Top 10 Great Books For Children 2012

Congratulations to our authors and illustrators! The Canadian Toy Testing Council (CTTC) have listed the following Tundra books as some of the top ten “Great Books” for 2012:

Gunner: Hurricane Horse
By Judy Andrekson
illustrated by David Parkins
Trade Paperback | 104 Pages
Ages 8-11
ISBN: 978-0-88776-905-4
eBook: 978-1-77049-227-1
“…an emotional true story which educates readers about horses and reminds readers to be resilient during periods of hardship. Telling black and white illustrations decorate chapter headings, and a striking cover complements this well researched story. This newest book in the “True Horse Stories” series is a quick read and contains more humor than the first five books in the series. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to a girl or a boy who is looking for the latest book about horses….” – Recommended, CM Magazine

Merci Mr. Dash!
By Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Esperança Melo
Hardcover | 32 Pages
Ages 3-6
ISBN: 978-0-88776-964-1
“…Brightly colored acrylic paintings show Mr. Dash at his best…. Generously sprinkled with easily understood French phrases, this well-paced portrait of patience and toleration ends with a satisfying nap by the fire and the promise of a quiet, Daphne-free day. Children will empathize with Daphne and Mr. Dash and perhaps gain an understanding of both positions. A good choice to generate discussion, this will appeal to energetic youngsters and dog lovers alike.” – Kirkus Reviews

A Night on the Town
By Caroline Merola
Hardcover | 32 Pages
Ages 3-6
ISBN: 978-1-77049-200-4
“… Caroline Merola’s bold illustrations saturate every page with colour and create a rich, expressive backdrop to the story. The narrative flows naturally, with light, playful dialogue and a lively pace that will make reading aloud a pleasure. Pickles McPhee and Martha made loveable, spirited heroines…. A Night on the Town is a good-natured, charmingly illustrated book – just the ticket for a vicarious nighttime romp.” – Quill & Quire

It’s Not about the Apple!
By Veronika Martenova Charles
Illustrated by David Parkins
Trade Paperback | 64 Pages
Ages 5-8
ISBN: 978-0-88776-955-9
eBook: 978-1-77049-215-8
“I really loved this book! It captures the story of Snow White from four different cultural perspectives, and each one pulled me away from the Walt Disney version in a delightful way … to read this text and experience Snow White from different cultural perspectives was completely refreshing…. The theme of this classic fairy tale remains the same, but the uniqueness presented from each culture adds great flavour to the original….” – Highly Recommended, CM Magazine

The other books on this year’s list are:

  • Not a Baby Anymore
  • Le meilleur endroit
  • The Loud Book
  • Kiss Me (I’m a Prince)
  • Savais-tu? Les corneilles!
  • Magalie Lance et compte

Congratulations to all!

August Pub Date Giveaway Winner

Thank you to everyone who entered our first Pub Date Giveaway! We used random.org to generate the winning number:

Then counted through the entries to find out that The1stdaughter (Danielle) is the August winner. Congratulations! I will be emailing you for your shipping address, so please check your inbox.

Danielle picked the lovely picture book, A Night on the Town for her son. This was fun! Don’t worry if you didn’t win anything this round, we’ll do it again on September 14, 2010!

Tuesdays with Tundra 3

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

All Aboard!
Elijah McCoy’s Steam Engine

By Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
ISBN 978-0-88776-945-0
US $17.95 / CAN $19.99
Ages 5-8
All Aboard! Elijah McCoy’s Steam Engine is an intriguing and readable introduction to Elijah McCoy that whets the appetite for more, but it also touches on other thought-provoking themes such as slavery, the Underground Railroad, racial discrimination, railroad history, everyday inventions and belief in one’s own ideals…. The wonderful effervescent illustrations of Bill Slavin bring the story to life, capturing the atmosphere of the age with authenticity…. Highly recommended.” – CM Magazine

Dear George Clooney
Please Marry My Mom

By Susin Nielsen
ISBN 978-0-88776-977-1
US $15.95 / CAN $17.99
Ages 11-14
“Nielsen (Word Nerd) has created a narrator as sassy and candid as this memorable novel’s title….Nielsen skillfully balances her story’s keen humor…with poignancy. Especially affecting are Violet’s struggles to accept her father’s new family….” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

Lucy Unstrung
By Carole Lazar
ISBN 978-0-88776-963-4
US $12.95 / CAN $14.99
Ages 10-14
Teens who get pregnant and raise their babies are often in the news. But what about those children who are growing up with parents scarcely half a generation older than themselves?

Lulu’s Piano Lesson
By Arlene Alda
Illustrated by Lisa Desimini
ISBN 978-0-88776-930-6
US $16.95 / CAN $18.99
Ages 4-7
“…Collage and digital art make for flattened surfaces and stylized shapes, enlivened by varying perspectives. Lulu has a beautiful head of bushy, curly hair and bright blue eyes. As lessons go, it’s a mighty nice one.” – Kirkus Reviews

A Night on the Town
By Caroline Merola
ISBN 978-1-77049-200-4
US $15.95 / CAN $17.99
Ages 3-6
“… Caroline Merola’s bold illustrations saturate every page with colour and create a rich, expressive backdrop to the story. The narrative flows naturally, with light, playful dialogue and a lively pace that will make reading aloud a pleasure. Pickles McPhee and Martha made loveable, spirited heroines…. A Night on the Town is a good-natured, charmingly illustrated book – just the ticket for a vicarious nighttime romp.” – Quill & Quire

Pub Date Giveaway: Which book would you love to get your hands on? Leave us a comment below and one lucky reader will receive a copy of their requested book, courtesy of Tundra! One request per person please. This offer ends on Wednesday, August 11th, 2010!

Tundra Book Group