Airdrie artist Melissa Bruglemans-LaBelle is officially an award winning illustrator for her contribution to the book ‘Flip Flop Flapjack’, which came out in 2023. The book recently won the Children’s & Young Adult Book of the Year Award through the 2024 Alberta Book Publishing Awards.
“This is my first actual endeavour into doing a children's illustrated book,” she said, adding that for her and the book’s author to win the award was very special.
‘Flip Flop Flapjack’ recounts the captivating story of Wildhorse Jack and the inaugural 1923 Calgary Stampede breakfast. The tale was penned by Wildhorse Jack's own granddaughter, Brenda Joyce Leahy, with all illustrations crafted by Bruglemans-LaBelle.
The fact that the story is written about Leahy’s own family, makes the award all the more special, Bruglemans-LaBelle said.
“I'm glad that I had created these characters that [Leahy] seems to have bonded with,” Bruglemans-LaBelle said.
She added that Leahy connected with the depiction of her grandfather as really tall with an outrageous moustache, dark hair, a big wonderful smile, and huge hands.
“She saw him in the character, and then she also saw her mom in the illustration too, so that meant a lot,” Bruglemans-LaBelle said.
The Alberta Book Publishing Awards celebrate the essential role Alberta book publishers play in supporting authors and telling Alberta’s Story, stated a press release from the Book Publishers Association of Alberta.
The awards gala was hosted at the Varscona Theatre in Edmonton, and delegates from across Canada gathered to celebrate the Alberta book publishing industry.
Bruglemans-LaBelle drove up to Edmonton to receive the award and was joined by her mom and dad.
“My dad comes up and he's dressed in his Sunday Best, which you very rarely get a chance to see, and he gives me a bouquet of flowers,” she said. “It felt like graduation.”
She mingled among guests at the gala and added she also spoke with previous Calgary Mayor and current NDP leader Naheed Nenshi.
Bruglemans-LaBelle said winning the award came as a shock as the time had passed since their book was released. She’s currently in between projects and continues to work as an artist, painting for herself and commissioned work.
“I definitely want to continue on doing more of these,” Bruglemans-LaBelle said, adding she was blessed with how the last project came about, as well as its result. “I'm always on the lookout for something like this again or to do more illustrations. Now that I got the taste for it, I really enjoy doing it.”
Bruglemans-LaBelle previously showcased her artistic talent and passion for the Calgary Stampede through adorning local business windows with her art.
Looking for a way to venture into the realm of children’s books, she reached out to book publisher Ayesha Clough from Alberta-based Red Barn Books, who specializes in crafting stories centred around Alberta's historical figures. There she eventually collaborated on Flip Flop Flapjack.
Bruglemans-LaBelle said the book’s message can make a big difference for kids and suggested the story is easy for them to connect with.
Her illustrations bring the characters to life, capturing their genuine expressions and emphasizing the joy that comes from helping others. Through her vivid use of colour and playful scenes depicted, she ensures that readers and children will be captivated by the story's message of sportsmanship and the importance of being a good neighbour.
Those looking to read the book can purchase a copy for $18 on redbarnbooks.ca. ‘Flip Flop Flapjack’ is written for children aged four to seven years old.
*With notes from Marco Palomino
