Calgary – Tundra Book Group

November 25, 2013

Guest Post: Lorna Schultz Nicholson

From November 21 to 24, hockey players from across Canada, the United States, Finland, and Mexico came together for some team competition. Lorna Schultz Nicholson, the author of the Puckster series, went to cheer them on and celebrate!

Lorna Schultz Nicholson: Girls can and do play hockey! Over 62 teams and 1,100 players took part in Wickfest 2013 at WinSport in Calgary, Alberta. There were 150 games played in three short days. Olympic medalist, Hayley Wickenheiser, the tournament organizer was on hand the entire weekend to meet and greet. As well as running a top notch tournament, she put on her skates to give seminars to help others improve their skills. This year she had Bryan Trottier, Danielle Goyette, and Caroline Ouellette on the ice for the skills sessions. Also this year, the tournament had two international teams attend and girls flew in from Mexico City, (yes, Mexico has girls hockey and they were so excited, especially when they won a game and when they got their Puckster books) and Finland. When Hayley played in the men’s league in Finland she billeted with a family who had a little girl. Well, that girl now plays hockey so they flew overseas to play in the tournament.

I was thrilled to be on hand to sign Puckster books at the autograph session with other members of our Canadian Olympic Team. Of course, Puckster stole the show and was asked to pose for many photographs!

From left to right – Meghan Agosta-Marciano, Genevieve Lacasse, Jennifer Wakefield, Shannon Szabados, Hayley Wickenheiser, me, Laura Fortino, Lauriane Rougeau, Melodie Daoust, Vicki Bendas, and in front is artist Zinour Fathoullin.

Here I am with Genevieve Lacasse (blue) and Jennifer Wakefield (green). They love the Puckster books!

Look at the line-ups! Young girls waited over an hour to meet their heroes.

Puckster says hello!

I’m signing Puckster books and then the books were signed by the players!

October 9, 2013September 5, 2013

WordFest 2013

WordFest hosts year-round literary events in Calgary, Banff and Bow Valley featuring the world’s best writers. WordFest’s main event is a literary festival that features upwards of 70 writers from the local, national and international stage. The Festival has approximately 60 separate events and attracts an audience of over 14,000.

Monica Kulling has published over thirty-five books for children, including In the Bag! Margaret Knight Wraps It Up, selected by Smithsonian Magazine as one of the Ten Great Science Books for Kids. Her other two books in the series, It’s a Snap! George Eastman’s First Photograph and All Aboard! Elijah McCoy’s Steam Engine, both illustrated by Bill Slavin, were nominated for several awards. Kulling is also the author of the hilarious Merci Mister Dash! She presents Mister Dash and the Cupcake Calamity (Grade K-2) and Making Contact!, the latest of her biography series (Grade 1 – 3).

Monica Kulling Events

October 16, 10:00 am – 11:30 am with Barbara Reid (Grade K – 2) – Buy Tickets
CPL – John Dutton Theatre, 616 Macleod Trail SE Calgary

October 17, 10:00 am – 11:30 am with Eric Walters (Grades 1 – 3) – Buy Tickets
Glenbow Museum – ConocoPhillips Theatre, 130 9 Ave SE Calgary

October 19, 11:00 am – Noon A Morning with Monica Kulling – Family Event – FREE
Banff Public Library, 101 Bear street

For more information about WordFest, you can visit their website, facebook page, twitter, and blog.

October 4, 2010October 4, 2010

CBC TD Kids Bookclub Contest

CBC Radio is partnered with the TD Bank Financial Group and the Canadian Children’s Book Centre to run a contest for middle school students across Canada – Greater Vancouver, the Edmonton area, the Calgary area, Manitoba, Toronto, the Montreal area, and Mainland Nova Scotia.

It’s an opportunity for young readers to win a visit from one of the five nominated authors for a book club discussion, plus copies of the book. CBC Radio will even record the event for broadcast, so readers will be heard on the radio!

We have two TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award nominees this year who are participating in the contest:

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

The other nominees are Janet McNaughton (Dragon Seer), Sharon Jennings (Home Free), and Arthur Slade (The Hunchback Assignments)! All great authors and books!

To Enter:
Individual classes must submit an original short story, poem or song convincing CBC Radio to bring the TD Kids Book Club to their school. Entrants must tell CBC why their class is so special when it comes to books and reading. Please visit www.cbc.ca/kidsbookclub for more information related to your location.

Contest Entry Deadline:
Friday, October 15, 2010. Please help spread the word, the entry deadline is approaching fast!