Carol L. MacKay, Writer
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Lily in the Loft was illustrated by Saskatchewan artist, Val Moker.
You can learn more about Val and her art at External link opens in new tab or windowwww.valmoker.com.

 





About Lily in the Loft

Frances loves to write, especially in her favourite spot—the barn loft! Encouraged by her aunt, she sends a poem to The Western Producer, hoping it will be chosen for the Young Co-operators' Club pages—a section of the newspaper just for young writers like her. And she waits ... and she waits.
Will the newspaper editor ever print her poem?


Lily in the Loft is a  heartwarming story about patience, perseverance, and the joy of seeing one's dreams become real. It's an excellent selection to celebrate National Poetry Month each April, inspiring young readers to explore their own creativity through poetry.


Published by YNWP (Regina, SK)

ISBN: 978-1-927756-91-1

Format: 32 pages, 10 x 8

$14.95 (softcover)


Suitable for ages 6-10. and perfect for classrooms, libraries, and family reading time.


Available online from External link opens in new tab or windowIndigo.ca or through your usual library supplier or local bookstore.


Also available through External link opens in new tab or windowYour Nickel's Worth Publishing.








The reviews are in!

 

This is a book that young readers will enjoy for its historical elements, lovely illustrations, and relatable childhood story" – Rated “E” for excellent.  

- Resource Links Magazine

 

 

If you’ve ever wanted to buy a children’s book that educates, captivates and inspires your little ones about farm life and writing, this is the book.

– Christalee Froese, The Western Producer, Review, “Farm girl’s writing aspirations bound to kindle memories."

 

 

 This story highlights an important piece of creative history in the Canadian Prairies.

-Sabrina Wong, Teaching and Outreach Librarian at Capilano University, North Vancouver, BC, Canadian Materials, Review, "Recommended."

 

 

 An excellent introduction or tie-in to learning about the Canadian prairie. The illustrations of farm life will captivate older elementary students, who can also enjoy Frances' poem featured at the end of the book. 

-Jenna Mlynaruk, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE, Toronto)

 

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About Carol

About Carol


Carol's poems have appeared in literary journals and anthologies in Canada, the US, and Great Britain. She also writes poems and stories for children which frequently appear in children's magazines. She was awarded the 2020 Society of Children's Book Authors & Illustrators (SCBWI) Magazine Merit Award for Poetry. In 2017, her first picture book for children, Lily in the Loft, was published by Your Nickel's Worth Publishing (Regina, SK). It was a finalist in the Next Generation Independent Book Awards in 2019.

Carol's  first full-length collection of poems, Bird, Making No Sound,  was a finalist in the Sunshine Coast Writers and Editors Society (SCWES) Book Awards in 2024.

Her poem, "Nature Changes" appears in the Convergent/Random House anthology, Bless the Earth: A Collection of Poetry for Children to Celebrate and Care for Our World (2024).



 


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Email: Carol@CarolMacKay.com



Copyright 2026 Carol L. MacKay


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