2014 Chocolate Lily Award Shortlist

Chocolate Lily Award

The short-list for the 2014 Chocolate Lily Book Award has been announced. Tundra has two nominated titles under the Grades 4-6 category:

A Tinfoil SkyA Tinfoil Sky
Written by Cyndi Sand-Eveland
Hardcover | 224 Pages | Ages 10+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-277-6
“…Sand-Eveland’s gritty, riveting second novel…. Mel’s restrained narration has a blunt eloquence; her voice is all the more gripping for being understated. Through subtle shifts in tone and perspective, Eveland-Sand movingly shows how Mel’s stoicism gives way to the cautious hope that she can actually realize her dreams, not abandon them as her mother has done.” – The National Post

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K LarsenThe Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen
Written by Susin Nielsen
Hardcover | 256 Pages | Ages 10+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-372-8
“…Words and writing are often a salvation in Nielsen’s YA fiction. Henry is forced to keep a journal by his therapist; he is at first reluctant, then obsessive about it. A born diarist, he exhibits the idiosyncratic voice of a memoirist, one keenly interested in documenting both his inner and outer worlds. He captures both with humour and heart…. Yet the novel is a dramedy, and believably balances lightness and darkness. It is a shame when the reader must put down the journal and say goodbye to Henry.” – The National Post

The Chocolate Lily Award encourages grade school students to read some of the best fiction by British Columbia’s children’s authors and illustrators.

Congratulations to Cyndi Sand-Eveland and Susin Nielsen!

Launch of: The Pocket Mommy

The Pocket Mommy book launch
You’re invited to join Rachel Eugster at the launch of The Pocket Mommy!

Where: Kaleidoscope Kids’ Books
Address: 1018 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W8
Phone: (613) 232-7406
When: Sunday, September, 22, 2013
Time: 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

What readers are saying about The Pocket Mommy:

“With a mischievous tone, it pokes fun at mothering, while embracing the love that a child has for their mom.” – Apt 613

“Kids will find all the trouble pocket mommy gets into funny and this would be great to read aloud during the first day (or week) of school.” – Gidgets Bookworms

“While I’m waiting for someone to write the next book The Pocket Baby just for me, take a look at this adorable book, The Pocket Mommy, perfect for kids just starting school!” – Mom vs The Boys

“This is a lovely tale about a little boy who is dealing with the struggle of staying with the familiar and letting go to explore something new.” – Lost in a Great Book

Tuesdays with Tundra 32

Tuesdays with Tundra is a monthly post on our new releases. The following books are available today in stores and online!

Death of a KingDeath of a King
Written by Andrew H. Vanderwal
Hardcover | 304 Pages | Ages 10+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-398-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-399-5
Twelve-year-old Alex, determined to get to the bottom of his parents’ disappearance, sets out on a quest to find them. An ambitious time-travel novel set in Scotland at the time of William Wallace, Death of a King explores the turbulence of the bloody late thirteenth century after King Alexander dies on his way to Kinghorn without leaving an heir to the throne. The country is thrown into chaos, and Alex must overcome many obstacles along his path.

Little Red LiesLittle Red Lies
Written by Julie Johnston
Hardcover | 352 Pages | Ages 10+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-313-1
eBook: 978-1-77049-314-8
The war is over, but for thirteen-year-old Rachel, the battle has just begun. Putting childhood behind her, she knows what she wants – to prove she has acting talent worthy of the school drama club, and what she doesn’t want – to romantically fall for someone completely inappropriate. Worries about her veteran brother’s failing health and repugnance at her mother’s unexpected and unwanted pregnancy drive her to seek solace from a seemingly sympathetic, but self-serving teacher.

ShadowsShadows
Written by Paula Weston
Hardcover | 400 Pages | Ages 14+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-547-0
eBook: 978-1-77049-549-4
It’s almost a year since Gaby Winters watched her twin brother die. In the sunshine of a new town her body has healed, but her grief is raw and constant. It doesn’t help that every night in her dreams she fights and kills hell-beasts. And then Rafa comes to town. Not only does he look exactly like the guy who’s been appearing in Gaby’s dreams, he tells her things about her brother and her life that cannot be true, things that are dangerous . . .

Touched by FireTouched by Fire
Written by Irene N.Watts
Hardcover | 208 Pages | Ages 10+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-524-1
eBook: 978-1-77049-525-8
Teenage Miriam gives a first-hand account of the excitement everyone feels about going to America, the “Golden Land,” the journey in steerage, the arrival at Ellis Island, and the discrimination the immigrants feel while seeking employment. When Miriam finally lands a job at the Triangle Shirt Waist Company as a cuff setter, she believes her future in the New World is finally secure. But on March 25, 1911, the fire that starts from overflowing bins of material scraps rages into what becomes known as the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, and Miriam’s life is forever changed.

My Name Is BlessingMy Name Is Blessing
Written by Eric Walters
Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 6-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-301-8
Based on the life of a real boy, this warm-hearted, beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Baraka, a young Kenyan boy with a physical disability. Baraka and eight cousins live with their grandmother. She gives them boundless love, but there is never enough money or food, and life is hard – love doesn’t feed hungry stomachs or clothe growing bodies, or school keen minds. Baraka is too young, and, with his disability, needs too much, and she is too old. A difficult choice must be made, and grandmother and grandchild set off on a journey to see if there is a place at the orphanage for Baraka.

Pub Date Giveaway: In the comments below, please tell us which new September release of Tundra’s you would love to read and one lucky reader will receive their requested book! One request per person and please review our rules. This giveaway ends at midnight on Monday, September 16, 2013!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Lori who has won a copy of My Name Is Blessing!

Shadows Blog Tour

Shadows Blog Tour Banner
Next week, we will be hosting Paula Weston’s North American blog tour (click here to see the UK one)! We have a wonderful line-up of contributors and tour hosts for her debut novel, Shadows. Have a look at who will be blogging in 7 days!

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2013

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2013

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2013

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013

Paula Weston lives in Brisbane with her husband, Murray and their pets, a retired greyhound and a moody cockatiel. She reads widely, and is addicted to paranormal stories. Shadows, book one of the Rephaim series, is her first novel.

You can also follow @TundraBooks, @PaulaWeston, and the wonderful bloggers on twitter!

We’re also on facebook: Tundra Books, Paula Weston, and The Rephaim

Eden Mills Writers’ Festival 2013

Eden Mills Writers Festival
You know it’s autumn when there is an array of literary festivals during the weekends! Please join author, Monica Kulling, at the Eden Mills Writers’ Festival on Sunday, September 15, 2013. She will be at Jenny’s Place (Backyard) from 3:10-3:30pm along with other children’s book authors.

MonicaKulling
Photo Credit: Erin Woods

Monica Kulling lives in Toronto and has published over 35 children’s titles including Merci, Mister Dash! and In the Bag! Margaret Knight Wraps it Up (which Smithsonian Magazine cited as one of 10 Great Science Books for Kids). Her books have been regularly nominated for awards, including the Silver Birch Express Award for All Aboard! Elijah McCoy’s Steam Engine.

Tundra Book Group