A Portage la Prairie woman is turning memories of her rural upbringing into a heartfelt children’s book that’s capturing imaginations and celebrating the simple joys of farm life. Brenda Solomon explains she never expected anyone, besides her family, to see the book.
“It was just meant to be a bit of a memory. I started it out as a little project for my grandkids, my kids, and a few of my family members, and it grew into something a little bit bigger,” Solomon says.
The calf who inspired it all
The story follows a calf named Scrounger who, in a true story, was born on the farm, rejected by its mother, and bottle-fed by Solomon and her family. The tale reflects the experience of raising animals and the grounded, connected living that Solomon fondly recalls.
“I just wanted to write a story about a simpler life and my experiences as a young child on the farm. It was such a time of simplicity, no cell phones or kids being run to activities every night. I think it teaches us a lot about life and struggles. Even though you can be bullied as a cow, you can get through it.”
Childhood roots
For Solomon, the heart of Scrounger isn’t just the story of a calf, but a tribute to the childhood that shaped her. She reflects on the deep impact of growing up in an age filled with fresh air, freedom, and adventures that didn't have a price tag.
“The beginning is about my sister and me being raised on the farm, building forts and riding bikes with the sounds of the meadowlark. That's how my sister and I were raised; sometimes we take those things for granted. I wanted to throw that in there about how much those memories and experiences mean to kids. They don't have a cost to them - it's just about living in the day-to-day simple experiences the world has to offer when we look for them.”
Nostalgic nods to the community
While Scrounger is rooted in personal experience, Solomon added nods to the wider community, including a reference to the Gladstone Age Press, the hometown newspaper she remembers dearly.
“My childhood was on a farm outside of Gladstone, and it was an amazing community. The Gladstone Age Press was a paper that I so clearly remember. People would give their stories to be told, about their kids coming home for Christmas or a special occasion. It’s such a warm, welcoming, and amazing community that I wanted to capture in the book.”
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Honouring a legacy
Her family still owns half a section of land near Gladstone, where they continue raising cattle and spending time outdoors—something she hopes will continue for generations.
“My dad is 91 this year, and though he’s in Gladstone Manor now, he still owns land out there. My sister and I will pick him up this summer and drive him around to look at the cattle. That was such an important part of his life. I don't ever remember being a child and not having cattle. To keep that legacy alive and that vision of the land, raising cattle in springtime with the baby calves, is a pretty amazing time. We're very fortunate and blessed to be able to take our grandkids out there."
A classroom moment to remember
Solomon recently had the opportunity to read Scrounger to her granddaughter’s kindergarten class. Unsure whether the slightly longer story would hold their attention, she quickly found reassurance.
“The book is a little long for a kids' story book. I had to remove about 6 pages, but there was just nothing else I felt I could cut out. It was supposed to be a little story for my grandkids, so I didn't worry too much about the length, but the kids seemed engaged right to the end, so I was happy about that. There were some questions at the end, and some farm children in the class, so it was rewarding for me.”
Bringing the story to life
What started as a simple keepsake for her grandchildren gradually became a larger undertaking. Solomon credits Mayfair Printing for helping to bring the farm, its animals, and her childhood memories to life.
“I have to give a huge bouquet to the gang. I worked with Madisyn to do the illustrations. It wouldn't have happened if it weren't for them.”
Thanks to their collaboration, the farm and its characters live vividly on the pages of her book, just as Solomon remembers them.
Scrounger lives on
As for the real-life Scrounger, Solomon says they still have the loveable girl on the land they own, and she is doing well.
"She's pregnant and due anytime in May. We're excited to see her new baby soon!”
For Solomon and her family, Scrounger isn’t just a children’s book—it’s a love letter to the land, the lessons, and the legacy of a life well-lived on the farm.
Copies of Scrounger are available through Solomon’s daughter. Those interested in purchasing a copy can reach her directly at 204-870-0229.