Magook Publishing Ltd.

Magook Publishing Ltd. was a Canadian children’s publisher. Headed by Marilyn Day, the company operated from roughly 1974-1985, with the peak of their activities in the late 1970s and early 1980s. They published standalone children’s books as well as a small, paperback-sized magazine, “Magook”, part book, part magazine. They published works by numerous well-known authors, including Margaret Laurence, Madeline Engel, and Farley Mowat, while also championing several new authors. Similarly, they featured unknown artists and well-known creators, such as political cartoonist, Jim Phillips, and animator, Don Arioli.

McClelland and Stewart had involvement with Magook, but the nature of this relationship is not well attested in the documentary record. M&S and other Canadian publishers were looking to cut back on children’s works, which were not profitable, and Magook was started. Despite good press and reviews, the company couldn't continue beyond the mid-1980s.

B. Whittle, 2025.