Brock and Becca: Chill Out In Churchill

By Lois W. Marlatt

Brock and Becca traveled to Churchill, Manitoba on the shore of Hudson Bay. It is the polar bear capital of the world. There are more bears in that area than anywhere else. The bears and the wolves often come into town looking for food, so there are people with guns protecting the town. If a bear won’t leave, they put it to sleep with a tranquilizer gun and when it wakes up, it is in the bear jail. Brock and Becca went on a dog sled ride, and Brock went out on to the tundra in a buggy with his dad. It was there he saw at least a dozen polar bears. The children enjoyed the natives’ tall tales and what they learned about the animals living in the area.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Books for Pleasure
• Release date: Sep 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781553490982

Book preview

BROCK AND BECCA

CHILL OUT

IN

CHURCHILL

Written by Lois W. Marlatt

Illustrated by Gil Agis

Copyright Lois W. Marlatt 2010

All rights reserved

ISBN: 978-1-555349-098-2

Published by Books for Pleasure at Smashwords

CHAPTER 1

I’m hungry, I shouted as I raced toward the kitchen.

Simmer down, Mom said as she caught me and gave me a quick hug. I have some hot chocolate for you and your sister.

Can’t I have a sandwich?

No. Not today. I have a special supper cooking and I want you to enjoy it.

At that moment my sister Becca came into the kitchen. She had her doll Krissy in her arms. She is such a sissy.

What are we having for supper? I asked Mom.

We’re having a roast of pork, with mashed potatoes, carrots, and green beans.

That’s like a Sunday supper, I said. Why are we having a Sunday supper on Friday?

You’re just too clever, Brock, Mom said as she laughed. I have something to talk over with your dad, but first I want him well-fed and happy.

Did you put a dent in the car? That was the first thing that came into my mind.

Mom laughed again.

No dear, I didn’t. There is just something I would like your dad to do, and I thought if he was feeling good he might be more likely to do it. I don’t want either of you to say anything about the supper, or my plans.

I won’t, I answered, but Becca might.

Becca stuck out her tongue at me.

I guessed that meant she too would not say anything.

You get started at your homework, Brock, Mom said, and Becca you can help me set the table.

I went up to my room, but was back downstairs when Dad arrived.

I’m home, he shouted as soon as he was in the house.

He came through to the kitchen.

Something smells good in here, he said as he kissed Mom, hugged Becca, and mussed my hair.

Supper will be ready in ten minutes, Mom said. You kids wash your hands, and by that time we’ll be ready to eat.

I was the first one to get to the table, and Dad and Becca were right behind me.

Dad took one look at all the good food on the table and asked Mom if she had dented the car. We men must think alike.

No, Mom replied. I just thought it would be nice to have a roast for supper.

It was a good supper. We ate, and talked, and ate some more until everyone was full and feeling very contented.

Then Mom brought out the homemade apple pie and ice cream.

I managed to eat dessert.

Dad was sipping his coffee. He put the cup down and looking at Mom, he said, It’s confession time. What did you do, or not do?

Even Becca started to pay attention.

Well, Mom said, "I have been reading and hearing a lot about the polar bears in the far north.

Did you know the newspapers are full of stories about them becoming extinct because of global warming? I know it won’t be in my lifetime, but it is a horrible thought.

My teacher said our Prime Minister was going to Churchill, Manitoba to see the bears, I butt in.

Yes, that’s right, Mom agreed. I have been thinking that we should also go to Churchill.

She said it so quickly I wasn’t sure I had heard correctly.

Dad spoke up before I could. I don’t think I can get any holidays at Christmas time.

He was thinking about Becca and me being in school.

Mom shook her head. I was thinking about going in mid October.

Dad was surprised.

You hate to take the kids out of school, he said. Now you’re talking about taking them out when they will have only been back for about six weeks.

I think it’s important, Mom said. I’m just not sure if we can get a guide and all the other things we need to book at this late date.

Well, I could get a week off in October, Dad said, but I’m not sure I want to. You are asking me to leave our lovely fall weather to head north into the cold and snow, just on the chance that we might see a polar bear. He paused. Well, see what you can do. If you think it is that important, I will go.

Mom smiled. If I can arrange this trip, I know there will be at least two dozen polar bears for us to see.

She turned to look at Becca and me. You two are not supposed to say anything to anybody until we see if we are going.

Becca and I crossed our hearts, and each of us said, I won’t.

I knew it would be a hard promise to keep.

Mom got busy on the computer that night.

I’ll have to wait until Monday to get someone on the telephone, she said as she finally shut the computer down.

Nothing more was mentioned about the trip until after supper on Monday night.

Mom was loading the dishwasher when Dad got out the atlas. From that, I knew he believed she was going to make the trip happen. Brock, can you find Winnipeg, Manitoba for us? he asked.

It took me awhile, but I found it.

Now Becca, he said, I want you to go north from Winnipeg until you come to a large body of water called Hudson Bay.

Even Becca knew that north was toward the top of the page.

"Okay, Brock, you find Churchill for us. It is close to where Becca