Picture a Canadian storyteller who turned a knack for crafting toys and tales into a treasure trove of children’s books—meet Marthe Jocelyn! Born in Toronto in 1956, this award-winning author has penned nearly fifty books, from whimsical picture books to gripping young adult novels, earning accolades like the prestigious Vicky Metcalf Award. Her stories, steeped in historical charm and clever mysteries, invite young readers to explore worlds both familiar and fantastical.
Jocelyn’s journey to literary stardom is as colorful as her collage-filled picture books. With a career that spans toy design and storytelling, she’s a master at sparking imagination. Let’s dive into her life, works, and the magic she weaves for readers of all ages!
The Making of Marthe Jocelyn
Born in Toronto and raised in Stratford, Ontario, Marthe Jocelyn grew up surrounded by creativity. As a teenager, she ventured to a Quaker boarding school in England, where she discovered the thrill of reinventing herself in a new world. This taste for adventure led her to New York City, where she spent thirty years raising two daughters, Hannah and Nell, and running Jesse Design, a toy and clothing firm. It was reading to her daughters that ignited her passion for children’s literature, prompting her to write her first book, The Invisible Day, in her early forties.
Jocelyn’s diverse experiences—from crafting puppets as a child to designing toys as an adult—shaped her unique storytelling voice. Her love for the arts and her daughters’ imaginations became the foundation for a career that celebrates curiosity and resilience.
Marthe Jocelyn’s Unforgettable Stories
Jocelyn’s bibliography is a vibrant tapestry of genres, from picture books to historical fiction and mysteries. Her debut, The Invisible Day (1997), follows ten-year-old Billie, who gains invisibility and navigates New York City’s challenges, inspired by Jocelyn’s daughter yearning for independence. This playful yet poignant tale set the tone for her ability to blend humor with heart.
Mable Riley: A Reliable Record of Humdrum, Peril & Romance (2004), a fictional diary of a 1901 schoolgirl, won the inaugural TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. Its rich historical setting and spirited protagonist showcase Jocelyn’s knack for bringing the past to life. Similarly, The Body Under the Piano (2020), the first in her Aggie Morton mystery series, reimagines a young Agatha Christie solving crimes with wit and courage, earning a Governor General’s Award nomination. Her picture book Sam Sorts (2017), with its clever exploration of organization, landed on the USBBY Outstanding International Books List, proving her versatility across age groups.
Jocelyn’s style is marked by inventive narratives, emotional depth, and a sharp understanding of human nature. Whether through collage illustrations or intricate prose, she crafts stories that resonate with humor, tragedy, and hope, often reflecting her own experiences as a mother and artist.
Why Marthe Jocelyn Matters
Marthe Jocelyn’s impact on children’s literature lies in her ability to make history and human emotions accessible to young readers. Her books, like A Home for Foundlings, illuminate forgotten stories, such as the lives of 18th-century orphans, while her mysteries inspire critical thinking and curiosity. Awards like the Vicky Metcalf for Literature for Young People (2009) recognize her as an inspiration to Canadian youth, blending artistry with storytelling to foster imagination.
Her collaborations with her daughter Nell and late husband Tom Slaughter highlight her commitment to family and creativity, making her work a bridge between generations. Jocelyn’s stories encourage readers to find magic in the everyday, leaving a legacy of wonder and discovery.
- Born: 1956, Toronto, Canada
- Key Works: Mable Riley, The Body Under the Piano, Sam Sorts
- Awards: Vicky Metcalf Award (2009), TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award (2005)
Snag The Body Under the Piano and dive into Marthe Jocelyn’s enchanting world of mysteries and heartwarming tales!