The children's book was a 12-year project for Larissa Muirhead. (Submitted photo/Larissa Muirhead)

By Derek Cornet

passion project

‘Love letter to the land’: Muirhead publishes children’s book

Mar 31, 2025 | 5:00 PM

A passion project which began almost 12 years ago has cumulated in the publishing of a illustrated book called Along the Forest Path by Larissa Muirhead.

“It’s a children’s book written about the plants within the boreal forest that I grew up with and learned about with the help from Indigenous Elders that I have been so privileged to work with,” she said.

“It’s taken me kind of a long time to bring it to fruition, but this is the year I made that happen.”

Muirhead described the book, which she recommends for new readers up to the age of 12, as just like going on a walk through the forest. There is no main character and the book is written in a poetic style.

As the book progresses, it moves through different seasons and educates the reader on what specific plants are called and their various uses.

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“I’m really wanting to inspire the next generation of kids to get outside and love these spaces,” she remarked.

“It’s kind of a like a love letter to the land. I love this place so much, the plants and the environment that we have surrounded ourselves with growing up in the North here and I want to share that with the kids. I want them to see it is special and it holds more than just being a plant on the ground. There’s medicine there, there’s opportunity to get to know different plants and spaces. I just want kids to love this place so much and, in turn, be the next group of protectors for these spaces.”

The book was written for Muirhead’s daughter Violet to whom she wanted to gift it for Christmas. It was self-published and printed on 100 per cent recycled paper by Manitoba-based FriesenPress. Muirhead created all the watercolours and she edited the book herself.

On April 5 at 1:30 p.m., Muirhead will be at La Ronge’s Alex Robertson Public Library to do an author reading. Those interested in purchasing a copy can do so at the event or they can pick one up at Robertson Trading.

In addition, copies can be purchased by reaching out to Muirhead via email at clmuirhead@hotmail.com.

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com