Posts

Posted on

National Chocolate Day

October 28th is National Chocolate Day! Why not dive into this sweet little book?

I Love ChocolateI Love Chocolate
By Davide Calì
Illustrated by Evelyn Daviddi
ISBN 978-0-88776-912-2
Ages 2-5
24 Pages
Hardcover

“…a celebration of all things chocolate…. a delightful blend of clever, precise writing and colourful, imaginative artwork. Both the text and the illustrations contain liberal servings of humour, and this is a ‘feel good’ book that, although geared primarily to young children, will appeal to people of all ages.” – Highly Recommended, CM Magazine

“Let us stuff our caloric worries away and now praise, in read-aloud voice, chocolate – that giver of happiness… The characters have the elemental sophistication of stone pictographs come to life, with great, stick-figure maws ever ready for chocolate insertion. The colors are gorgeous and, appropriately, are reminiscent of a Wayne Thiebaud cupcake – chocolate, of course.” – Kirkus Reviews

“…the text captures the essence of chocolate-its varying incarnations and textures-and it will leave everyone salivating. In addition to being a great candidate for programs, the book has potential as an easy reader as well. The art has a European flair… the art and narrative work together; while the text is no-frills, the illustrations depict fancier treats, like cakes and truffles…. a sweet storytime.” – School Library Journal

“…lets readers experience the taste, smell and colour of the world’s most beloved treat…. Illustrations by Evelyn Daviddi complete this tasty read.” – The Guelph Mercury

“…the delectable tale by Davide Calì, entices readers to use their senses in exploring the fabulous world of chocolate. 32 pages of chocolaty fun-which we’re sure most of you can relate to!” – Tots Trends Weekly Magazine

See what some bloggers have to say about I Love Chocolate:

Posted on

The 2010 OLA Forest of Reading® Nominees

Yesterday, the Ontario Library Association revealed the short-listed nominated titles for the 2010 Forest of Reading®. All nominated titles have been posted to the Reading Program page of the OLA website, which you can visit at http://www.accessola.com/reading.

Tundra would like to congratulate Tim Beiser, Rachel Berman, Cyndi Sand-Eveland, Cary Fagan, Shane Peacock, Jane Drake, Ann Love, Mark Thurman, and Susin Nielsen!

Blue Spruce Award (JK-Grade 2)
Bradley McGoggBradley McGogg
The Very Fine Frog
By Tim Beiser
Illustrated by Rachel Berman
ISBN 978-88776-864-4
Hardcover | 24 Pages
Ages 2-5
“… The rhyming verse is so fresh and the illustrations so full of personality and emotion that we quickly forget the slight premise and simply enjoy Brad’s neighbourhood kitchen crawl…. Tim Beiser does a bang-up job…. Rachel Berman locates this moveable feast in a gentle setting, rural and mildly Edwardian…. The slight contrast between words and pictures creates a delicious tension and a welcoming world for all diners and sojourners.” – Feature Review, Quill & Quire

Silver Birch Award – Express (Grades 2-4)
Dear ToniDear Toni
By Cyndi Sand-Eveland
ISBN 978-88776-876-7
Hardcover | 136 Pages
Ages 8-11
“The novel is written in diary format and peppered with often-humorous sketches depicting the various activities, thoughts, pets, and people that make up Gene’s life. Girls, especially, will relate to the protagonist and feel as if they are reading personal notes from a close friend.” – School Library Journal

Ten Lesson for Kaspar SnitTen Lessons for Kaspar Snit
By Cary Fagan
ISBN 978-88776-835-4
Paperback | 192 Pages
Ages 8-12
“Ten Lessons for Kaspar Snit is full of clever dialogue and comic situations, but it is also an action-packed, inventive, page-turner with several surprises. Much of the humour can be enjoyed by children and adults alike, and the supportive, caring family dynamic of the Galinski-Blande family is pleasing…. The tone of the book is always light, with wisecracks being made even when the action heats up…” – Highly Recommended, CM Magazine

Silver Birch Award – Fiction (Grades 4-6)
Death in the AirDeath in the Air
The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Second Case
By Shane Peacock
ISBN 978-88776-851-4
Hardcover | 264 Pages
Ages 10-14
“In the first novel, we see many of the characteristics of the adult detective being formed through his first exciting adventure. In Death in the Air, this development continues and we get to know young Sherlock even better….This novel is written for the young adult, but adult readers will also find it satisfying. Peacock places demand on the reader, expecting intelligence and curiosity. The fast-paced adventure is a treat.” – The Globe and Mail

Silver Birch Award – Nonfiction (Grades 4-6)
Alien InvadersAlien Invaders
Species that Threaten Our World
By Jane Drake and Ann Love
Illustrated by Mark Thurman
ISBN 978-88776-798-2
Hardcover | 56 Pages
Ages 9-12
“In a clear, informal text, illustrated with handsome color paintings, this intriguing science book discusses particular plants, animals, bacteria, and viruses that humans have, deliberately or accidentally, introduced to a new habitat.” – Booklist

Red Maple Award (Grades 7-8) and Golden Oak Award (Adult Learners)
Word NerdWord Nerd
By Susin Nielsen
ISBN 978-88776-875-0
Hardcover | 256 Pages
Ages 9+
“This is a tender, often funny story with some really interesting characters. It will appeal to word nerds, but even more to anyone who has ever longed for acceptance or had to fight unreasonable parental restrictions.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

The Festival of Treesâ„¢ will be taking place on May 12-13, 2010 at the Harbourfront Centre.

Posted on

Let’s Tour Medina Hill

Medina HillTrilby KentNext week, we will be hosting our first ever Blog Tour! We have a wonderful line-up of contributors and tour hosts for Trilby Kent’s debut novel, Medina Hill.

Trilby Kent was born in Toronto, Ontario, and grew up in cities on both sides of the Atlantic. After completing degrees at Oxford University and The London School of Economics, she worked in the rare books department at a prominent auction house before turning to writing feature articles for publication in Europe and North America. She now lives in London, England.

Open Book: Toronto will be kicking off the tour and posting tour updates for you to follow. Stay tuned and in the meantime, here is the schedule of the tour stops:

Monday, November 2, 2009:

  1. Nathaniel G. Moore at Open Book: Toronto
  2. Belle at Ms. Bookish
  3. Alea at Pop Culture Junkie
  4. Morgan at Books and Literature for Teens
  5. Carrie Anne at Another Day, Another Thought… Or Two

Tuesday, November 3, 2009:

  1. Kerry at Shelf Elf
  2. Cindy at Cindy’s Love of Books
  3. Melissa at Librarian by Day
  4. Melanie at Melanie’s Musings
  5. Lauren at Lauren’s Crammed Bookshelf

Wednesday, November 4, 2009:

  1. Kristen at BookWorming in the 21st Century
  2. Melissa at Must Read Faster
  3. Janssen at Everyday Reading in collaboration with Kayla at Ad Absurdum
  4. Carrie at Carrie’s YA Bookshelf
  5. Diana at Stop, Drop, and Read

Thursday, November 5, 2009:

  1. Shelly at Write for a Reader
  2. Taschima at Bloody Bookaholic
  3. Amanda at A Patchwork of Books
  4. Khy at Frenetic Reader
  5. Leila at BookChildWorld

Friday, November 6, 2009:

  1. Sarah at Green Bean Teen Queen
  2. Luisa at Chicklish
  3. Jenny at Wondrous Reads
  4. Sally at An Awfully Big Blog Adventure
  5. Eve at Vulpes Libris
Posted on

Launch of: Tyranny

Last night, we joined Lesley Fairfield in celebrating the launch of her graphic novel, Tyranny. The reading and signing was held at McNally Robinson Booksellers in Don Mills.

TyrannyTyranny by Lesley Fairfield

Kathryn ColeKathryn Cole, the editor of Tyranny, gave a great introducation for Lesley Fairfield.

Tyranny PresentationLesley Fairfield telling us about her personal thirty-year struggle with anorexia and bulimia.

Lesley FairfieldWe love Lesley’s outfit!
Check out her earrings and top – they match the cover!

Thank you once again to Nicola and to the staff at McNally Robinson Booksellers for making the event a success!

Posted on

Cybils: 2009 Nominations

cybils-logo-thumbThe Children’s and Young Adult Bloggers’ Literary Awards are back! Here’s a little background information about the Cybils Awards from their website:

 

 

  • Reward the children’s and young adult authors (and illustrators, let’s not forget them) whose books combine the highest literary merit and “kid appeal.” What’s that mean? If some la-di-dah awards can be compared to brussel sprouts, and other, more populist ones to gummy bears, we’re thinking more like organic chicken nuggets. We’re yummy and nutritious.
  • Foster a sense of community among bloggers who write about children’s and YA literature, highlight our best reviewers (and shamelessly promote their blogs) and provide a forum for the similarly obsessed.

This year, Tundra has two nominations and we would like to congratulate Monica Kulling, Bill Slavin, and Gena K. Gorrell!

CATEGORY: Non-Fiction – middle/teen
Say WhatSay What? The Weird and Mysterious Journey of the English Language
Written by Gena K. Gorrell
ISBN 978-0-88776-878-1
This innovative book takes us on a journey through time to unravel and demystify the story of English. Word games, intriguing facts, and tricky quizzes add an element of fun while enriching readers’ knowledge and understanding. Thank you to Erin W. for nominating Say What?

CATEGORY: Non-fiction/Information Picture Books
It's a Snap!It’s a Snap! George Eastman’s First Photo (Great Idea Series)
Written by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
ISBN 978-0-88776-881-1
Monica Kulling’s spunky, playful text is beautifully complemented by the stunning pen-and-ink with watercolor illustrations of artist Bill Slavin. It’s a Snap! George Eastman’s First Photo introduces a new series for Tundra – the Great Idea Series – a must-have for schools, libraries, and parents alike. Thank you to Cristiana C. for the nominating It’s a Snap!

The finalists will be announced on Jaunary 1st and the winners will be announced on February 14th. More good reasons to look forward to New Years and Valentine’s Day!

Tundra Book Group