2014 Holiday Gift Guide: The Thinkers

Listed by age range:

Nancy KnowsNancy Knows
Written by Cybèle Young
Hardcover | 40 Pages | Ages 3-7
ISBN: 978-1-77049-482-4
Nancy knows she’s forgotten something. Something important. When she tries to remember, she thinks of all kinds of other things instead. She remembers things she knows and things she doesn’t quite know. She remembers things one way, then another. Sometimes she remembers with her ears or her stomach or even her heart. But Nancy knows she’s still forgetting something. It’s only when Nancy stops thinking altogether that she finally remembers the very important thing she’s forgotten. Nancy Knows is the charming story of an elephant who remember lots of things, except the very thing she is trying to remember.

Going Up - Elisha Otis Trip to the TopGoing Up!
Elisha Otis’s Trip to the Top

Written by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by David Parkins
Trade Paperback | 32 Pages | Ages 5-8
ISBN: 978-1-77049-516-6
In 1818, seven-year-old Elisha was fascinated by farm machinery. As a young man, he tried a variety of ways to make a living, but nothing fired his imagination more than the job he found in a bed-frame factory. Soon he invented a machine that made frames four times faster than ever before. In 1852, while overseeing the construction of a new factory, he had to find a way to move heavy machinery to the second floor. He didn’t trust the hoisting platform, so he invented a safety brake. It was so successful that rather than lift machine parts, Elisha decided to build “people-hoisting machines.” In 1857, Elisha Otis installed his first successful passenger elevator in a five-storey department store in New York City. Before Elisha’s invention, buildings were never higher than six stories. At last it was possible to build skyscrapers!

Spic-and-SpanSpic-and-Span!
Lillian Gilbreth’s Wonder Kitchen

Written by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by David Parkins
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 5-8
ISBN: 978-1-77049-380-3
Born into a life of privilege in 1878, Lillian Moller Gilbreth put her pampered life aside for one of adventure and challenge. She and her husband, Frank, became efficiency experts by studying the actions of factory workers. They ran their home efficiently, too. When Frank suddenly died, Lillian was left to her own devices to raise their eleven children. Eventually, she was hired by the Brooklyn Borough Gas Company to improve kitchen design, which was only the beginning. Lillian Gilbreth was the subject of two movies (Cheaper by the Dozen and Belles on Their Toes), the first woman elected to the National Academy of Engineering, and the first female psychologist to have a U.S. postage stamp issued in her honor. A leading efficiency expert, she was also an industrial engineer, a psycologist, an author, a professor, and an inventor.

Nine Words MaxNine Words Max
Written by Dan Bar-el
Illustrated by David Huyck
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 5-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-562-3
Maximilian is a prince who loves to talk: No topic is too small, no story too boring. Max’s brothers are the opposite–the less said the better. When the king and queen go on a trip and leave the brothers alone, the three princes put a spell on Max that limits him to speaking only nine words at a time. The brothers are delighted: peace and quiet at last! But when a fearsome dignitary arrives, they realize the true value of their brother’s insatiable need for information.

Who Needs a DesertWho Needs a Desert?
A Desert Ecosystem

Written by Karen Patkau
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 7-10
ISBN: 978-1-77049-386-5
Although deserts are harsh, dry places, they teem with fascinating plants and wildlife. Author and illustrator Karen Patkau takes us on a magical journey through one of the earth’s most important ecosystems. In Who Needs a Desert? A Desert Ecosystem, we discover, in breathtaking art and lyrical text, the plants and animals that have adapted to its severe conditions – from grasses, cacti, shrubs, and trees to Gila monsters, roadrunners, scorpions, and kangaroo rats.

Who Needs a PrairieWho Needs a Prairie?
A Grassland Ecosystem

Written by Karen Patkau
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 7-10
ISBN: 978-1-77049-388-9
Prairies are wild and rugged grasslands, whose inhabitants depend on each other and their surroundings. Author and illustrator Karen Patkau takes us on a magical journey through one of the earth’s most important ecosystems. In Who Needs a Prairie? A Grassland Ecosystem, we discover, in breathtaking art and lyrical text, the plants and animals that thrive in its unique conditions – from buttercups, pincushion cacti, prairie crocuses, and sagebrush to burrowing owls, dung beetles, yellow-bellied racers, and voles.

Who Needs a ReefWho Needs a Reef?
A Coral Ecosystem

Written by Karen Patkau
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 7-10
ISBN: 978-1-77049-390-2
Colorful coral reefs, astonishing in their beauty, bustle and teem with life. Author and illustrator Karen Patkau takes us on a magical journey through one of the earth’s most important ecosystems. In Who Needs a Reef ? A Coral Reef Ecosystem, we discover, in breathtaking art and lyrical text, the plants and animals that flourish in its tropical conditions – from coralline algae, phytoplankton, and sea grasses to hermit crabs, moon jellies, whale sharks, and porcupinefish.

Every BreathEvery Breath
Written by Ellie Marney
Hardcover | 352 Pages | Ages 14 and up
ISBN: 978-1-77049-772-6
eBook: 978-1-77049-774-0
Rachel Watts has just moved to Melbourne from the country, but the city is the last place she wants to be. James Mycroft is her neighbor, an intriguing and troubled seventeen-year-old genius with a passion for forensics. When Mycroft asks Watts to help investigate a murder, she knows it’s probably a very bad idea. But Mycroft’s hard to resist when he’s up close and personal-and before she knows it, Watts has joined him on the hunt for a cold-blooded killer. But what happens when this brilliant bad boy becomes murder suspect number one?

Nancy Dreams

Tuesdays with Tundra 41

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

Nancy KnowsNancy Knows
Written by Cybèle Young
Hardcover | 40 Pages | Ages 3-7
ISBN: 978-1-77049-482-4
“Pure fascination.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
“…a great example of the power and charm of simple storytelling” – Starred Review, Quill & Quire
“…truly exceptional paper sculptures from Young.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

The RatThe Rat
Written by Elise Gravel
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 6-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-658-3
One in a series of humorous books about disgusting creatures, The Rat is a look at the black rat. It covers such topics as the rat’s long, agile tail (it’s good for balancing and picking noses), long teeth (they can chew through anything, including books) and disgusting taste in food (delicious electrical wires in tomato sauce, anyone?). Although silly and off-the-wall, The Rat contains real information that will tie in with curriculum.

The SlugThe Slug
Written by Elise Gravel
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 6-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-655-2
One in a series of humorous books about disgusting creatures, The Slug is a look at the land slug. It covers such topics as the slug’s two pairs of tentacles, one pair for seeing, one pair for smelling (it can see you’re a kid and smell like broccoli), its breathing hole (on the side of its head!), and its pretty gross mucous covering (in order to find a partner, the slug can follow another slug’s mucous trail. True love!). Although silly and off-the-wall, The Slug contains real information that will tie in with curriculum.

Spic-and-SpanSpic-and-Span! Lillian Gilbreth’s Wonder Kitchen
Written by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by David Parkins
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 5-8
ISBN: 978-1-77049-380-3
“Monica Kulling explores the accomplishments of popular and less well-known remarkable inventors. With each book, she tells an engaging story about her subject’s life, inspirations, and inventions…. The lively illustrations by David Parkins help to tell the story and offer illuminating details, from the antiquated cash-room at Macy’s department store to the look of a modern 1920s kitchen.” – Gillian O’Reilly, National Reading Campaign

Pub Date Giveaway: In the comments below, please tell us which new August 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, August 11, 2014!

UPDATE: Congratulations to C Fowler, winner of The Rat by Elise Gravel.

TD Summer Reading Club 2014

EurekaThe TD Summer Reading Club is an inclusive, bilingual program that strives to engage all children in the joy of reading during the summer months. This program is a joint initiative between TD Bank Group, Toronto Public Library, and Library and Archives Canada. Every year a theme is selected from suggestions made across the country. This year’s theme is EUREKA!

Children who register for the TD Summer Reading Club at their local library receive a free promotional reading kit and are encouraged to earn nine collectible stickers by reading books over the summer. They are also invited to participate in programs organized at their local library and share their love of reading with children across the country through the TD Summer Reading club website.

Here are some of the Tundra titles that are being featured in the reading lists this year, make sure you check them out at your local library!

Ella May and the Wishing StoneElla May and the Wishing Stone
Written by Cary Fagan
Illustrated by Geneviève Côté
Trade Paperback | 32 Pages | Ages 4-6
ISBN: 978-1-77049-410-7
“…Fagan believably captures the delicate balance of friendship in the very young and lets the story play out with welcome complexity. Côté’s illustrations are simple without being cartoonish, demonstrating the same warm understanding of childhood. Thoughtful and Touching” – Kirkus Reviews

I Like To PlayI Like to Play
World Vision Early Readers
Written by Marla Stewart Konrad
Hardcover | 24 Pages | Ages
ISBN 978-0-88776-998-6
“…full of gorgeous photographs and simple text…. The pictures are thought provoking and will prompt many questions from young readers…. There is so much joy and focus in these pictures… highly recommended….” – Excellent, Resource Links

In the BagIn the Bag!
Margaret Knight Wraps It Up

Written by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by David Parkins
Trade Paperback | 32 Pages | Ages 5-8
ISBN: 978-1-77049-515-9
“…a delightful picture book biography of a little known inspiring woman…. I love stories about smart and determined young women and Kulling’s lively text tells an inspiring story about this determined woman who ‘never gave up without a fight.’ David Parkins’ charming illustrations are filled with carefully drawn period details and engaging humor…. Don’t miss this really excellent book that opens the door to a multitude of curricular uses.” – Bookends, a Booklist Blog

Mr Zingers HatMr. Zinger’s Hat
Written by Cary Fagan
Illustrated by Dušan Petričić
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 4-6
ISBN: 978-1-77049-253-0
“A charming, marvelous tale surrounding the art of creating and telling stories, Mr. Zinger’s Hat celebrates the budding friendship between an elderly writer and a young boy who discovers a storyteller within … Fagan’s writing is beautifully crafted … Petričić’s engaging artwork deftly juxtaposes two distinct styles which portray a real-life setting and an imaginary world … The illustrations vividly depict the storyteller’s wry humour and the boy’s wide-eyed innocence.” – Jury Members (Winner of the 2013 Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award)

Sweet!Sweet!
The Delicious Story of Candy

Written by Ann Love and Jane Drake
Illustrated by Claudia Dávila
Trade Paperback | 64 Pages | Ages 9-12
ISBN 978-0-88776-962-7
“…reading their new book is a little like dipping into a grab bag from the candy store: the experience is fun, varied, and relatively cheap, considering the pleasure it gives. The difference is that you can take in the whole book at a single sitting and feel the better for it. Underneath its whimsical exterior – the humorous cartoon illustrations, the fun bits of trivia – there’s a centre of solid research. The writing is clear and engaging…. This thoughtfully constructed book is a treat to read.” – Starred review, Quill & Quire

What Am IWhat Am I?
Written by Linda Granfield
Illustrated by Jennifer Herbert
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 2-5
ISBN: 978-0-88776-812-5
“Little ones will be kept on their toes as they guess which item is being described by a series of clues. Straightforward descriptions and bright, simple illustrations help kids figure out the right answers.” – Today’s Parent

readerparade
Please click here for more information about John Martz, the illustrator who created the artwork for this year’s Reading Club!

TD Summer Reading Club

Tuesdays with Tundra 37

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

The ACB with Honora LeeThe ACB with Honora Lee
Written by Kate De Goldi
Illustrated by Gregory O’Brien
Hardcover | 128 Pages | Ages 10+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-722-1
eBook: 978-1-77049-723-8
“De Goldi’s story of an only child’s determined efforts to know and love her grandmother deserves a place in the pantheon of quiet, word-of-mouth classics . . . Perry is funny and bewitching, and all of the other characters, even the walk-ons, are equally engaging. O’Brien’s curious diagram-illustrations pay appropriate tribute to Perry’s admiration for the unconventional.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

The Bambino and MeThe Bambino and Me
Written by Zachary Hyman
Read by Jason Alexander
Illustrated by Zachary Pullen
Hardcover | 48 Pages | Ages 6-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-627-9
“The tale is entirely fictional, but it manages to capture the essence of that extraordinary time and the larger-than-life persona that was Babe Ruth. Hyman invests George’s voice with boyish enthusiasm and conversational language filled with contemporary syntax. Pullen’s oddly proportioned, compelling illustrations, rendered in oil paint and walnut oil, are in perfect tandem with the nostalgic spirit of the text and wonderfully depict every aspect of the characters’ emotions. . . . Lively, fun-filled and altogether delightful.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

What We HideWhat We Hide
Written by Marthe Jocelyn
Hardcover | 288 Pages | Ages 14+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-642-2
eBook: 978-1-77049-644-6
“The true heart of Jocelyn’s novel is the dangerous relationship between Robbie and Luke. . . . Their occasional encounters in the woods are some of the most explicit in the book, but also the most emotionally healthy. No one in What We Hide gets a storybook ending, just a slightly better understanding of his or her predicament. . . . Jocelyn shows an ease with the vagaries of the teenage mind and a willingness to depict some very uncomfortable situations without blinking. Yes, there is a lot of sex here, but Jocelyn writes about it with more brute honesty and maturity than you’ll find in many adult books.” – Quill & Quire

The World OutsideThe World Outside
Written by Eva Wiseman
Hardcover | 240 Pages | Ages 12+
ISBN: 978-0-88776-981-8
eBook: 978-0-88776-982-5
Seventeen-year-old Chanie Altman lives the protected life of a Lubavitcher Hasidic girl in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York, in 1991. Religion is the most important aspect of her life, and, like other Lubavitcher girls, she is expected to attend a seminary and to marry as soon as she graduates from high school. But Chanie has a beautiful voice and dreams of becoming an opera singer – a profession forbidden to a Hasidic girl. When she meets David, a non-Hasidic Jewish boy, he opens the portals to the world outside her fundamentalist community. The Crown Heights riots break out, and the Lubavitchers are put under siege by their African-American neighbors. A tragedy occurs. Will Chanie stay in the fundamentalist community she has always known in a life that has been prescribed for her, or will she leave it behind to follow her dreams?

Going Up - Elisha Otis Trip to the TopGoing Up!
Elisha Otis’s Trip to the Top

Written by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by David Parkins
Trade Paperback | 32 Pages | Ages 5-8
ISBN: 978-1-77049-516-6
“Kulling engages readers with her narrative style and fast-paced storytelling. She keeps the story moving without leaving out important details. . . . Detailed pen, ink and watercolor illustrations depict history while also being kid-friendly. Parkins effectively captures the expressions on the faces of people throughout the book. . . . It is sure to captivate readers while teaching them something new.” – Nonfiction Detectives

Pub Date Giveaway: In the comments below, please tell us which new April 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, April 14, 2014! What We Hide by Marthe Jocelyn is only open to Canadian residents. The rest of the titles above are open to both Canada and the United States.

UPDATE: Congratulations to Mary-Esther, winner of The World Outside by Eva Wiseman.

The Canadian Toy Testing Council’s Great Books

Canadian Toy Testing CouncilThe Canadian Toy Testing Council (CTTC), the leading authority on toys in Canada, has used its evaluation process to select Great Books for Children by Canadian creators and publishers. The books range from picture books to novels to non-fiction or science-based fact books. The diversity of titles shows that there are books available to appeal to every child!

CANADIAN TOY TESTING COUNCIL
TOY REPORT 2014 AWARD-WINNING BOOKS
GREAT BOOKS

The Pocket MommyThe Pocket Mommy
Written by Rachel Eugster
Illustrated by Tom Goldsmith
ISBN 978-1-77049-300-1
Ages 3+
“When a pocket-sized mommy joins him in kindergarten, Sammy actually discovers his independence. Children can relate to the story about missing mommy and appreciate the detailed, humorous illustrations. Parents find this a helpful story for children starting school or a new activity.”

JoJo the GiantJoJo the Giant
Written by Jane Barclay
Illustrated by Esperanca Melo
ISBN: 978-0-88776-976-4
Ages 4+
“This uplifting story about determination and compassion can inspire children to have faith in themselves and look beyond their shortcomings. Children enjoy the expressive, colourful illustrations, the text’s appealing language, and the surprise twist at the end.”

In the BagIn the Bag! Margaret Knight Wraps It Up
Written by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by David Parkins
ISBN 978-1-77049-239-4
Ages 5-7
“This story about the inventor Margaret Knight is a tale of perseverance and ingenuity. Children, especially young girls, are inspired by a young woman who did things others women could not do, who understood things others said women could not know. Readers also appreciated the detailed illustrations and accessible story, while parents liked the book’s educational quality.”

Hey CanadaHey Canada!
Written by Vivien Bowers
Illustrated by Milan Pavlovic
ISBN 978-1-77049-255-4
Ages 7-10
“Explore Canada from coast to coast to coast with this colorfully illustrated book that mixes photographs, comic strips, narrative and social media. Readers liked the humorous approach to information about Canada’s diverse geography, history, nature, etc. A great resource to understand this country better in an entertaining and accessible way.”

For the full list of Great Books, please click here!

CANADIAN TOY TESTING COUNCIL
TOY REPORT 2014 AWARD-WINNING BOOKS
RECOMMENDED READS

  • My Achy Body by Liza Fromer and Francine Gerstein, illustrated by Joe Weissmann
  • My Messy Body by Liza Fromer and Francine Gerstein, illustrated by Joe Weissmann
  • My Noisy Body by Liza Fromer and Francine Gerstein, illustrated by Joe Weissmann
  • My Stretchy Body by Liza Fromer and Francine Gerstein, illustrated by Joe Weissmann
  • Checkers and Dot at the Beach by J. Torres, illustrated by J. Lum
  • Checkers and Dot on the Farm by J. Torres, illustrated by J. Lum
  • Creatures Great and Small by Karen Patkau
  • Creatures Yesterday and Today by Karen Patkau
  • Ella May and the Wishing Stone by Cary Fagan, illustrated by Geneviève Côté
  • Here Comes Hortense! by Heather Hartt-Sussman, illustrated by Georgia Graham
  • Hockey 123 by Christopher Jordan
  • Hockey ABC by Christopher Jordan
  • Hockey Colours by Christopher Jordan
  • Hockey Opposites by Christopher Jordan
  • It’s Not About the Ball! by Veronika Martenova Charles, illustrated by David Parkins
  • It’s Not About the Beanstalk! by Veronika Martenova Charles, illustrated by David Parkins
  • It’s Not About the Straw! by Veronika Martenova Charles, illustrated by David Parkins
  • Man Overboard! by Curtis Parkinson
  • Nana’s Summer Surprise by Heather Hartt-Sussman, illustrated by Georgia Graham
  • Nini by François Thisdale
  • Noni Is Nervous by Heather Hartt-Sussman, illustrated by Geneviève Côté
  • Puckster’s First Hockey Game by Lorna Schultz Nicholson, illustrated by Kelly Findley
  • Puckster’s First Hockey Sweater by Lorna Schultz Nicholson, illustrated by Kelly Findley
  • Spot the Difference by Tak Bui
  • The French Fry King by Rogé
  • Where Do You Look? by Marthe Jocelyn and Nell Jocelyn
  • Who Needs an Iceberg? by Karen Patkau
  • Who Needs an Jungle? by Karen Patkau
  • Winterberries and Apple Blossoms by Nan Forler, illustrated by Peter Etril Snyder

For the complete list of Recommended Reads, please click here.

Tundra Book Group