Category: Toronto

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November 5th Events

We have not one, but TWO great events on November 5th, 2014. One in Toronto and one in Vancouver, so pick the city closest to you!

Arlo
You’re invited to the launch of An Armadillo in Paris by Julie Kraulis!
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Where: Cafe Plenty
Address: 250 Dundas Street West, Toronto, ON M5T 2Z5
Telephone: 416-585-7842
When: 6:00-8:00 PM
RSVP: rsvpcanada@randomhouse.com

See what readers are saying about An Armadillo in Paris:

“Lovely oil and graphite illustrations done in a muted color palette capture the famous landmarks and romantic ambiance of the city. Arlo’s adventure is delightful, and the story is told in both narration and excerpts from Augustin’s journal. A page of facts about the Iron Lady is appended. A good purchase for a library collection in need of picture books about various locations around the world.” – School Library Journal

“At first I thought I loved An Armadillo in Paris because I’m a Francophile. After a second read, I realized that the illustrations make you feel as though you’re walking along the banks of the Seine and viewing all of the famous Parisian landmarks alongside Arlo. Upon a third read, which is when I started ‘reading like a writer,’ I discovered the richness of the text: both the journal entries and the narrative…. This unique structure appealed to me as a reader and had me dipping back into the text for multiple reads.” – Two Writing Teachers

Edie
You’re invited to the launch of Edie’s Ensembles by Ashley Spires!
Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Where: Kidsbooks
Address: 3083 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6K 2G9
Telephone: 604-738-5335
When: 7:00 PM
Tickets are being sold here!

See what readers are saying about Edie’s Ensembles:

“A heartwarming tale of self-discovery and friendship.” – Kirkus Reviews

“… a vibrant tale of friendship and self-esteem, brimming with outrageous outfits and earnest characters. Kids will love the detail in Spires’s digitally-rendered illustrations … Edie’s Ensembles is a tale that will resonate with kids who like to dress up, and those who-like Edie-seek true connections.” – Readerly

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The 2015 OLA Forest of Reading® Nominees


Today, the Ontario Library Association revealed the nominated titles for the 2015 Forest of Reading® program. Tundra would like to congratulate the nominated authors and illustrators!

BLUE SPRUCEâ„¢ 2015 NOMINATED TITLES

The Highest Number in the WorldThe Highest Number in the World
Written by Roy MacGregor
Illustrated by Genevieve Després
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-575-3
eBook: 978-1-77049-576-0
“From the moment Grandma begins to share her past and her passion for hockey, the story’s context becomes broader, more complex, and more meaningful. A memorable, intergenerational picture book perfect for sharing.” – Booklist

  • The Day My Mom Came To Kindergarten by Maureen Fergus and Mike Lowery
  • Kenta and the Big Wave by Ruth Ohi
  • Loula is Leaving for Africa by Anne Villeneuve
  • The Man with the Violin by Kathy Stinson and Dusan Petricic
  • Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino and Isabelle Malenfant
  • The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • My Blue Is Happy by Jessica Young and Catia Chien
  • Oddrey and the New Kid by Dave Whamond
  • Young Frank, Architect by Frank Viva

SILVER BIRCH® EXPRESS 2015 NOMINATED TITLES

The FlyThe Fly
Written by Elise Gravel
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-636-1
“The Fly is a unique nonfiction book about the common housefly. Full of interesting facts, the book reads more like a picture book or simple graphic novel. Everything you never wanted to know about one of mankind’s least favourite creatures is covered in this book…. This series is a must-read for children who like the world’s most unlikeable creatures.” – Highly Recommended, CM Magazine

My Name Is BlessingMy Name Is Blessing
Written by Eric Walters
Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-301-8
“This expressive picture book, based on a real family, lovingly tells a hard story with a twist. It’s difficult to broach poverty, disability and custody issues in so few pages without sounding maudlin, but Walters manages by speaking simply…. With dignity and quiet acceptance, this story illustrates that blessings, like family, can take unexpected forms.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

  • Be a Wilderness Detective by Peggy Kochanoff
  • Every Day is Malala Day by Rosemary McCarney
  • From There To Here by Laurel Croza and Matt James
  • The Great Bike Rescue by Hazel Hutchins
  • How To Save A Species by Jonathan Baillie and Marilyn Baillie
  • Kung Pow Chicken #1 Let’s Get Cracking by Cyndi Marko
  • Prove It, Josh by Jenny Watson
  • Seconds by Sylvia Taekema

RED MAPLE NON-FICTIONâ„¢ 2015 NOMINATED TITLES

Legends Icons and RebelsLegends, Icons & Rebels
Music That Changed the World
Written by Robbie Robertson, Jim Guerinot, Sebastian Robertson and Jared Levine
Hardcover | 128 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-571-5
eBook: 978-1-77049-573-9
“Wow, just wow! This book is big in every way…. The book’s art is hard to resist … it’s a treat that the words grab as much as the pictures.” – Starred Review, Booklist

  • Growing Up, Inside and Out by Kira Vermond and Carl Chin
  • It’s Catching: The Infectious World of Germs and Microbes by Jennifer Gardy and Josh Holinaty
  • The Last Train: A Holocaust Story by Rona Arato
  • Looks Like Daylight: Voices of Indigenous Kids by Deborah Ellis
  • Pay It Forward Kids: Small Acts, Big Change by Nancy Runstedler
  • Real Justice: Sentenced to Life at Seventeen: The story of David Milgaard by Cynthia J. Faryon
  • Starting From Scratch: What You Should Know About Food and Cooking by Sarah Elton and Jeff Kulak
  • We Are Canada by Rikia Saddy and Cameron McLellan
  • Why Do We Fight?: Conflict, War, and Peace by Niki Walker

GOLDEN OAKâ„¢ 2015 NOMINATED TITLES

When I Get OlderWhen I Get Older
The Story behind “Wavin’ Flag”
Written by K’naan and Sol Guy
Illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
Hardcover | 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-302-5
“Somali-Canadian musician K’naan’s first children’s book tells the inspirational story of his immigration to Canada to escape the Somali War. K’naan uses accessible yet poetic language to draw in young readers, exploring his adjustment to Canada and how music kept him connected to his family. Gutierrez’s artwork powerfully conveys a new immigrant’s sense of alienation.” – Parents Canada

  • The Clear-Out by Deborah Ellis
  • Every Day is Malala Day by Rosemary McCarney
  • The Hard Fall by Brenda Chapman
  • Just Gone by William Kowalski
  • Rainbow Crow : Nagweyaabi-aandeg by David Bouchard and David Jean
  • Rick Hansen: A Life in Motion by Don Quinlan
  • Sentenced to Life at Seventeen : The Story of David Milgaard by Cynthia J. Faryon

The Festival of Treesâ„¢ in Toronto will be taking place on May 12-13, 2015 at the Harbourfront Centre. We will be there to cheer on our authors and illustrators!

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Finalists for the 2014 Canadian Children’s Book Centre Awards

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) has announced the finalists for its seven major children’s book awards – the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, Prix TD de littérature canadienne pour l’enfance et la jeunesse, Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction, Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People, John Spray Mystery Award, and the Monica Hughes Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy.

The nominated books exemplify some of the best work by Canadian authors and illustrators. The following Tundra titles have been chosen:

MARILYN BAILLIE PICTURE BOOK AWARD

My Name Is BlessingMy Name Is Blessing
Written by Eric Walters
Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
Hardcover | 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-301-8
“This story of an African boy plagued by disability, poverty and prejudice, and ultimately saved by love, is unfailingly respectful… Every child can be enriched by the unsentimental, honest and enlightening text and be carried away by the beautifully realized art suffused with the burnt orange tones of the African Savannah… The turn of phrase reflected in the title is highly poignant.” – Jury Comments

Where Do You LookWhere Do You Look?
Written by Marthe Jocelyn and Nell Jocelyn
Hardcover | 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-376-6
“A series of wonderful double-entendres that introduce language concepts in a playful way, this book contains few words but hours of fun… The playful joys and puzzles of language are presented with exuberant high spirits, in cleverly chosen words and brilliantly patterned collage illustrations reminiscent of folk art… This mother-daughter team brings artful layers to a seemingly simple concept.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to the other finalists in this category: Fox and Squirrel by Ruth Ohi, How To by Julie Morstad, and The Man with the Violin by Kathy Stinson and illustrated by DuÅ¡an Petričić.

NORMA FLECK AWARD FOR CANADIAN CHILDREN’S NON-FICTION

My Name Is BlessingMy Name Is Blessing
Written by Eric Walters
Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
Hardcover | 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-301-8
“This picture book explores the universal feelings of fear of rejection and joy of acceptance… Based upon a true story, My Name Is Blessing details the plight of a young boy in Kenya living with a physical disability and challenging living circumstances… Eugenie Fernandes’ colourful renditions of the young boy’s family and changing circumstances compliment Eric Walters’ direct narrative with an understated grace.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to the other finalists in this category: Branded by the Pink Triangle by Ken Setterington, A History of Just About Everything: 180 Events, People and Inventions That Changed the World by Elizabeth MacLeod and Frieda Wishinsky and illustrated by Qin Leng, The Last Train: A Holocaust Story by Rona Arato, and Looks Like Daylight: Voices of Indigenous Kids by Deborah Ellis.

GEOFFREY BILSON AWARD FOR HISTORICAL FICTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Little Red LiesLittle Red Lies
Written by Julie Johnston
Hardcover | 352 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-313-1
eBook: 978-1-77049-314-8
“Set in the aftermath of World War II, Little Red Lies includes many elements that contribute to the theme of hiding secrets… Unflinchingly honest, Julie Johnston’s story of a 13-year-old girl living in post-World War II Canada will resonate with young adult readers… On the surface, the novel is about a soldier’s return from war, but under the layers of work, school and relationships linger the extraordinary truths held by Johnston’s characters…” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to the other finalists in this category: Brothers at War by Don Cummer, Graffiti Knight by Karen Bass, The Manager by Caroline Stellings, and Me & Mr. Bell by Philip Roy.

Thank you to the judges for their considerations and again, congratulations to our authors, illustrators, and our hardworking publishing team! The winners will be announced at the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Awards Gala on Thursday, November 6, 2014.

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Guest Post: Please, sir, I want some more YA

Hello! We’re so happy to have Sarah Essak here at Tundra. She’s been working behind the scenes in editorial with us. You’ll find her reading manuscripts, writing reports, and lending a helping hand with a smile. We wouldn’t have had such a smooth sales conference this week without her. Some of her out-of-the-ordinary tasks included making newspaper hats and filling tubs with cotton candy for our reps to enjoy. We thought you’d like to hear from her today!
TundraYASarah Essak: About a month ago, I ran into a fellow intern in the shared kitchen. I told her I needed to take a brief break because the manuscript I was reading was getting too intense. She looked at me strangely and said “but you work at Tundra.” It took me a moment to work out what she meant. Oh. Right. YA books aren’t meant to affect you the same way as high literature. My friend is by no means the first person to think that. I myself have been guilty of judging readers based on what is in their hands. But after working at Tundra for three months, I’ve read multiple manuscripts that will stay with me for a long time to come. And these are manuscripts. I can’t wait to see what the editors here will do for the books that left me heartbroken, laughing out loud, and drooling for more in their roughest form.

In literary circles and in the eyes of the general public, there is this pervasive thought that YA books are not worth the time and attention of mature readers. In fact, YA as a genre is often scoffed at, and those who advocate for it open themselves up to mockery. Have we forgotten about coming-of-age novels such as Great Expectations, The Catcher in the Rye, The Outsiders, The Diary of Anne Frank, and Oliver Twist? And what is YA if not stories about coming of age? There are stories to be told, for what time in our lives is more earth-shatteringly complex than when we are teenagers, learning who we are and what the world is like?

Perhaps we are in a time where YA novels have hit a trend that some find “fluffy,” but much of adult literature is in the same situation. That is not to say it is bad, but it is to say that there is a wide variety of work out there. So, I’d like to piggyback on a well-known proverb and say, don’t judge a book by its genre. In the words of the almighty Atwood: “There is good and mediocre writing within every genre.” Pick up a YA book; you might just be surprised by what you find.

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The 2014 Red Maple Fiction Award Winner

The Toronto Festival of Trees took place on May 14-15, 2014 at the Harbourfront Centre. We were there to cheer on our nominated authors and illustrators! The Ontario Library Association revealed the winning titles and honour books for the 2014 Forest of Reading program and Tundra would like to congratulate our winning author, Susin Nielsen!

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K LarsenThe Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen
Written by Susin Nielsen
256 pages
Hardcover: 978-1-77049-372-8
Trade Paperback: 978-1-77049-654-5
eBook: 978-1-77049-373-5
“With fully developed adult and child characters and a solid sense of middle school humor, the author has crafted an insightful and nuanced novel about bullying and suicide, and familial love and resilience.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

Here’s a short clip of Susin accepting her Red Maple award on stage:

Video courtesy of Sigmund Brouwer.

PS: Word Nerd by Susin Nielsen was the winner of the 2010 Red Maple Award!

Tundra Book Group