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Miriam Körner designed and created the illustrations for the book. (submitted photo/Miriam Körner)
picture book

Körner releases new book focusing on environmental sustainability

Nov 28, 2022 | 2:55 PM

A new book by Miriam Körner is described as an environmental fable that raises questions for people of all ages.

Fox and Bear was officially released earlier this month and it’s a story revolving around a fox and a bear who live together in the woods. The two live happily in the forest together until Fox decides to make life more productive and efficient. When Fox’s inventions set off events that complicate life in unexpected ways, Bear is faced with a difficult decision.

“Basically, Fox and Bear destroy the forest in which they live and have to deal with the consequences,” Körner said.

Körner came up with the story while questioning how people can relate to the environment, especially when it comes to the clearcutting that’s happening in northern Saskatchewan.

The entire process of putting the book together took about a year, while illustrations alone took eight months. The illustrations are made from recycled or reused paper Körner collected.

“When I started doing it, I didn’t want to use paper that comes from the very forest I was trying to protect, so I was wondering if there was any other way I can do art and I decided why not just go to the recycle place and pick up different coloured papers and cardboards that people have discarded and try to do something with that,” she explained.

A book launch will be held Dec. 3 at Alex Robertson Public Library. (submitted image/Miriam Körner)

“It was a lot more work than I expected, but I think it was very effective. I think people are really impressed by seeing all of the detail that was put in. Every single leaf is cut out of cardboard. The little invention that Fox and Bear made is assembled and put together using recycled and reused paper. I think it turned out like I imagined in it.”

Körner will host a book launch for Fox and Bear on Dec. 3 at La Ronge’s Alex Robertson Public Library at 2 p.m. She will be launching her book alongside Saskatoon’s Elizabeth Bekolay who will be reading from Nature’s Apprentices: The Magic of the Peatlands.

Fox and Bear can be purchased at Robertson Trading Ltd., the Lac La Ronge Visitor Centre, as well as online and at independent bookstores.

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @saskjourno

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