It’s hard not to be a little skeptical about Great Lakes & Rugged Ground. After all, why would an author choose haiku – a very rigid form – to tell the  history of Ontario and hope to capture the attention of children? After opening the book, however, it is equally hard not to be charmed.

To begin with, the watercolour and coloured pencil illustrations by Kasia Charko are stunning. The pictures are evocative and detailed, but also accessible and child-friendly. Each image has several components that lend themselves to further discussion, regardless of whether the milieu is pristine wilderness or a Second World War factory floor.

The haikus themselves, by author/editor Sarah N. Harvey and historian/bookseller Leslie Buffam, are surprising in their intricacy. For example, the text accompanying the Group of Seven describes the watery reflection of autumn trees as “Still lakes mirror a blaze / That does not burn.” Other poems effectively link the past and the present. The haiku about mining in Ontario’s north, for example, reminds us that this blasting is done to make items that produce “jingling / In pocket and purse.”

Some others are, by contrast, almost disappointingly straightforward. The hockey scene is blandly explained with “He shoots! He scores! Yay!” This is rather dull compared to earlier, richer examples, but perhaps will appeal more to children ready to try reading a page all alone.

The book contains a section explaining how each image and haiku represent part of Ontario’s history, which can help generate discussion. A “Seek and Find” section at the back of the book also enhances the reading experience. Though it’s doubtful whether children can tell Arthur Lismer from Tom Thompson, they will certainly enjoy finding the puppy, water lilies, and snapping turtle.

Despite its seemingly unpromising premise, Great Lakes & Rugged Ground is perfect for introducing kids to a subject often thought to be dry and boring.