Category: author

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Freedom to Read Week

February 21-27, 2010
Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom, which is guaranteed them under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Also, click on the cover of You Can’t Read This for discussion, activities, and further reading lists:

You Can’t Read This: Forbidden Books, Lost Writing, Mistranslations, and Codes
By Val Ross
Hardcover
152 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-732-6

You Can’t Read This: Forbidden Books, Lost Writings, Mistranslations & Codes is a history of reading with a provocative twist to intrigue curious readers – it’s a series of stories, based on historical events, about forbidden texts, books, codes, and languages. It celebrates the people who had to fight for the precious ability to read these texts and understand their meaning.

PRAISE:

“I loved this book even before I opened it … You Can’t Read This is more than just a history of banned literature. It is a glimpse into the wide panorama of the restrictions and expansions of the written word, and how it has been used as a tool to liberate and to oppress … This is no dry textbook. It is a primer for anyone wanting to act with courage and needing to know that those acts will come with a price … Beautifully illustrated and well documented, You Can’t Read This is sure to fly off any library or bookstore shelf where it is allowed to appear.” – The Globe and Mail

“This excellent book is about the history of writing, the power of words … An intriguing book. You’ll appreciate how writing has helped society grow and develop though the ages.” – The Toronto Star

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Reading for the Love of It Wrap Up

At Reading for the Love of It, teachers descend past these escalators to visit the exhibits and learn about new books and products for their classroom:

A glimpse at the Lower Concourse in the Sheraton Centre. Notice the red and white booths!

Nan Forler signing copies of Bird Child for the teachers in line.

Nan Forler is all smiles!

We also had J. Torres (Alison Dare, The Heart of the Maiden), Monica Kulling (It’s a Snap!), and Theo Caldwell (Finn the half-Great) signing at our booth. If you were not able to attend, the three of them will be signing at OLA Super Conference next week! Please visit us at booth #720 and we will see you there!

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In Person: Heather Hartt-Sussman

Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 12:00 noon
Join us for a special story time at noon! Heather Hartt-Sussman will be reading from her picture book, Nana’s Getting Married, and signing copies afterwards.

Indigo – Yorkdale Shopping Centre
3401 Dufferin Street
Toronto, ON M6A 2T9
Tel: (416) 781-6660

Heather Hartt-Sussman
Born in Montreal, graduated from Brandeis University and attended the Sorbonne. She has been a copywriter for BCP in Montreal, a reporter for the Hollywood Reporter, editor-in-chief of international news for TV Guide in French Canada, columnist of the popular “Heather Hartt in Hollywood,” and host of E! Entertainment Television’s The Gossip Show. Nana’s Getting Married is her first book. Heather Hartt-Sussman lives in Toronto with her husband, sons Scotty and Jack, and the family dog.

Praise for Nana’s Getting Married:
“…brassy chalk-pastel illustrations feature caricatures with comedic particulars…. [the] message about open-mindedness and acceptance hits its mark.” – Publishers Weekly

“…guarantees delight and amusement to readers of all ages…. It is a pleasure to find a picture book whose strong message is matched with a light touch…. Highly Recommended.” – CM Magazine

“…This story is a two-sided winner. It has a solid ‘purpose’ to it – helping children to understand and accept change. As a bonus it is a delightful read aloud…. The illustrations are wonderfully whimsical…. Recommended.” – Resource Links

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National Inventor’s Day

Have you heard about our Great Idea Series? These are biography books for young readers:

It’s a Snap!
George Eastman’s First Photograph
By Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
Hardcover
32 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-881-1

“Cameras were once huge and bulky. Then along came George Eastman, who put photography within reach of us all. Based on a true (and fascinating) story.” – Scholastic Parent & Child

“Monica Kulling and Bill Slavin offer a unique look at the interesting life and many accomplishments of George Eastman…. This book is a great way to introduce your children to the wonders of photography.” – Shutterbug Magazine

“Monica Kulling’s charming It’s a Snap! … tells Eastman’s story with panache and Bill Slavin’s entertaining pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations push the humor up a notch. This is terrific storytelling that will work as a read aloud in any class.” – Curriculum Connections, School Library Journal

Look for All Aboard! in August 2010:

All Aboard!
Elijah McCoy’s Steam Engine
By Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
Hardcover
32 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-945-0

For anyone who is fascinated by steam engines and the joy of invention, All Aboard! Elijah McCoy’s Steam Engine, with its playful, informative text and lively illustrations, is a wonderful introduction to biography, to invention, and to the man whose mind was so full of ideas that he was able to create an oil cup that made train travel faster and safer for everyone.

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Year of the Tiger

Chinese New Year is on Sunday, February 14 and this year and we are celebrating the year of the Tiger!

A Little Tiger in the Chinese Night
An Autobiography in Art
By Song Nan Zhang
Paperback
48 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-356-4

“His descriptions of life in China, in both prose and paintings…offer an excellent introduction to the modern history of a complex country.” – School Library Journal

Once Upon a Full Moon
By Elizabeth Quan
Hardcover
48 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-813-2

“…a poignant memoir… Quan’s vibrant watercolors will help young readers follow the simple but vocabulary-rich text.” – The Washington Post Book World

The Children of China
An Artist’s Journey
By Song Nan Zhang
Paperback
32 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-448-6

“His intricate details carefully portray the wide variety of lifestyles, and his beautiful faces glow with deep contentment.” – MultiCultural Review

Tundra Book Group