Home of Tundra Books, Puffin Canada, Penguin Teen Canada, and Friends
You’re invited to the launch of two spectacular middle grade novels! Join Tanya Lloyd Kyi and Kallie George as they launch their latest books, Mya’s Strategy to Save the World and Wings of Olympus!
When: Thursday, April 25, 2019
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where: Vancouver Kidsbooks
Address: 2557 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2E9
Admission is free, light refreshments will be served.
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/kallie-george-and-tanya-lloyd-kyi-at-kidsbooks-tickets-56196589512
Please join us for the launch of Megabat and Fancy Cat, the second book in the hilarious and sweet new middle grade series from Anna Humphrey, illustrated by Kass Reich.
When: Saturday April 13, 2019
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Where: Moonbeam Books
Address:335 Jane St, Toronto, ON M6S 3Z3
There will be a reading and a drawing demonstration as well as a Make-Your-Own-Megabat craft. Admission is free, snacks will be available.
RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/megabat-and-fancy-cat-launch-tickets-59057860651
Nobody writes YA thrillers like Karen McManus. One of Us is Lying was a runaway smash hit-think The Breakfast Club with a deadly twist-and her latest novel Two Can Keep a Secret is just as fun, with shocking reveals and twists that will keep you reading late into the night. Find out about Karen’s writing process and which character she relates to the most below!
Describe TWO CAN KEEP A SECRET in 5 words.
Homecoming turns deadly once again.
Which of your characters from your latest novel is most like you?
Ellery’s twin brother, Ezra. He’s the observer of the story, along for the ride as Ellery starts poking around in their mother’s past and the mysteries of Echo Ridge. Ezra’s running commentary is pretty much exactly what I’d say in the same situation. Also, we like the same music 🙂
Recommend a book for Ellery.
Ellery is a true crime buff, so she’d love something like The Darkest Corners by Kara Thomas. The main character in that book was a key witness in the years-old prosecution of a serial killer, but now that she’s older she’s starting to question whether her memories are real.
There are so many twists in this story. How do you keep track of them while writing?
I would love to tell you that I have an extremely clever system, but I use a basic Excel spreadsheet as a chapter guide. I sketch out key beats for plot and characters, and then write in 3-4 chapter bursts. I do a lot of revising of those chapters before I move on, making sure I’m satisfied with how the story is progressing. Then I go back through the larger outline to see if what I’ve written requires any changes to the structure as a whole.
What is the best piece of writing advice you have ever received?
I wish I could remember who said this, because I’d credit them if I did: that characters should be doing something in the last chapter that would have seemed impossible in the first. I love that, because it’s the perfect litmus test as to whether your characters have undertaken enough of a journey to grow and change.
Ahoy! Are you ready to set sail for ALA Midwinter in Seattle? We’ll be showcasing our Fall 2018, Spring 2019, and Summer 2019 titles at booth 721. Come by to say hello to our VP, Publisher, Tara Walker; our new Art Director, John Martz; our Marketing and Publicity Associate Director, Vikki VanSickle; and our Marketing and Publicity Manager, Sylvia Chan. We will be happy to show you the latest books and chat about #TundraCats, #TundraTots, #Ready2Camp, and #Ready4School.
We will also be hosting a number of signings at booth 721. This is based on first come, first serve. One copy per person while quantities last and you must be in line for the signing to receive a complimentary copy.
Looking for literary assets for your schools and libraries? We’ve got you covered, ask about our posters, bookmarks, buttons, art cards, stickers, magnets!
Follow us online as we post live from the show floors!
Science Literacy Week is a nationwide celebration of science and on September 20, they will be hosting their second National Science Reading Day! Here is a list of our suggested titles to look out for next month and to read. And if you read one this week, use the hashtag #SciLit to share!
The Darkest Dark
By Commander Chris Hadfield and Kate Fillion
Illustrated by the Fan Brothers
ISBN 9781101918623, Tundra Books
Hardcover | 48 Pages
Ages 3-7 | Preschool-Grade 2
Chris is an astronaut. A very busy astronaut. Saving the planet from aliens is much more important than taking baths or going to bed, because in the darkness that comes before sleep, the worst sorts of aliens appear. These aliens plague Chris – and his dog – every night at bedtime. But when Chris watches the first televised lunar landing, he realizes that there’s a dark out in space that’s much darker than what he’s used to, the darkest dark ever, and he discovers that the unknown can be … exciting!
Red Sky At Night
By Elly MacKay
ISBN 9781101917831, Tundra Books
Hardcover | 40 Pages
Ages 3-7 | Preschool-Grade 2
Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. And, the next morning, when the dew is on the grass, no rain will come to pass. These are the perfect conditions for a grandfather to take his grandchildren out on a fishing trip. Acclaimed paper artist Elly MacKay illustrates a lovely family narrative through the use of weather aphorisms, creating a beautiful and informational story which will appeal to children’s timeless fascination with the natural world.
Dr. Jo: How Sara Josephine Baker Saved the Lives of America’s Children
By Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Julianna Swaney
ISBN 9781101917893, Tundra Books
Hardcover | 32 Pages
Ages 5-8 | Kindergarten-Grade 3
When she graduated in 1898, Dr. Jo still faced prejudice against women in her field. She accepted a job in public health and was sent to Hell’s Kitchen, one of New York’s poorest neighborhoods where many immigrants lived. There, she was able to treat the most vulnerable patients: babies and children. She realized that the best treatment was to help babies get a stronger start in life. Babies need fresh air, clean and safe environments, and proper food. Dr. Jo’s successes, fueled by her determination, compassion and ingenuity, made her famous across the nation for saving the lives of 90,000 inner city infants and children.
The Fog
By Kyo Maclear
Illustrated by Kenard Pak
ISBN 9781770494923, Tundra Books
Hardcover | 48 Pages
Ages 4-8 | Preschool-Grade 3
Warble is a small yellow warbler who lives on the beautiful island of Icyland, where he pursues his hobby of human watching. But on a warm day, a deep fog rolls in and obscures his view. The rest of the birds don’t seem to notice the fog or the other changes Warble observes on the island. The more the fog is ignored, the more it spreads. When a Red-hooded Spectacled Female (Juvenile) appears, Warble discovers that he’s not the only one who notices the fog. Will they be able to find others who can see it too? And is the fog here to stay? Kyo Maclear’s witty story, brought to life with the delicate, misty artwork of Kenard Pak, is a poignant yet humorous reminder of the importance of environmental awareness.
The Golden Glow
By Benjamin Flouw
ISBN 9780735264120, Tundra Books
Hardcover | 48 Pages
Ages 4-8 | Preschool-Grade 3
Fox loves nature. There’s nothing he enjoys more than reading about and picking flowers. One evening, he comes across a rare specimen in his old botany book — the golden glow, a plant from the Wellhidden family, found only in the mountains, that has yet to be described. Fascinated, Fox decides to set off on a quest in search of the mysterious golden glow. With spreads of educational content interspersed throughout, The Golden Glow is a charming story that details the simple pleasures of a nature hike and celebrates observing the beauty of nature.
My Journey to the Stars
By Scott Kelly
Illustrated by André Ceolin
ISBN 9780735263482, Puffin Canada
Hardcover | 48 Pages
Ages 5-8 | Kindergarten-Grade 3
In this debut autobiographical picture book, celebrated astronaut Scott Kelly describes how he – and his twin brother – grew up to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut. As Scott Kelly prepares to blast back to Earth after a record-breaking year spent on the International Space Station, he thinks about what brought him here and what awaits him at home.
The Toad
By Elise Gravel
ISBN 9781770496675, Tundra Books
Hardcover | 32 Pages
Ages 6-9 | Grades 1-4
She’s good for the environment … and she’s disgusting! The Toad is the next installment of the Disgusting Critter series. Hilarious illustrated non-fiction about toads perfect for beginning readers. Humorous text and funny illustrations will leave young readers croaking for more.
Innovation Nation: How Canadian Innovators Made the World Smarter, Smaller, Kinder, Safer, Healthier, Wealthier, Happier
By David Johnston and Tom Jenkins
Illustrated by Josh Holinaty
ISBN 9780735263017, Tundra Books
Hardcover | 128 Pages
Ages 8-12 | Grades 3-7
Successful innovation is always inspired by at least one of three forces — insight, necessity and simple luck. Innovation Nation moves through history to explore what circumstances, incidents, coincidences and collaborations motivated each great Canadian idea, and what twist of fate then brought that idea into public acceptance. From the marvels of aboriginal inventions such as the canoe, igloo and life jacket to the latest pioneering advances in medicine, education, science, engineering and the arts, Canadians have improvised and worked together to make the world a better place.
Endurance, Young Readers Edition
By Scott Kelly
ISBN 9780735263420, Puffin Canada
Hardcover | 320 Pages
Ages 8-12 | Grades 3-7
Prepare to blast off with astronaut Scott Kelly as he takes readers on a journey through his year aboard the International Space Station. Discover the extreme challenges of long-term spaceflight, the pressures of living in close quarters with people from many countries, the extremely dangerous risk of colliding with space junk and the unnerving feeling of not being able to help if tragedy strikes at home. Find out the story of Kelly’s childhood, his struggles in school, and ultimately the inspiration that sparked his incredible career, and the training to become a test-pilot and then astronaut.