A whimsical exploration of Vancouver’s favourite family landmark, filled with gorgeous illustrations and fascinating facts.

Granville Island ABC is a visual treasure hunt that invites families to explore the sights, sounds, and smells of this exciting arts and culture destination. With fun (and mostly free) discoveries for every letter of the alphabet—from buskers to houseboats, industrial relics to parks, seawalls to turtles—this book is the perfect companion to a family outing. With interesting facts, a detailed map, a historical timeline, and text that fosters observation and entertainment, it is sure to appeal to locals and tourists alike. Its whimsical illustrations contain hidden details and capture Granville Island’s unique mix of industrial and artistic, historical and modern, urban and wild.

Alison Kelly is a playwright, actor, writer, and theatre instructor. She is best known as one of the writers and performers of the award-winning, internationally acclaimed play Mom’s The Word, and the sequels, Mom’s the Word 2: Unhinged, Mom’s The Word: For Crying Out Loud, Mom’s The Word: Nest 1/2 Empty, and, upcoming, Mom’s The Word: Let’s Talk Turkey. Her essay “Present Imperfect” appears in the Canadian bestseller Between Interruptions. Granville Island ABC is her first book for families and young audiences.

Alison Kelly's profile page

Linda Sharp is an artist and set designer who holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Alberta. She works in fabric and paint, using oilsticks to capture movement and visual energy. Linda volunteers with North Vancouver Community Players and Theatre West Van, designing graphics and painting sets. She is the illustrator of the bestselling book The Grizzlies of Grouse Mountain, by Shelley Hrdlitschka and Rae Schidlo.

Linda Sharp's profile page

“Stunning art. Playful clues. Evocative descriptions and hidden surprises. Granville Island ABC is an absolute delight!”
—Shelley Hrdlitschka, author of The Grizzlies of Grouse Mountain: The True Adventures of Coola and Grinder

“This sweet little book is a delight! For the kids, it is simple and impactful, for the grown-ups it is full of great information! A true keepsake and gem!”
—Robert ""Lucky"" Budd, co-author (with Roy Henry Vickers) of the Northwest Coast Legends Series and A Is for Anemone: A First West Coast Alphabet

"Granville Island ABC will likely have some appeal to people local to Vancouver or who have visited. It is full of interesting information and has some beautiful images."
—CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Granville Island ABC is full of charming illustrations and ideas inspired by the attractions of the well-loved island; this is a fun guide to the Island for anyone with a child.”
—Jane Shackell, former Trustee, Granville Island Trust"

“P is for parking. Clearly, Alison sees far beyond where to leave the car and has lovingly shared the mystery and history of one of Vancouver's most visited attractions, in this colourful, family-friendly tribute to an island in a city.”
—Geoffrey Kelly, Spirit of The West