Discover the joy of reading with Book Clubs and Book Fairs
Discover the joy of reading with Book Clubs and Book Fairs
What inspired you to tell Terry Fox’s story through the alphabet format?
Denise Dias: I wanted to create an entry point for young readers to discover Terry’s story in a way that felt both accessible and memorable. The alphabet format provided a classic and natural framework with each letter serving as a doorway to a key theme, moment, or value connected to Terry’s Marathon of Hope. My hope was that children could learn about Terry not just as an iconic Canadian figure, but as someone whose courage and determination are qualities they can recognize and strive for in their own lives.
How did you decide which words or themes to associate with each letter?
Denise Dias: It was a thoughtful process working closely with my brilliant editor and the team at Scholastic, weaving together Terry’s journey with universal values. Some letters were immediately obvious choices like “C for Courage” while others required more creativity. I wanted every word to do double duty: teaching children vocabulary while also offering a meaningful connection to Terry’s life and legacy. Each theme had to pass a simple test: does it reflect who Terry was, and will it resonate with a young child learning about him for the first time?
Was there a particular letter or word that felt especially meaningful or challenging to write?
Denise Dias: I love J is for joke because it gives us a glimpse into Terry’s personality. Even in the midst of something as remarkable as the Marathon of Hope, he was still a regular young man who loved to joke around with his brother and best friend. It’s such an important reminder that Terry was an ordinary Canadian kid and that anyone can make a difference and achieve something extraordinary.
Is there a particular image in the book that holds special meaning for you?
Noémie Gionet Landry: The most emotional part of the book for me was illustrating the early scenes, when Terry is diagnosed and hospitalized. They were also my favourite to bring to life.
When I’m not illustrating children’s books, I work as a physician. I don’t treat cancer specifically, but the work of the Terry Fox Foundation has touched the lives of many of my patients, directly or indirectly.
How did you balance historical accuracy with storytelling for a young audience?
Denise Dias: We worked with Terry’s family to stay rooted in his real story, drawing on his own words and the details of his journey, and then translated them into age-appropriate language. For example, instead of focusing on cancer research statistics or medical terms, we emphasized feelings, values, and imagery that young children could connect to–things like bravery, teamwork, and determination. The goal was to preserve the truth while presenting it in a way that sparks curiosity and admiration, rather than overwhelming with facts.
How did you approach visually capturing Terry’s spirit and determination?
Noémie Gionet Landry: I began this project by immersing myself in Terry’s life—filling a sketchbook with notes and drawings of him and his family. I did extensive research, from studying photos of Terry’s van to exploring 1970s clothing styles and interior design. Most importantly, I spent a lot of time looking at childhood pictures of Terry and reading everything I could about his story. I think this process helped me capture his spirit. Terry’s story is one that every child in Canada should know, and I’m honoured to have contributed to sharing it through illustration.
How do you hope young readers will connect with Terry’s story today?
Denise Dias: I hope they see themselves in Terry–not in the miles he ran, but in the spirit with which he approached life. Terry showed us that courage doesn’t mean being fearless; it means moving forward even when things are hard. For young readers, his story is a reminder that one person’s actions, no matter how small they may seem at first, can make an enormous difference. If children close the book feeling proud, inspired, and empowered to be kind and courageous in their own way, then it’s done its job.
What do you hope children feel when they see your illustrations?
Noémie Gionet Landry: I hope children feel inspired, curious, and connected. Terry’s story is about determination, kindness, and believing in something bigger than yourself. Through the illustrations, I wanted children to feel both the warmth of Terry’s family life and the enormity of the journey he undertook. My hope is that they see him not just as a hero from the past, but as a real person they can relate to—someone who faced challenges with courage. If the images help even one child believe that they, too, can make a difference, then I feel I’ve done my job.
Get your copy of T is for Terry: An ABC of Courage at Scholastic Book Clubs today! Also available in French.
Noémie Gionet Landry Headshot Image Credit: Jean-Michel Dupuis
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