April 2013 – Page 2 – Tundra Book Group

April 15, 2013May 7, 2025

CLA’s 2013 Book of the Year for Children Award Winner

Since the shortlist released in March, we were patiently waiting for the Canadian Library Association to announce the winners. And when they did, we did a little happy dance. The winning title for the 2013 Book of the Year for Children Award is The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen by Susin Nielsen.

The CLA’s Book of the Year for Children Award Jury Chair Alexandra Yarrow elaborates: “Nielsen’s books typically are characterised by empathy for her characters. She has a particular gift for finding the unique voice of one child and embracing it, while also portraying with balance and sensitivity other, often unsympathetic, characters of all ages. In The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen, Nielsen’s gifts are at their best yet, resulting in an unforgettable novel that explores a painful topic with compassion.”

The jury also selected two Honour Books this year: A Tinfoil Sky by Cyndi Sand-Eveland and The Grave Robber’s Apprentice by Allan Stratton. Congratulations to Cyndi and Allan!

This year’s award, generously sponsored by Library Services Centre, will be presented to Susin Nielsen on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at the CLA Book Awards and reception during the CLA National Conference and Tradeshow in Ottawa. The Book Award Reception is generously sponsored by TD Bank Group.

In awe of all the titles you receive for consideration, we want to thank the following jury members for all their hard work:

Myra Junyk, Literacy advocate and author, Toronto
Jaclyn McLean, Librarian, Prince Albert
Rachel Seigel, Selection Manager – Education, S&B Books, Mississauga
Kathryn Weisman, Librarian, West Vancouver
Alexandra Yarrow, Librarian, Ottawa (Chair)

April 10, 2013May 7, 2025

Shortlist for the 2013 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Awards

The following titles have been shortlisted for the 2013 Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Awards in the Young Adult category:

A Tinfoil Sky
Written by Cyndi Sand-Eveland
Hardcover | 224 Pages | Ages 10+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-277-6
eBook: 978-1-77049-294-3
“…A Tinfoil Sky is a messy, heart-wrenching story. Sand-Eveland does an admirable job of not flinching from the harsh realities of Mel’s life. Her vivid, descriptive prose clearly depicts a precarious world where love, family and home are elusive propositions…. Tackling a challenging topic, Sand-Eveland deftly weaves hope amidst the hurt and the story has the ring of authenticity to which young readers will respond.” – Canadian Children’s Book News

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen
Written by Susin Nielsen
Hardcover | 256 Pages | Ages 10+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-372-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-373-5
“…a highly emotional story about a family that blames one another, and themselves, for an unimaginable tragedy. Nielsen’s balance of humor and pathos is finely honed, making this a surprisingly breezy read for so heavy a topic.” – Booklist

Congratulations to Cyndi and Susin! Congratulations to the other shortlisted authors for their titles as well: Hunted by Cheryl Rainfield, Seraphina by Rachel Hartman, and The Grave Robber’s Apprentice by Allan Stratton.

About the Award
The award, made possible by the Ruth Schwartz Foundation, is presented annually to the authors/illustrators of two outstanding works of Canadian children’s literature – a picture book and a young-adult/middle-reader title. The award is administered jointly – the Ontario Arts Council (OAC) oversees the jury process and publicizes the award and the Ontario Arts Foundation (OAF) publicizes the award.

The 2013 winners will be announced at Etobicokes’s North Kipling Junior Middle School, 2 Rowntree Road, Etobicoke, ON at 1 p.m. on May 23, 2013.

April 9, 2013May 7, 2025

Tuesdays with Tundra 28

Tuesdays with Tundra is a monthly post on our new releases. The following books are available today in stores and online!

Nana’s Summer Surprise
Written by Heather Hartt-Sussman
Illustrated by Georgia Graham
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 4-6
ISBN: 978-1-77049-324-7
“…The artwork … is a lovely display of chalk pastel … the colors look like they are lit from within, giving a fairy-tale quality to the work.” – Kirkus Reviews

More first books for fledgling readers that offer the enjoyment of a good story with the thrill of accomplishment that comes from independent reading. Written in short, easy phrases with carefully selected vocabulary and plentiful illustrations, each book helps youngsters achieve success as they have fun.

The series follows three friends who love to share stories. In each book, one is reminded of a well-known story:
It’s Not About the Ball! is based on The Frog Prince;
It’ Not About the Tiny Girl! is based on Thumbelina;
It’s Not About the Diamonds! is based on the story of Diamonds and Toads;
It’s Not About the Straw! is based on Rumpelstiltskin and
It’s Not About the Beanstalk! is based on Jack and the Beanstalk.

As one friend starts his story, the others are reminded of versions they know so each volume has three stories within one framework. The stories come from around the world, and Veronika Martenova Charles provides a note at the end of each book to describe the origins.

Easy-to-Read Wonder Tales are a great first step in developing a lifelong love of reading, and it makes a fine companion to Veronika Martenova Charles’s series, Easy-to-Read Spooky Tales.

Pub Date Giveaway: In the comments below, please tell us which new April release of Tundra’s you would love to read (the Easy-to-Read Wonder Tales count as one entry) and one lucky reader will receive their requested book(s)! One request per person and please review our rules. This giveaway ends at midnight on Monday, April 15, 2013!

Update: Congratulations to Laurie who will be getting the Easy-to-Read Wonder Tales!

April 5, 2013May 7, 2025

Jean Throop Children’s Book Award Winner

The Municipal Chapter of Toronto IODE’s Jean Throop Children’s Book Award has selected Mr. Zinger’s Hat as the winner! Congratulations to Cary Fagan and DuÅ¡an PetriÄiÄ‡!

Mr. Zinger’s Hat
Written by Cary Fagan
Illustrated by DuÅ¡an PetriÄiÄ‡
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 4-6
ISBN: 978-1-77049-253-0
“Every child needs a Mr. Zinger – and his hat! – in his or her life…. This book oh-so-softly brings across a sweet, multigenerational message about sharing the power of imagination.” – Booklist

Since 1974 the Municipal Chapter of Toronto IODE has presented an award intended to encourage the publication of books for children between the ages of 6 and 12 years. The award and prize are given to a book judged to contribute to children’s reading, and is chosen by a Committee set up by the Municipal Chapter of Toronto IODE.