Audio book/fundraiser honours Pit Pony author

Pit Pony was made into a movie and television series. Barkhouse was recently awarded the Order of Nova Scotia for her significant contribution to children’s literature.

In celebration of Barkhouse’s achievements, a team of volunteers will produce an audio version –a talking book – of Pit Pony. Narrator is well-known actor, Richard Donat, who played the role of Willie’s father in the Pit Pony movie. Donat narrated Frank Parker Day’s novel, Rockbound, winner of Canada Reads Contest in 2005. Ellen Page, nominated for an Academy Award as Best Actress in 2008 for her role in the movie Juno, launched her acting career in the Pit Pony television series. Page played the role of Willie’s little sister.

Retired teacher, Marcia Pierce Harding says her favourite part of the school day was reading to the children. As a special tribute to Joyce Killam Barkhouse, she hopes to produce the audio version of Pit Pony at Tim Feswick’s Sound Studio in Summerville.

Donat will read a chapter of Pit Pony at Dr. J.C. Wickwire Academy April 30 to launch a unique fundraiser. Students may purchase and sell the audio version of Pit Pony for a discounted price of $20, $5 of which will be donated to the school to be used to buy new books for classrooms and/or the library.

Barkhouse’s first teaching assignment was in Milton School, Queens Co., Nova Scotia in 1939. She wrote and produced a wonderful play titled No Books For Christmas in order to raise money for much-needed books for her “dear little students.” Barkhouse later taught at Liverpool Academy and has written many stories and several books, including a biography of Dr. Thomas H. Raddall, whom Barkhouse greatly admired.

When she visited Liverpool Academy as a visiting author in 1992, she charmed the children with her warmth and beaming enthusiasm for books. Students loved her novel Pit Pony, the story of Willie MacLean, a young boy forced to work in the dark, rat-infested coal mine to provide financial support for his family. Willie’s miserable plight is made bearable when he befriends a spirited Sable Island pony sentenced to a life of drudgery pulling heavy coal cars. Social issues such as child labour, cruelty to animals, bullying, and loyalty to family are addressed in this heart-warming story. Pit Pony is destined to become a classic.

Audio books are growing in popularity as families realize the joy of sharing a good story. Whether driving in a car, curled up by the fire or rocking on the front porch, young and old enjoy being read to. Talking books are thoughtful gifts. Sharing quality literature with family and friends provides opportunities for discussion and communication.

Bed time stories are among our most treasured memories. Seniors as well as children will enjoy this heart-warming story in audio format.

Residual profits will be used to finance literary project two, an audio version of Beautiful Joe, a young adult novel authored by Margaret Marshall Saunders. Saunders once lived in Milton, Queens County. She penned a story about an abused dog for a Writing Contest sponsored by the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Beautiful Joe was the first Canadian Book to sell more than a million copies. This classic has been translated into several languages.

Harding says she wants to stress members of a team of local volunteers are donating their time and talents, including Greg Tutty, who is designing the promotional materials.