Pictou Bee Press

08/29/2026

For many, Christmas is a time of cheer and cherished customs, but for some it can also bring hardship and hopelessness. Christmas traditions awaken memories of childhood innocence and wonderment even as they stir heartache about people and places that once figured in our lives.

In "A Wondrous Gift: Bittersweet Stories of Christmas Past," author Laurie Stanley-Blackwell shares deeply felt stories—part imagination, part memory, part reflection—exploring our sometimes-complicated relationship with the holiday season. Featuring tender black-and-white spot illustrations by Karen Keddy, Stanley-Blackwell’s insights about love and loss will bring laughter and tears as readers relive their own Christmases past.

"A Wondrous Gift" will be published on 27 October 2026 and can be pre-ordered online from https://nimbus.ca/store/a-wondrous-gift-bittersweet-stories-of-christmas-past.html or by calling 1-800-646-2879 or emailing [email protected]

Also available from:

https://www.indigo.ca/products/a-wondrous-gift-bittersweet-stories-of-christmas-past

https://www.amazon.ca/-/fr/Laurie-Stanley-Blackwell/dp/1774715902

08/28/2026

We so enjoyed meeting the lovely people who stopped by our table at New Glasgow’s Festival of the Tartans. Here are (L-R): Wendy McInnis, Debbi Sobey, Brenda Butler, and Dr. Michael Linkletter.

Thank you, as well, for attending the Gaelic session where Michael and Laurie read the Gaelic and English versions of the Pictou Bee’s two recent Gaelic-English children’s books.

08/27/2026

Our dogs have a bone to pick with us.

We forgot about International Dog Day on August 26th!

The purpose of this special day each year is to encourage adoption, celebrate all breeds, and thank working dogs.

By way of apology to Shiloh and Chelsea, our loyal canine staff members at The Pictou Bee Press, we are posting a photo of them with their favourite book, "My Dog Tank".

This charming Gaelic-English children's book is available from The Pictou Bee Press's online bookshop (https://the-pictou-bee-press.square.site/), which also includes a list of local outlets in Nova Scotia.

08/27/2026

TMR | THROWBACK REVIEW 🎉
AUGUST IS WOMEN IN TRANSLATION MONTH! 📚🌎

💫 August is Women in Translation Month - it is an annual celebration of women writers from around the world, writing in languages other than English. 👉🏽 https://www.womenintranslation.org/witmonth

✨TMR Spotlight Review is on Meeting The New Neighbours/ A’ cur fàilt’ air na Nabaidhean by Laurie Stanley-Blackwell, illustrated by Karen Megronigle and translated into Gaelic by Effie Rankin, reviewed February 2026 by Sue Slade, East Coast Advocate. Published by Pictou Bee Press.

📚”Meeting The New Neighbours/ A’ cur fàilt’ air na Nabaidhean features dual-language text on each of its pages. Gaelic on the top and English on the bottom, separated by the animal or critter that is investigating what type of animal just moved into the barn.

This book is all about perspectives. Each of the curious critters …”

➡️ Sue’s article continues ⬇️
https://miramichireader.ca/2026/02/celebrating-world-read-aloud-day-with-the-pictou-bee-press/

Read MORE with TMR! 👏📚

08/26/2026

08/24/2026

Which is your favourite hat?

Here is Chelsea, one of our loyal employees, modelling our new Pictou Bee Press hats purchased at The Copper Tree at Dayles in Amherst.

Chelsea was somewhat reluctant to pose for the camera. We will have to put something extra in her pay packet this week as a thank you. An extra bone or two perhaps!

Shiloh refused to participate and was more interested in eating the hats than wearing them.

08/19/2026

Haggis season is here!

Meet the rare, kilt-wearing Nova Scotian beastie roaming Pictou and Antigonish Counties, and Cape Breton Island.

"Hanging Out with the Haggis" will delight kids with its humorous story and charming illustrations.

This book was longlisted for the prestigious international Whistler Independent Book Awards WIBA in 2026!

Get your copy now from The Pictou Bee Press's online bookshop (https://the-pictou-bee-press.square.site/), which also includes a list of local outlets in Nova Scotia.

08/15/2026