Category: Toronto

Canada’s oldest publisher of children’s books, Tundra Books, is excited to announce plans to mark its 50th anniversary in 2017, including the launch of an award to honor debut illustrators, and a dynamic new logo designed by award-winning Canadian branding and design agency Viva & Co.

The Tundra Books Emerging Artist of the Year celebrates our mission to introduce children to art and artists. This annual honor will be given to a debut illustrator for his or her illustration work on a book published by Tundra. The book will receive an enhanced marketing plan, and the illustrator will be presented with a special edition. Tara Walker, Publisher, Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers, and Vice President, Penguin Random House Canada, says, “The Tundra Books Emerging Artist of the Year acknowledges a new picture book illustrator who exemplifies all the things we value so dearly: artistic talent, a unique approach to picture book illustration and a passion for children’s literature.” The inaugural recipient of the award is Prince George, BC-based artist Madeline Kloepper for Little Blue Chair, a picture book written by Cary Fagan (available January 24, 2017).

Walker says, “We’re so delighted to be presenting Madeline with this honor. We were immediately drawn to the sweet, winsome faces of her characters in Little Blue Chair, full of quiet emotion and subtle expression, and the way she captures intimate everyday scenes and vast landscapes with equal beauty and curiosity. Her art is so assured and has such a classic feel, and she’s brought Cary’s wonderful story to life in such a sensitive and poignant way that it’s remarkable to think this is her very first picture book.”

As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, Tundra also unveils a new logo designed by Canadian design firm Viva & Co. and its founder and Managing Director, Frank Viva. The new logo marks the publisher’s first logo re-brand since its founding in 1967 and will first appear printed on books published in fall 2017.

Viva, who is also a distinguished author and illustrator of books for children and an artist known for his New Yorker covers, says, “We were really gratified that Tundra approached Viva & Co. to help them with a new identity system launching in time for their 50th anniversary (and Canada’s 150th). I have long admired this remarkable Canadian children’s book imprint. Our goal was to create a fresh but timeless logo that was unmistakably Canadian – one that would last for the next 50 years.”

Walker says, “To have a logo designed by our beloved author and friend Frank and his team is truly the best birthday present we can give ourselves. From the moment we first considered a new logo for Tundra, we thought of Frank and Viva & Co. Frank’s great love of books, his artistry and his innovative design sense made him and his agency the obvious choice. We are honored to publish Frank Viva and consider him to be one of our country’s great tastemakers.”

Kristin Cochrane, President and Publisher, Penguin Random House Canada, says, “Good publishers have a strong vision of the kind of books they want to send out into the world and great publishers have the strength and perseverance to see this come true. I am sure that she would be as proud as I am of what Tundra has become and for all the accomplishments of its team. Tundra’s new logo is, in part, an homage to May. It is distinctive, playful and is a wonderful nod to our northern heritage. It’s everything we had hoped for … and more.”

Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers is home to three imprints: Tundra, Puffin and Penguin Teen. In addition to our successful Canadian and U.S. publishing programs, we are recognized internationally for our beautiful, award-winning books. Our list boasts a stellar roster of bestselling Canadian and international authors and illustrators, including Kelley Armstrong, Isabelle Arsenault, Jonathan Auxier, Linda Bailey, Cary Fagan, the Fan Brothers, Chris Hadfield, Rachel Hartman, Marthe Jocelyn, Susan Juby, Sophie Kinsella, Kyo Maclear, Julie Morstad, Susin Nielsen, Shane Peacock, Caroline Pignat, Lemony Snicket, Ashley Spires, Teresa Toten, Frank Viva, Nicola Yoon, Moira Young, Eric Walters, Mélanie Watt.

For further information and high-resolution images, please contact:
Pamela Osti, Publicity & Marketing Manager
Tel: 647-788-3980
posti@penguinrandomhouse.com