When Gina Gaida received a call that her beloved family cottage had sustained major roof damage, it was more than just a structural loss, it was the heartbreak of losing a place that had become a sanctuary for Gina, as well as her family and friends. But from that sorrow bloomed something beautiful: a children’s book filled with love, nature, and the memories of summer days at the lake.
The ‘Little Pink Cabin’- is more than just a storybook. It’s a keepsake, as well as a tribute to life lived simply and joyfully in the heart of northern Saskatchewan’s wilderness. Every page is rooted in real-life experiences. Illustrated from actual family photos, this charming book captures the peaceful rhythm of lakeside life and the quiet magic of nature.
Gina, a former Martensville resident, with many ties to the community, spent summers at the cabin, often going there from the last day of school until the September long weekend. It was a place of peace, family, and unforgettable moments. “That was home for us each summer,” she reflects. “I raised my daughter and two boys there. It was a special place.”
The cabin itself, once brown, weathered, and falling apart, was lovingly restored and painted pink, turning it into a cheerful, cherished retreat. It later became a beloved escape for her granddaughter too, forming the inspiration behind the book’s dedication.
Though the physical cabin suffered significant damage, ‘The Little Pink Cabin’ became Gina’s way of preserving those sacred memories for future generations. “Each and every page in the book is something experienced,” she shares. “The whole book in detail gives a connection, or simply a reconnection, to the naturalness that’s all around us. Nature comforts, embraces, and becomes a sanctuary for us.”
At its heart, ‘The Little Pink Cabin’ is a gentle reminder of the healing power of nature. Its soothing language and tranquil illustrations invite readers to slow down, breathe deeply, and find peace in the world around them.
The book is now available on Amazon.ca and is expanding to other platforms including IngramSpark, Apple Books, Google Books, Kobo, Lulu, and more. Print copies are also on their way to major retailers such as Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Chapters Indigo, and more.
While Gina isn’t sure if another children’s book is in her future, she knows that writing will always be part of her journey. “I knew one day I was going to write. Did I ever think I would be writing a children’s book? No, not until the moment I started. So, I’ll just have to wait and see what happens going forward.”
And as for the little pink cabin? Gina still hopes to rebuild it someday. In the meantime, her words, and her story, ensure that its spirit lives on.
ABOVE: ‘The Little Pink Cabin’ by Gina Gaida is currently available on Amazon, and will soon be found on most other platforms. (Submitted)
