The rhyming nonfiction picture book ‘Boats Can’t Jump: The Story of The Soo Locks’ is the first children’s book to ever be published on the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie, MI.
It was also the first book Laura Barens had ever written.
“I was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie,” Barens said. “Both grandfathers were founders of the CC Hall: Christopher Columbus Italian-American Society in the early 1900’s. My father was a big inspiration. This book is dedicated to him.”
Domenic Antonelli took his curious daughter to the Soo Locks several times as a young child.
“My father was the kind of dad who read to me every night before I would go to sleep,” said Barens. “To some, the Soo Locks were just there and it just really wasn't that big of a deal. My dad was very interested in things. He wanted us to learn all about the local area.”
Barens learned everything she could from her dad growing up, eventually marrying and raising children of her own. Some of her favorite memories with them were visiting the Soo Locks.
“My son is an engineer,” she said with a chuckle. “The first time I took him on the boat tour he was seven. He spent the whole time in the engine room talking to the captain. We still laugh about that.”
Barens worked at Holt Public Schools as a secretary and librarian for years leading up to retirement on March 1, 2019. She had some extra time on her hands and an urge to instill knowledge through written work.
“I realized there were no children’s books written on the locks,” Barens said.
She proposed the idea to Les Townsend of Island Books and Crafts. He thought it was a fabulous thought.
Barens went out searching for an illustrator. She found freelance cartoonist and illustrator Don Lee of Toledo.
“It is a fun read and the illustrations are amazing,” said Barens. “Everything is perfect. It is a fun, informative read. I am getting amazing feedback.”
‘Boats Can’t Jump: The Story of The Soo Locks’ starts at the very beginning, before the Soo Locks event existed. It includes a glossary, fun facts, and timeline.
The book was published, printed, and ready for sale on Nov. 1.
“I ordered 420, and I only have 100 left,” said Barens. “I am doing a second printing.”
Townsend has already sold out. Barens should have a shipment delivered to the bookstore sometime this week.
In the meantime, good friend Laurie Jarvie of Field & Forage Gift Shop on Portage Avenue has some additional copies available for purchase.
Barens visited the Soo Locks Children’s Museum for ARToons on Saturday, Nov. 12, where she hosted a book signing.
“We had a great turn out,” she said, having donated a percentage of the proceeds to the museum.
Barens plans to be back in the Sault this June for the annual Soo Locks open house, where she will meet and greet the many fans of ‘Boats Can’t Jump: The Story of The Soo Locks.’
It is the first of more stories written by Laura Barens and illustrated by Don Lee. Currently, Barens is working on a children's book about freighters.
If unable to make it to Field & Forage Gift Shop or Island Books and Crafts, purchase ‘Boats Can’t Jump: The Story of The Soo Locks' online, here.
