian features poetry, short fiction, creative nonfiction sketches, one-act plays, visual art, music, cartoons, book reviews, and writer’s tips. With a focus on new and emerging voices, the journal aims to provide the Algoma community with a platform to share its art – especially its creative writing – with the world, and for the world to enjoy the inspiring creative talent of this region. Honoring Algoma University’s Special Mission to support the needs of Northern communities and its commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), The Algomian welcomes material from all writers, wherever they are from and whatever their orientation.

The Algomian is brought to you by the Algoma University English & History Department in cooperation with Algoma University Libraries and Scholars Portal.

Tony Robinson-Smith, PhD, Editor.

The author of three travel memoirs, Of Canoes and Crocodiles (2024), The Dragon Run (2017), and Back in 6 Years (2008) and a regular contributor to the online magazine Perceptive Travel, Dr. Tony Robinson-Smith teaches creative, academic, and travel writing at Algoma U.

https://ojs.scholarsportal.info/algoma/algomian

Carey Smith, first time novelist, is from a small Northern Ontario town. With the support of her husband and her 2 adult children creating this fictional actionpacked novel has been on her bucket list and has been a topic of conversation for over 20 years. With her love of crime shows, Carey draws on her personal connection to Northern Ontario in hopes to make the novel as realistic as possible.

Tess, a bank manager, is offered a "special project" which requires her to travel to Chapleau, a remote town in Northern Ontario, which will put her on one of the most dangerous roads in the North. Excited for the challenge, Tess and her bank team are tasked with opening a branch in the small northern town so a local gold company can use the branch as a distribution point to transport their refined gold to the city of Sault Falls. After Tess catches her husband in bed with another woman, she builds a relationship with a younger man named Jake. As Tess and Jake's relationship flourishes, they begin planning a gold heist. This adventure has many twists and turns, and, in the end, their adventure turns to survival.

The route is isolated and lightly travelled throughout its length; while providing access to several remote settlements, the only sizable communities along the route are the two termini.

https://www.amazon.ca/Operation-Highway-129-Carey-Smith/dp/0228835232

The City of Sault Ste. Marie launched Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program, a global initiative designed to foster a love of reading among young children. The program offers free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five, aiming to ignite a lifelong passion for reading and learning. Developing early literacy skills is critical for success in school and building a strong bond with your child that will last a lifetime. This goes beyond just receiving books; it entails investing your time in your child's growth.
 
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library puts books into the hands and hearts of children across the world. These books are personalized with each child’s name and mailed directly to their home to create a gifting experience that makes books exciting and encourages families to spend time enjoying books together. Best of all, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available to all children at no cost to the family.

To be eligible for the program, children must meet the following criteria:
 
• Be between the ages of birth and five years old.
• Live in the City of Sault Ste. Marie.
• Be registered by a responsible adult, such as a parent or guardian.
 
Families in Sault Ste. Marie can enroll their children to receive free books by visiting the official registration page.
 
The success of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in the community relies on the support of local donors. The cost per child is $46 per year and with 3,040 children eligible in Sault Ste. Marie, spots are limited based on the amount of funding received. In its pilot year, it is hoped that additional sponsors or individuals will support the growth of the program so that every child in Sault Ste. Marie has the opportunity to develop a love of reading. To donate visit the Canada Helps donation page. 
 
This initiative is supported by the City of Sault Ste. Marie, the Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie, Kiwanis Club of Sault Ste. Marie, the Zonta Club of Sault Ste. Marie and Avery Construction Ltd.  For more information, visit imaginationlibrary.com.

Ward 3 Councillor Angela Caputo

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you’ll go.”— Dr. Seuss, “I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!”

Joanie & Gary McGuffin are internationally acclaimed explorers, conservationists, photographers, authors, and documentary filmmakers.

Joanie is an explorer, public speaker, educator and one of the founders of the Lake Superior Watershed Conservancy. She is the author of 8 books with her husband Gary. Their first photographic book, Superior: Journeys on an Inland Sea, chronicled their 3-month 1989 circumnavigation of Lake Superior by canoe.

“Lake Superior is the greatest freshwater lake on Earth. Its wolf’s head-shape can be recognized from outer space at the heart of Turtle Island (North America). The Conservancy’s mission was set up to embody the whole watershed – not just a piece of it because water knows only nature’s boundaries. If we can get individuals, communities, businesses, and industries to understand and work together for freshwater protection on Lake Superior, it is hope for the whole planet.”

Gary is a conservation photographer and wilderness explorer, Gary knows the northern Ontario and Great Lakes landscape intimately. He has spent more than 30 years with his wife Joanie travelling in all seasons and sharing their stories through digital media, newsprint, magazines, television, and radio advocating for careful stewardship of our land and waters.

For 15 years, Gary has been championing the watershed of Lake Superior and is a founder of the Conservancy. His most recent photography and research project tracking where the Group of Seven made their famous sketches in northern Ontario, culminated in the production of the film Painted Land: In Search of the Group of Seven. The film highlights one of the Group’s most famous painting regions; the North Shore of Lake Superior.

Gary and Joanie developed the strategy for Trans Canada Trail’s 1000 km/600 mile Lake Superior Water Trail—a project that is being implemented by the Conservancy. Recently Trans Canada Trail officially made the McGuffins National Champions of The Great Trail.

Midnight Warrior: A Poetry Collection For Night Owls (Sabrina's Poetry Growth Book 3)

This poetry collection explores the journey through light and darkness, delving into the process of embracing both aspects within ourselves. It is a testament to the courage of revealing our true selves to society, even when faced with attempts to silence us.

The collection features 26 to 30 poems drawn from past struggles, present reflections, and anticipated future experiences. Although I initially aimed to create a lighter work, a recent descent into the depths of despair led me to a profound realization: to truly inhabit the light, one must also come to terms with their darkness. This revelation ignited a creative spark, pulling me from yet another dark night of the soul and fueling this collection.

Long nights fueled by insomnia, coffee, and the echoes of past addictions, along with the grief of losing a loved one, have become the moments of quiet I cherish. These are the hours when the world expects us to be still, while we find solace and inspiration. This collection is dedicated to fellow poets, writers, and artists who thrive in the stillness of midnight and dream of a world turned upside down just for us.

Though I hope to eventually restore my sleep schedule and move past these rock-bottom experiences, I will continue to seize the opportunity to write about my journey through life. This work represents my current struggle and growth, laying the foundation for the lighter and happier poetry I hope to create in future books.

Skye Smith is a well-known figure in the local community theatre scene, celebrated for her lead performances in productions such as Judy in “White Christmas,” Ulla in “The Producers,” and Bombalurina in “Cats.” Skye’s artistic journey began at Algoma University, where she trained in the music program under the guidance of Agnes McCarthy. She further honed her skills at the Sherry Walsh Academy of Dance Arts, graduating with teacher’s training in Ballet, Jazz, and Tap.
Her versatility as a performer is evident in her extensive experience, which includes numerous Family Life Theatre dinner shows and educational plays that toured to raise awareness about important social issues. Skye’s dedication to using theatre as a tool for social change is a testament to her commitment to the arts and community engagement.
One of Skye’s most notable achievements is the creation of the sold-out Fringe North performance, “Calla.” This dance and performance art piece tackled heavy subject matter such as body image issues, postpartum mental health, and addiction, showcasing Skye’s ability to blend artistic expression with poignant, real-world themes.
Beyond her theatrical accomplishments, Skye is also an enthusiastic home cook and a dedicated yogi. She is a proud mother of two, and her passion for connecting people through good food and the performing arts is evident in all she does. Skye Smith’s multifaceted talents and her commitment to her community make her a beloved and influential figure in the local arts scene.

A. A. Parr is a writer, artist and entrepreneur who calls both Sault Ste. Marie and Toronto home. She holds a Specialised Honours BFA from York University in Theatre (Devised Ensemble Creation; Playwriting) with a double minor in Psychology and Cultural Studies. She is also the Founder and Managing Editor of Type A Media.

Sabrina Marie Cartwright is a writer from Ontario, Canada. She began writing at the young age of thirteen, and has kept up the passion for years. For the first time in October of last year Sabrina has completed her first official novel titled ‘in an instant’, the sequel to that novel was finished shortly after. She has also released a short poetry book with a collection of her poetry works throughout the year; she plans to publish another recent one close to the end of the year.  Sabrina Cartwright is also an advocate for mental illness studying in Social Works and runs her own support group in her hometown. Sabrina writes all sorts of types of books ranging from fantasy to sci-fi and romance; with even a little bit of adventure thrown in.

Karl Armas Tuira was born in Kotka, Finland, and immigrated to Canada in 1951 with his parents and siblings. Karl grew up in the farming community of Sylvan Valley near Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He came to storytelling late in life after a global career as a high tech manager. He has authored three books.

"The Karjala Story" is a combination of a history book and a family saga. Always interested in history, I became impassioned by the history of Karjala, the part of Finland that was lost to Russia in WW II. As there were no books in English (and very few in Finnish) on Karjala, I decided to write and publish a book on the subject. After over five years of research and writing I completed The Karjala Story: Revolution, War, Wonder –the recounting of the history of Karjala from Prehistory to WW II as seen through the eyes of my family.
 
"The Art of Robert-Ralph Carmichael" is an art book - a compendium of the life and works of Robert-Ralph Carmichael - a well noted Canadian surreal, landscape and still life painter; and, the designer of the one dollar Loonie coin.  I grew up in the idyllic old farming community of Sylvan Valley where Bob and his artist wife Gwen set up their home and studio in 1976. I got to know them quite well, and fell in love with Bob Carmichael’s art.  Bob, Gwen and I talked intermittently about doing a book on his art. But it was not until he passed away that Gwen Keatley said, “Ok you must do this book. Bob’s wish in his last years was to be famous”. And so the book came to be.

"How Beautiful Was My Valley" is a light hearted recounting of my boyhood in the magic northern Ontario farming community of Sylvan Valley during the 1950s and '60s.  Included in the book are memories of his initial years living in the inimitable Finnish Canadian wilderness community of Wabos before he moved to The Valley.  The book also showcases images of 27 of Robert-Ralph Carmichael's paintings of Sylvan Valley."

After earning my BA and MBA from the University of Toronto, I held senior positions with high tech companies and management consultancies in Canada, the USA, Australia, and Europe.

Upon retiring I started to write books. Initially I wrote four family history books – one for each of the ancestral lines of my children.

Memoir Of A Sky Warrior is a girl who finds love with someone who she believed to be her soul mate. Magic comes in her life after a dream of the moon talking to her. Her childhood friend passes away and a month after her passing, she gets strike by lightning in her mother’s house on the reserve in Canada. She suffered from electric currents in her body for two weeks and had a spiritual awakening and a North American sweat lodge saved her life. Since being strike by lightning, she’s been in and out of the Psychiatric hospital. She went to Alberta to go soul searching and discovers her gifts that she’s a witch. She cloud gazed during the day and at night and has sight of two dancing stars shaping the clouds. She returns back to Ontario after six months of being on the streets in Calgary. Back home she gets stuck in a realm with snakes and sights of a dragon and seeing her deceased great-grandfather through the window at night. She wakes up from the spiritual realm and becomes suicidal and does get admitted back to the Psychiatric hospital and diagnosed with schizophrenia. She discovers she can’t have kids and is heartbroken over it. She continues walking her healing journey and walks with light, love and hope. She walks two worlds, one of being Anishnaabe and being the first generation witch in her lineage. She learns to balance the both. She shares her gifts, discoveries and culture.