Florence and Leon have never met.

Florence is a swimming instructor. She has a small problem with her lungs: it's as if she's breathing through a straw. Leon is an insurance salesman. He has a small problem with his eyes: it's as if he's seeing the world through a straw. One day Florence and Leon bump into each other, literally, and this mishap turns their lives upside down. Over slushy drinks with proper straws, Florence and Leon find out how their differences make them alike.

Award-winning Qu&eacuteb&eacutecois author Simon Boulerice is a playwright, novelist, poet and children's book author. His picture book Florence & L&eacuteon (Qu&eacutebecAm&eacuterique, published as Florence & Leon in English by Orca) was nominated for the 2016 Governor General's Award for French-language children's illustration. Inspired by the power of the imagination, Simon believes in the gift of time to let your mind wander...because you never know what it will come up with.

Simon Boulerice's profile page

Delphie Côté-Lacroix is an illustrator working from Montreal, Quebec. Her work has received several awards over the years, including the Governor General’s Literary Award for best illustrated book. She often illustrates texts addressing sensitive subject matters or important social issues. She believes it is the artist’s responsibility to contribute to the collective narrative and to do so with nuance and complexity. Her style can be recognized by her limited color palette, her use of soft textures and simple compositions.

Delphie Côté-Lacroix's profile page

• Short-listed, The Prix Albertine Jeunesse, 9 - 14
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens
• Nominated, Prix Alvine-Belisle
• Nominated, Prix littéraire du Gouverneur Général: littérature jeunesse de langue française- livres illustrés