Like a lot of parents, Steve McKeown could recite his children’s favorite books by heart, reading them so often they became ingrained in his memory. But of all the books in his head, none were about being an electrician, or any other tradesperson.
“My kids often ask about my work and what I do from day to day. That got me thinking about the lack of children’s books about the trades,” the Thunder Bay, Ontario, Local 402 organizer and president said. “As the two ideas coalesced, I started rhyming a few lines, and before I knew it, I had the makings of a book.”
As it turned out, McKeown actually had the makings of a series of books. Each iteration of “Animal Trades” focuses on a particular trade, with the main character represented by an animal. There’s “Bear the Carpenter,” which comes out later this year, and “Gorilla the Iron Worker” and “Rhino the Operator” in the works. The first book, which came out in December, is “Lion the Electrician.”
“Animals are a great way for kids to connect to the skilled trades through lovable characters,” McKeown said. “Once you start to think about it, a variety of different animals are suited to different trades based upon their own traits and characteristics.”
As for why lions are electricians: “Lions are the kings of the jungle. It’s easy to recognize those same leadership qualities in so many of our electricians,” said McKeown, a Local 402 member since 2012.
The books are written for children ages 0-8, and McKeown said the province has been supportive in getting the book into Grade 1 classrooms and libraries. There’s even a supplemental lesson plan and stickers to accompany the book, giving teachers a ready-made avenue to introduce children to the series and the trades.
“What a wonderful opportunity to reach out to kids across the country and make a positive connection and introduction to the trades,” said First District International Vice President Russ Shewchuk. “As an electrician myself, I tend to agree we are the ‘kings of the jungle,’ as nothing runs or operates without electricity in this world. And as a former organizer, what a great way to cultivate the next generation “
An organizer with Local 402 himself, McKeown works with secondary schools and has seen how certain perceptions about the trades are ingrained in students early.
“By the time many children reach high school, they’ve already developed preconceived biases about who or what a tradesperson is. They often see us as male and Caucasian,” McKeown said. “My goal is to break the stigmas and eliminate the biases associated with the skilled trades, showing children from a young age that anyone can do this work and that it’s extremely rewarding.”
McKeown poses for photos with VIP fans of “Lion the Electrician.” From left: Local 402 Business Manager Craig Peterson; Ontario Minister of Labour David Piccin; McKeown; and Kevin Holland, member of Parliament for Thunder Bay.
McKeown also has a message for parents and teachers.
“I want them to talk about the trades with the same high regard they do for professions like becoming teachers, nurses, doctors, police officers and firefighters,” he said.
McKeown noted that he is in a position to nurture his children’s curiosity and interest in the trades, but that may not be the case for parents of different professions.
“How does a child of two teachers, nurses, police officers or accountants — without exposure to the skilled trades — navigate that? Hopefully these books will help,” McKeown said. “We use the term ‘bottom-up’ when it comes to organizing. Well, this is bottom-up parenting for our future skilled tradespeople.”
The feedback on “Lion the Electrician” has been overwhelmingly positive, Local 402 Business Manager Craig Peterson said.
“My initial reaction was, ‘What a great idea — why didn’t I think of that!’” he said. “The book is exceptionally well done. I have yet to hear a single negative comment about it. It’s a fantastic resource.”
Peterson said the IBEW Construction Council of Ontario has purchased copies for distribution among the locals throughout the province. The book is also being promoted at monthly meetings and via word of mouth.
“We take great pride in Brother McKeown’s accomplishments and congratulate him on his achievement,” Peterson said.
McKeown said “Lion the Electrician” is in over 100 classrooms around Ontario. He’s also working on making it and future editions available through an online store for the province’s educators. But perhaps most important, his own kids are fans.
“They love it,” he said of Norah, age 9; Mila, age 6; and Miles, age 3. “When my son sees the stickers or the book, he says, ‘Dad, its Lion.’”
For more information on the “Animal Trades” series and to purchase a copy of “Lion the Electrician,” go to animaltrades.ca.
