Category: books

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Canada’s Parks Day

Today is Canada’s Parks Day! You can discover how Cornelia Hahn Oberlander and Frederick Law Olmsted changed the landscapes around them:

Love Every Leaf
The Life of Landscape Architect Cornelia Hahn Oberlander
Written by Kathy Stinson
Hardcover | 96 pages
Ages 14+
ISBN 978-0-88776-804-0
“Fascinating biography…strong environmental theme….Interesting to read and very thought provoking. What an amazing woman Cornelia Oberlander is!” – Delaware County Library System

The Man Who Made Parks
The Story of Parkbuilder Frederick Law Olmsted
Written by Frieda Wishinsky
Illustrated by Song Nan Zhang
Hardcover | 32 pages
All ages
ISBN 978-0-88776-902-3
“Frieda Whishinsky’s informative story and Song Nan Zhang’s evocative paintings nicely capture the spirit of a growing nation and the will of a resourceful people.” – The Orlando Sentinel

For more information about Canada’s Parks Day, please visit the official website.

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Finalists for the 2010 Canadian Children’s Book Centre Awards

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) and TD Bank Financial Group announced the 2010 finalists for the Canadian Children’s Book Awards today. We would like to congratulate our authors and illustrators!

TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award Finalists:

A Thousand Years of Pirates
Written and illustrated by William Gilkerson
Hardcover | 96 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-924-5
For ages 10 – 14
“A beautifully illustrated treasure trove of information… Chronicles the history of piracy from the time of the Vikings to the present day… This clear and compelling cross-over (history) for all ages includes not only biographical and dramatic narratives, but also the rarely-told sordid and sad details of piracy.” – Jury Comments

Watching Jimmy
Written by Nancy Hartry
Hardcover | 160 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-871-2
For ages 12 and up
“Watching Jimmy is a masterful exploration of the impact a young girl’s voice can have when she is supported by adult allies… A suspenseful novel of loyalty, determination and compassion… Hartry creates a memorable portrayal of the secret subculture of childhood… A profound and powerful story.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to the other finalists: Janet McNaughton (Dragon Seer), Sharon Jennings (Home Free), and Arthur Slade (The Hunchback Assignments)! All great books!

Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award Finalists:

Our Corner Grocery Store
Written by Joanne Schwartz, illustrated by Laura Beingessner
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-868-2
For ages 4 – 8
“In this endearing book, the grocery store is the cornerstone of the neighbourhood, a place where people come together in the daily act of living… A vivid slice of life packed with sensory delights, neighbourly warmth, and children’s pleasures… Beingessner’s detailed illustrations overflow with charm, brilliantly capturing the sights, sounds and gentle emotions of this busy and completely satisfying day.” – Jury Comments

Timmerman Was Here
Written by Colleen Sydor, illustrated by Nicolas Debon
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-890-3
For ages 4 – 8
“Timmerman Was Here tells a suspenseful story using a compelling narrative voice… The heroine’s simple, eloquent first-person narrative grabs the reader from the opening lines, while the artist’s exquisite, softly lit images flow effortlessly across the pages with affecting beauty… A truly memorable book.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations also go out to Janet Perlman (The Delicious Bug), Geneviève Côté (Me and You), and Frieda Wishinsky and Kady MacDonald Denton (You’re Mean, Lily Jean)!

Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction Finalists:

A Thousand Years of Pirates
Written and illustrated by William Gilkerson
Hardcover | 96 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-924-5
For ages 10 – 14
“The combination of strong storytelling and beautiful artwork and design make this an appealing book for children of all ages… Unparalleled in the presentation of pirate history… Gilkerson successfully weaves together fascinating tales to bring life and context to these adventurers of the high seas.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to the other finalists: Priscilla Galloway and Dawn Hunter (Adventures on the Ancient Silk Road), Charis Cotter (Born to Write: The Remarkable Lives of Six Famous Authors), Scot Ritchie (Follow That Map! A First Book of Mapping Skills), and Kathy Kacer and Sharon E. McKay (Whispers from the Ghettos).

Geoffrey Bilson for Historical Fiction for Young People Finalists:

Vanishing Girl: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His 3rd Case
Written by Shane Peacock
Hardcover | 320 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-852-1
For ages 9 and up
“The sinister side of Victorian London comes to life on the pages of Vanishing Girl… Both its aristocratic society and dark underbelly are perfectly described… Beautifully written and fast-paced… Peacock delves into the young mind of one of the best-known characters in literature… The story is well-plotted, with plenty of action, adventure and plot twists.” – Jury Comments

Watching Jimmy
Written by Nancy Hartry
Hardcover | 160 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-871-2
For ages 12 and up
“A short, but powerful coming-of-age novel… Hartry has created memorable characters, carefully weaving family relationships tinged by fear and guilt… This is a moving – and fast-moving – story, alive with the fears and uncertainties of life in Canada soon after the Second World War… A thoughtful read.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to the other finalists: Laura Best (Bitter, Sweet), John Wilson (Crusade), and Barbara Haworth-Attard (Haunted).

The winning books will be announced on November 9, 2010 at the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Awards gala event. We are looking forward to it!

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George Eastman’s Great Idea

On this day in 1854, George Eastman was born! Introduce a little one to George Eastman’s great idea!

It’s a Snap!
George Eastman’s First Photograph
Written by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
Hardcover | 32 pages
Ages 5-8
ISBN 978-0-88776-881-1
In 1877 in Rochester, New York, George Eastman couldn’t understand why picture-taking was so difficult. Having left school at fourteen to support his mother and two sisters, George decided to find out by making photography his hobby. He packed up glass plates, a plate holder, a tent, a heavy tripod, a thick piece of black cloth, a water jug, and chemicals and set off to take his first photograph.

Praise for It’s a Snap! George Eastman’s First Photograph:

“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

“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

“…accessible picture book biography… The strong narrative is peppered with snappy dialogue. Bill Slavin’s pen, ink and watercolour illustrations are equally engaging. …This first book in the Great Idea Series is a picture-perfect introduction to biographies for beginning readers.” – Excellent, Resource Links

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ALA Wrap up

The American Library Association’s Annual Conference and Exhibition in beautiful Washington D.C. was a great success.

An enormous thank-you to our authors who came by to sign their books.  We wouldn’t be here without you!

Thank you also to the many librarians, educators, booksellers, bloggers, reviewers, writers, artists and library professionals who stopped by to chat about our new titles or even just to say hello.  Your feedback is always appreciated!

Fantastic fall covers on display at booth #2916

Marthe Jocelyn was on hand to sign copies of Which Way?

Michael Mazo signed copies of Brothers

And then posed for a photo with his beautiful family; wife Natallia and daughter Esme

Finn the half-Great author, Theo Caldwell signs his book in green ink
 
See you in San Diego in January for ALA Midwinter!
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Vote for Alison Dare

Here are the contest entries to win the fabulous Alison Dare prize pack (signed copies of Alison Dare, Little Miss Adventures, Alison Dare, The Heart of the Maiden, plus an Alison Dare bookmark, pin, sticker, and a membership card of the exclusive Double Dog Darer’s Society)! All were welcomed to snap as many photos of Alison Dare as they wanted and to submit it with a fun caption:

1. Alison Dare in the Cyber World
Photo by Lindsay

2. Alison Dare and the Dastardly Doggie Duo: Alison Dare searches the Arch grounds for signs of the Doggie Duo.
Photo by Jan

3. Alison Dare and the Dastardly Doggie Duo: When Alison gets word that the Doggies Duo plans to kidnap the Anheuser Busch Clydesdales she rushes over to help protect them. Luckily, she gets there just in time.
Photo by Jan

4. Alison Dare and the Dastardly Doggie Duo: Finally, she finds the dastardly doggie duo and swings into action.
Hank begs for mercy knowing that he has met his match, after all look what Alison did to his brother in crime, Taylor!
Photo by Jan

5. Alison Dare and the Dastardly Doggie Duo: Alison Dare’s strong left hook has Taylor down for the count.
Photo by Jan

6. Alison Dare and the Dastardly Doggie Duo: Once again the streets of St Louis are safe. Thank you Alison!
Photo by Jan

7. Alison meets the Zombie
Photo by Velvet

8. Alison Dare Saves Cuddlies Trapped in Killer Bat’s Secret Headquarters
Killer Bat has captured cuddlies in jungle, and put them in his secret headquarters. Alison Dare will save them!
Photo by Rosie

9. Alison Dare Fights Killer Bat (w. monkey in background)
After freeing cuddlies, Alison Dare fights Killer Bat.
Photo by Rosie

10. Alison Dare… intrepid, intelligent and itching to solve a new mystery!
Photo by Lorraine

11. Alison… straightening out the Leaning Tower of Pisa!
Photo by Suzanne

12. Alison Dare and the Suspicious Steetlight of London!
Photo by Kelly

13. Alison Dare and the Suspicious Steetlight of London!
Photo by Kelly

14. Alison Dare and the Suspicious Steetlight of London!
Photo by Kelly

15. Let’s Work Together Dawg!
Photo by Carla

16. Bring It On Dawg!
Photo by Carla

17. Up Close With the Big Dawg!
Photo by Carla

To vote, simply leave a comment below telling us which one is your favourite. Voting ends Monday, July 26, 2010!

There will be 3 winners chosen by J. Torres, Jason Bone, and the photo with the most votes (you)! It is quite possible that a lucky voter will win something too! The 3 winners will be announced and notified by e-mail on Tuesday, July 27, 2010. Good luck!

After you vote, you might want to check out these adventurous links:

  • Alison Dare went on a blog tour!
  • The Alison Dare photo album from the blog tour is on our facebook page!
  • There’s also a group on flickr for you to upload your photos! =)
  • The creators of Alison Dare, J. Torres and J. Bone!

Thank you!