Review by Lauren Benson
Tundra Books, 2023
32 Pages, Hardcover, $24.99 CAD, 9781774881248
Ages 5-7
Non-Fiction, Biography
From I’ll Believe in You to Yer Not The Ocean, The Tragically Hip ABC artfully captures the spirit of The Tragically Hip’s discography and legacy.
The book journeys through the alphabet with a Hip song title for each letter. Illustrators Clayton Hanmer, Julia Breckenried, Bridget George, and Monika Melnychuck beautifully accompany the text with whimsical scenes of friendly animals as they depict different parts of Canada’s landscapes. Children can listen to The Tragically Hip’s discography for added context but will certainly be captivated by various illustrative styles and scenes alone. The Tragically Hip ABC is filled with Canadian iconography reflective of the various backgrounds of its illustrators, too, from snowmobiles trekking the tundra to a warm summer night on a Canadian lake. These thoughtful illustrations reunite the Hip’s song with their audience. Subtle nods to lead singer Gord Downie, such as a recurring image of his iconic feathered hat and Jaws T-shirt, can be found throughout the book as well. Though they may be unknown to a child, they are a fun Easter egg that will speak to the true Hip fan.
The story is a unique twist on classic alphabet books, adding excitement and whimsy to learning the alphabet with an adult fan of the Hip. Though some letters may require explanation, they capture the essence of The Tragically Hip. Further, this book successfully encapsulates a broad snapshot of the group’s multi-decade career, referencing the band’s early works such as Little Bones, to top hits like Ahead By A Century, and some of the Hip’s final works including Goodnight Attawapiskat. There is intentionality in the selection of songs chosen to represent The Hip alphabet.
The narrative language is simple: “A is for Ahead By A Century, B is for Bobcaygeon, C is for Courage …” and easy for readers of all ages to digest. The simple text allows for the song titles to stand on their own without being cluttered by asides or tidbits, and the accompaniment of the illustrations fills the space created by the limited text.
The book concludes with a short synopsis of The Tragically Hip’s journey and names its band members and works. It also includes a brief biography from each illustrator and their background, reflecting how the illustrations encapsulate a variety of perspectives and imaginations. The Tragically Hip ABC is a visually stunning tribute to one of Canada’s most iconic bands of all time that can be enjoyed by both young and old fans alike.
Lauren Benson is pursuing her interests in journalism and literature at the University of British Columbia, focusing on a major in English with an emphasis on Literature and Language. Lauren particularly loves historical fiction, literature with a coastal context, and autobiographies about strong women throughout history.
YOUNG ADULTING 