Category: Tundra Books

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Cover Reveal: Great Job, Dad! and Great Job, Mom!

Could this be the first cover reveal on our blog? Why, we think it is!

Now, some of you lucky ones might have already seen the F&G cover at ALA Annual in New Orleans this past June, but here they are again – in all their glory with the characters from the books:

Sept 12 Cover Reveal

ABOUT THE BOOKS
Being a dad or mom is eleven jobs in one!

This unique picture book for very young readers celebrates the many jobs being a parent encompasses: A receptionist scheduling important meetings (for play dates), an architect designing buildings (or pillow forts), a curator of modern art (or finger paintings) . . . When Dad or Mom return from their day jobs, they never knows which job will be waiting for them at home, but they know it’ll be fun!

Each rhyming spread features intimate, familiar, comforting and humorous depictions of family life through a wholly original – and amazing! – needle-felted lens.

Available March 26, 2019 in stores and online.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR-ILLUSTRATOR
Holman Wang is a lawyer who also finds time to make children’s books. He and his brother, Jack, are the twin powers behind the board book series Cozy Classics and Star Wars Epic Yarns, which abridge literary and cinematic classics into just twelve words and twelve needle-felted images. Their unique artwork has been exhibited around the world, including at The Original Art exhibition in New York, the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and the National Museum of Play. Holman lives with his wife and kids in Vancouver, Canada, and is a board member of the Vancouver Writers Festival.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Here are some photos from the making of the book, courtesy of Holman Wang.

CHAUFFEUR set up 1

JUDGE set up 1

ACTOR set up 5

DJ set up 1

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Instagram Stories to Read Bedtime Stories to Kids

IG storiestimeInnovative new series uses Instagram to help parents engage kids in storytime by reading picture books on Instagram Stories.

Tundra Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House Canada, has teamed up with advertising agency Rethink Canada to develop and produce the reading series “StoriesTime” launching September 10th, 2018. The new initiative designed to encourage families to read together, shares celebrated children’s books on Instagram through a series of bedtime Instagram Stories.

New stories featured on @tundrabooks Instagram each Monday and Thursday showcase beautifully illustrated children’s books from a collection of best sellers and new favourites, including Almost a Full Moon, written by Juno Award-winning musician Hawksley Workman. The stories, shot against a cozy home-like setting, and charmingly read, are designed to create an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

IG storiestime titles

“Bedtime reading is a wonderful way for parents to bond with their children, and we are excited to introduce our books to families in this new Instagram approach,” said Vikki VanSickle Associate Director, Marketing & Publicity, Young Readers at Penguin Random House Canada, and also a children’s book author herself.

The idea was inspired by a desire to promote an important childhood ritual, bedtime reading. “Every child should get that experience of bedtime stories. Using Instagram Stories we can use technology to give every kid that chance.” said Mike Dubrick, Partner, Creative Director at Rethink Canada in Toronto. “We see this as a way to encourage greater participation in an essential part of childhood.”

Tundra Books will host two different stories on their Instagram (@tundrabooks) each week over a four week period, the first having debuted September 10th. Each Story will remain active for a 24 hour period.

For more information or for high-resolution photographs please contact Vikki VanSickle at 416.928.2419 or vvansickle@penguinrandomhouse.com.

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Finalists for the 2018 Canadian Children’s Book Centre Awards

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) has announced the finalists for the following eight major awards for Canadian children’s books:

  • 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
  • Amy Mathers Teen Book Award
  • Prix Harry Black de l’album jeunesse

The nominated books exemplify some of the best work by Canadian authors and illustrators. The following Penguin Random House Canada Young Reader titles have been chosen:

TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award

When the Moon ComesWhen the Moon Comes
Written by Paul Harbridge
Illustrated by Matt James
Tundra Books for ages 4-8
“When the Moon Comes is an idyllic childhood moment frozen in time… The quiet, expressive text combined with the evocative illustrations draws the reader in to the story until you become one with the children, feeling the biting cold of the night air on your cheeks as you glide effortlessly over ice in the silver light of the moon… The illustrations evoke a strong feeling of nostalgia and community friendships and are a perfect complement the text.”

Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award

Little Blue ChairLittle Blue Chair
Written by Cary Fagan
Illustrated by Madeline Kloepper
Tundra Books for ages 3-7
“This circular tale takes readers on a whimsical journey from here to there and back again following the travels of an ordinary little chair… Charming illustrations in a soft palette offer just the right amount of detail to draw in children and give them plenty to explore with each re-reading… This gentle story is a testament to the creative power of the imagination…”

When the Moon ComesWhen the Moon Comes
Written by Paul Harbridge
Illustrated by Matt James
Tundra Books for ages 4-9
“This nostalgia filled adventure with friends will resonate with those who love the moon, nature and hockey… The friends’ anticipation and excitement for their nighttime excursion is palpable… James’ strong illustrations emphasize the beauty of winter, the wonder of a dark night, the power of the moon and the fun of an escapade with friends.”

Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People

The Agony of Bun O'KeefeThe Agony of Bun O’Keefe
Written by Heather Smith
Penguin Teen Canada for ages 12 and up
“This sad and beautiful book, rich with soul and heart, gives voice to marginalized characters and addresses weighty topics with sensitivity… I will not forget Bun O’Keefe. She holds a place in my heart as she does in the heart of Busker Boy and will do in the hearts of those who read her story… This is a book that may be a mirror or a window for readers, or a story that builds empathy for the many challenges faced by those not fitting societal expectations.”

Amy Mathers Teen Book Award

The Agony of Bun O'KeefeThe Agony of Bun O’Keefe
Written by Heather Smith
Penguin Teen Canada for ages 12 and up
“A moving and heart-wrenching story about loneliness, innocence and the healing power of finding a family of one’s own… Themes of forgiveness, loyalty, love and healing are woven throughout the story, and combine with humour and unforgettable characters to make a book that will stay with readers long after the last page.”

Everything Beautiful Is Not Ruined - paperbackEverything Beautiful is Not Ruined
Written by Danielle Younge-Ullman
Penguin Teen Canada for ages 14 and up
“An enthralling novel that packs an emotional punch, Everything Beautiful is Not Ruined is the story of one teenaged girl’s personal journey towards forgiveness and self-discovery… Younge-Ullman has crafted a beautiful and compelling story about a mother and daughter, grief and resilience.”

Congratulations to our authors and illustrators!

The winners of the English-language awards will be announced at an invitation-only gala event at Bram and Bluma Appel Salon in Toronto on October 29, 2018. The winners of the French-language awards will be announced at an invitation-only gala event at Scena in Montreal on November 19, 2018.

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Sharon, Lois and Bram’s Skinnamarink

Based on the classic folk song made famous by a beloved trio of children’s entertainers, this picture book is best sung aloud! “Skinnamarink” is a timeless anthem of love and inclusion.

What does “skinnamarink” mean? You may not find its definition in a dictionary, but the meaning is clear to the generations of children who sang along: friendship, happiness, sharing, community and, ultimately, love. This song has been sung in weddings and in classrooms. It can be fun and silly – especially with the accompanying actions! And it has a way of bringing people together.

Through Qin Leng’s wonderfully imaginative illustrations, this delightful picture book tells the story of a community coming together. Young and old, from little mice to a big elephant, people and animals gather into a spontaneous parade as they follow the sound of music.

Sharon, Lois and Bram’s Skinnamarink is coming September 3, 2019.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQjk7qUCmv0]

SHARON HAMPSON, the late LOIS LILLENSTEIN (d. 2015) and BRAM MORRISON are some of Canada’s most famous children’s performers, with fans across North America and around the world. The trio, known simply as Sharon, Lois and Bram, formed in Toronto in 1978 and went on to create two top-rated children’s television shows, most notably The Elephant Show, and to release 21 full-length albums (many of which reached gold, platinum, double platinum and triple platinum). They have won countless awards and were appointed to the Order of Canada in 2002. In 1998 they performed at the UN General Assembly and in 1994 they performed at the White House Annual Easter Egg Roll and Hunt. They also performed a run at the renowned Palace Theater on Broadway. Most recently Sharon and Bram were invited to participate in Toronto’s 2017 Pride parade – parade goers were so moved to see them participate that the crowd broke into a spontaneous version of the song along the parade’s route. In 2018, Sharon and Bram celebrated their 40th anniversary and they continue to entertain children and share their message of love.

Throughout her career, QIN LENG has illustrated picture books, magazines and book covers with publishers around the world. Recent picture books include her author/illustrator debut I Am Small; Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson; and Family Is a Family Is a Family written by Sara O’Leary. Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin, written by Chieri Uegaki, was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award, and received the APALA Award for best picture book. She lives in Toronto, with her husband and her son.

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Tundra Ghost Story Contest for Kids

“Writers dream stories, awake and asleep.” – Linda Bailey, Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein

On a stormy night in Lake Geneva in 1816, poet Lord Byron challenged his friends to write a ghost story. One of those people was eighteen-year-old Mary Shelley, and the story she wrote was Frankenstein. To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Frankenstein and the publication of Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein, Tundra Books is holding a ghost story writing contest for kids age 8−12.

Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein 01HOW TO ENTER
Contest is open to kids age 8−12. Stories must be between 800−2,000 words in length and contain at least one ghost. They will be judged on originality and readability by an expert panel, including Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein author Linda Bailey as well as an editor and a marketing professional from Tundra Books.

PRIZE
The winning story will be posted here, on the Talking with Tundra blog on November 19th, 2018. The winner will also receive a letter from author Linda Bailey, a copy of Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein and $50 worth of Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers books.

TO ENTER AND FOR FULL DETAILS
Please visit penguinrandomhouse.ca/tundra-ghost-story-contest. Stories must be sent in by October 31st, 2018 to be considered.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY
Enter between August 28, 2018 and October 31, 2018. Open to residents of the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec) who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory of residence at time of entry. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. See Official Rules at https://penguinrandomhouse.ca/tundra-ghost-story-contest for full details.Mary Who Wrote Frankenstein 02
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES

Please feel free to print these out and spread the world! We can’t wait to read the submissions!

Tundra Book Group