2010 Book of the Year Award Winners

ForeWord Reviews‘ Book of the Year Award winners were announced on June 25 at ALA in New Orleans. Congratulations to the following Tundra authors and illustrators:

Juvenile Fiction – Gold
Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom
By Susin Nielsen
ISBN 978-0-88776-977-1
eBook 978-0-88776-978-8
240 Pages | Hardcover
“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

Juvenile Nonfiction – Gold
Talking Tails: The Incredible Connection Between People and Their Pets
By Ann Love and Jane Drake
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
ISBN 978-0-88776-884-2
80 Pages | Hardcover
“…These factoids, fictional or otherwise, about the intersection of animal and human lives provide the structure upon which sisters Ann Love and Jane Drake build another of their interesting and informative books…. Written in what might be described as an infectiously friendly fashion … and plentifully illustrated with witty watercolours by the irrepressible Bill Slavin, Talking Tails will appeal to those who are contemplating have a pet in their lives….” – The Globe and Mail

Juvenile Nonfiction – Silver
Cyclist BikeList: The Book for Every Rider
By Laura Robinson
Illustrated by Ramón K. Pérez
ISBN 978-0-88776-784-5
64 Pages | Trade Paperback
“… The book is packed with information and fun facts, covers everything from the history of bicycles, to choosing a bike and fueling yourself up for long rides. The illustrations are lively and the writing informative and engaging, communicating a deep knowledge and passion for the sport….” – Momentum Magazine

Young Adult Nonfiction – Bronze
Yes You Can! Your Guide to Becoming an Activist
By Jane Drake and Ann Love
ISBN 978-0-88776-942-9
eBook 978-1-77049-235-6
144 Pages | Trade Paperback
“Young people who want to effect change are guided by a sequence of nine steps and inspirational examples of grassroots activism…. The style is conversational and the tone offers realistic encouragement to teens looking to solve problems. Teachers will approve of the focus on the importance of developing writing and speaking skills, being mindful of one’s online reputation, and learning how to evaluate project efforts. This title will primarily serve as a how-to, although the time lines, an accessible index, and factual information about anti-smoking campaigns, recycling, and children’s rights make it a useful historical perspective of activism.” – School Library Journal

Congratulations to our finalists too! You can also view the entire list of winners to see who won the other gold, silver, and bronze awards.

Check out our photos from ALA on our facebook page!

2010 Book of the Year Award Finalists

ForeWord Reviews announced the finalists in the 2010 Book of the Year Awards. We would like to congratulate the following authors and illustrators on their nominations!

Children’s Picture Book Category

Humpty Dumpty and Friends: Nursery Rhymes for the Young at Heart
Illustrated by Oleg Lipchenko
ISBN 978-1-77049-205-9
24 Pages | Hardcover
“…inventive, sophisticated artwork…. Lipchenko’s style is a mix of textured retro with fancifully baroque illusions … this one will have illustration mavens intrigued.” – Kirkus Reviews

Which Way?
By Marthe Jocelyn
Art by Tom Slaughter
ISBN 978-0-88776-970-2
24 Pages | Hardcover
“Although aimed at the very young, this new picture book from Marthe Jocelyn and Tom Slaughter is not simplistic. …While the image seems simple enough, there is obviously a highly sophisticated design and colour sense behind its creation….” – Quill & Quire

Juvenile Fiction Category

Alison Dare, Little Miss Adventures
By J. Torres
Illustrated by J. Bones
ISBN 978-0-88776-935-1
96 Pages | Trade Paperback
“Normal just isn’t her thing. The 12-year-old daughter of an archaeologist/adventurer and masked hero the Blue Scarab, Alison has a craving for danger, and it has ways of finding her…. Be it magic genies, angry mummies, or a baron bent on world domination, Alison Dare is ready to take them on! … kids will love reading about her and her wacky adventures.” – Good Comics for Kids, School Library Journal

Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom
By Susin Nielsen
ISBN 978-0-88776-977-1
eBook 978-0-88776-978-8
240 Pages | Hardcover
“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

Mrs. Katpuniks Pool Hall and Matzo Ball Emporium
By Rona Arato
ISBN 978-0-88776-967-2
eBook 978-1-77049-211-0
192 Pages | Trade Paperback
“With fantasy, farce, and also a strong sense of realism…. The kvetching and quarrels, the wry Yiddish idiom, and the search for the father will bring the coming-to-America story to young grade-schoolers, who will also enjoy the little dragon’s defeat of the crooks….” – Booklist

No Moon
By Irene N. Watts
ISBN 978-0-88776-9719
eBook 978-0-88776-972-6
240 Pages | Trade Paperback
“…Watts provides a fascinating account of what the great unsinkable ship was like. The catastrophe is rendered in a heartbreakingly graceful style, and Lou performs heroically in shepherding her two little girls to safety on a lifeboat in this uniquely engaging and satisfying coming-of-age historical adventure tale.” – Starred Review, Booklist

Rude Stories
By Jan Andrews
Illustrated by Francis Blake
ISBN 978-0-88776-921-4
88 Pages | Hardcover
“…they are rude stories of the highest order: wonderfully inventive, delightfully told, and charmingly illustrated…. They are tailor-made for reading aloud, and Andrews does a masterful job of linking disparate yarns…. Part of Andrew’s gift is making young readers feel as though she’s in cahoots with them … these stories will no doubt be the starting point for countless thought-provoking and entertaining discussions. Francis Blake’s lively illustrations just add to the sense of fun.” – Starred Review, Quill & Quire

Juvenile Nonfiction Category

All Aboard! Elijah McCoy’s Steam Engine
By Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
ISBN 978-0-88776-945-0
32 Pages | Hardcover
“An engaging biography of the African-American inventor…. The narrative includes fictionalized dialogue and clear explanations about how the machinery works and concludes with an inspiring message…. Expressive watercolors, some full page and some full spread, capture the time period, allowing readers to imagine what life was like in this era, and add energy and touches of humor.” – School Library Journal and Black History Month 2011: SLJ‘s Picks

Cyclist BikeList: The Book for Every Rider
By Laura Robinson
Illustrated by Ramón K. Pérez
ISBN 978-0-88776-784-5
64 Pages | Trade Paperback
“… The book is packed with information and fun facts, covers everything from the history of bicycles, to choosing a bike and fueling yourself up for long rides. The illustrations are lively and the writing informative and engaging, communicating a deep knowledge and passion for the sport….” – Momentum Magazine

Hudson
By Janice Weaver
Illustrated by David Craig
ISBN 978-0-88776-814-9
48 Pages | Hardcover
“Failure is not usually at the heart of an exciting adventure story, but this dramatic picture-book biography about Henry Hudson … makes the explorer’s lack of success a gripping read…. Craig’s glowing period portraits, landscapes, and watercolors of the ship in dangerous seas intensify the drama….” – Starred Review, Booklist

Talking Tails: The Incredible Connection Between People and Their Pets
By Ann Love and Jane Drake
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
ISBN 978-0-88776-884-2
80 Pages | Hardcover
“…These factoids, fictional or otherwise, about the intersection of animal and human lives provide the structure upon which sisters Ann Love and Jane Drake build another of their interesting and informative books…. Written in what might be described as an infectiously friendly fashion … and plentifully illustrated with witty watercolours by the irrepressible Bill Slavin, Talking Tails will appeal to those who are contemplating have a pet in their lives….” – The Globe and Mail

Young Adult Nonfiction Category

Yes You Can! Your Guide to Becoming an Activist
By Jane Drake and Ann Love
ISBN 978-0-88776-942-9
eBook 978-1-77049-235-6
144 Pages | Trade Paperback
“Young people who want to effect change are guided by a sequence of nine steps and inspirational examples of grassroots activism…. The style is conversational and the tone offers realistic encouragement to teens looking to solve problems. Teachers will approve of the focus on the importance of developing writing and speaking skills, being mindful of one’s online reputation, and learning how to evaluate project efforts. This title will primarily serve as a how-to, although the time lines, an accessible index, and factual information about anti-smoking campaigns, recycling, and children’s rights make it a useful historical perspective of activism.” – School Library Journal

The winners will be determined by a panel of librarians and booksellers selected from our readership. Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners, as well as Editor’s Choice Prizes for Fiction and Nonfiction will be announced at a special program at the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans this June.

Canadian Library Association announces the 2011 Award Shortlists

The Award Committees of the Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des bibliothèques are pleased to announce the shortlist for their 2011 Awards today. They are Canada’s largest national and broad-based library association, representing the interests of public, academic, school and special libraries, professional librarians and library workers, and all those concerned about enhancing the quality of life of Canadians through information and literacy.

2011 Book of the Year For Children Award Shortlist
This notable award recognizes a Canadian author of an outstanding book published in Canada in 2010, which appeals to children up to and including age 12.

Winter Shadows
by Margaret Buffie
Hardcover | 336 pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-968-9
eBook: 978-1-77049-228-8
“…The alternating narratives are gripping, and the characters are drawn with rich complexity; even the stepmothers are finally humanized. Readers will be pulled in by the searing history of bigotry as well as the universals of family conflict, love, and friendship.” – Booklist

Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom
by Susin Nielsen
Hardcover | 240 pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-977-1
eBook: 978-0-88776-978-8
“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

The Secret Fiend: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His 4th Case
by Shane Peacock
Hardcover | 256 pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-853-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-213-4
“…Peacock has added another brilliant installation to an already amazing series. Sherlock is beautifully drawn, true to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and infused with the freshness of a youthful perspective. It is a delight to watch as the young detective develops, and it is a thrill to see how the various elements of his adult persona come together. This book is more than an origin story of the famous detective, however. The mystery has a solid, fast-paced plot; the characters are carefully constructed and fully fleshed out with dynamic, complex relationships; Victorian England itself is a character, and Peacock does a wonderful job of describing the streets, the political unrest and the changing modes that mark the era. This is a truly wonderful book and belongs in any library.” – VOYA

2011 Young Adult Book Award Shortlist
This award recognizes an author of an outstanding English-language Canadian work of fiction (novel, collection of short stories or graphic novel), published in 2010, that appeals to young adults between the ages of 13 and 18.

Folly
by Marthe Jocelyn
Hardcover | 256 pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-929-0
eBook: 978-1-77049-212-7
“… poignant story … A thoughtful, accessible and richly detailed read that moves along at a satisfying clip-this will appeal beyond just already-established fans of historical fiction.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

2011 Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Award Shortlist
This award recognizes an illustrator of a noteworthy Canadian book, published in 2010, that appeals to children up to the age of 12 years. The Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award is generously sponsored by Library Services Centre.

Counting on Snow
by Maxwell Newhouse
Hardcover | 24 pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-985-6
“… perfectly paced: each turn of the page reveals a new level of intensity in the growing blizzard, bringing an enjoyable hide-and-seek element…. Newhouse infuses every creature’s peering black eyes with character and life…. Newhouse’s sensitive portrayal of the stark Arctic landscape creates an atmospheric chilliness that perfectly captures a winter evening north of the 49th parallel. Original without being gimmicky, Counting on Snow should come with the purchase of every crib in this country, as it has all the makings of a Canadian classic.” – Starred Review, Quill & Quire

The winners of the CLA Awards and Honour Books will be announced prior to the Canadian Library Association National Conference and Trade Show. The award will be presented at the CLA National Conference and Trade Show in Halifax on May 26.

Congratulations to our authors: Margaret Buffie, Susin Nielsen, Shane Peacock, Marthe Jocelyn, and Maxwell Newhouse. In addition, congratulations to their Editors, Kathryn Cole, Sue Tate, and Kathy Lowinger.

OLA Best Bets 2010

Each year the OLA Best Bets Committee selects the top 10 Canadian picture books, fiction and non fiction for children and fiction for teens. The list will be featured at OLA Superconference at the Child and Youth Expo session on Friday, February 4 at 2:10 pm. Here are the Tundra titles that made the 2010 lists:

Junior Fiction:
Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom by Susin Nielsen
Honourable Mention to The Secret Fiend by Shane Peacock

Junior Non Fiction:
Honourable Mention to Hudson by Janice Weaver, illustrated by David Craig

Young Adult Fiction:
Folly by Marthe Jocelyn
Honourable Mention to Winter Shadows by Margaret Buffie

Tundra will also be hosting author signings at our booth: #720

Thursday, February 3, 2011:

  • 11:00 am Marthe Jocelyn will be signing chapbooks of “Scribbling Women” and F&Gs of Ones and Twos.
  • 12:00 pm Susin Nielsen will be signing Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom.
  • 12:45 pm Heather Hartt-Sussman will be signing F&Gs of Noni Says No.
  • 1:30 pm Cyndi Sand-Eveland will be signing Dear Toni.
  • 3:30 pm  Rina Singh and Farida Zaman will be signing Nearly Nonsense.

Friday, February 4, 2011:

  • 10:00 am Monica Kulling will be signing F&Gs of Merci Mister Dash!
  • 12:00 pm Ed Butts will be signing Shipwrecks, Monsters, and Mysteries of the Great Lakes.
  • 1:00 pm Christopher Moore will be signing From Then to Now.

Signing times are subject to change. We are giving away a limited number of F&Gs, chapbooks, and books, it would be best to arrive on time to line-up! See you there!

Holiday List of Lists

There are a lot of lists circulating out there. Best-of lists, gift ideas, and reading suggestions for the holidays. Why don’t we make it easier for you? We compiled some of our books that were featured in lists this year!

A Northern Alphabet
By Ted Harrison
Trade Paperback | 32 pages
Ages 6+
ISBN 978-0-88776-960-3

Listed in: Best children’s books for under the tree (CTV British Columbia)

All Aboard!
Elijah McCoy’s Steam Engine

By Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
Hardcover | 32 pages
Ages 5-8
ISBN 978-0-88776-945-0

Listed in: The best of the current crop (The Globe and Mail)

Alison Dare, Little Miss Adventures
Alison Dare, The Heart of the Maiden
By J. Torres
Illustrated by J. Bone
Paperback
Ages 8+
ISBN 978-0-88776-934-4
ISBN 978-0-88776-935-1

Listed in: Books For Everybody

Avalanche Dance
By Ellen Schwartz
Trade Paperback | 192 pages
Ages 12+
ISBN 978-0-88776-958-0

Listed in: Books For Everybody, British Colombia Edition

 

 

 

Counting on Snow
By Maxwell Newhouse
Hardcover | 24 pages
Ages 2-5
ISBN: 978-0-88776-985-6

Listed in: Great gift books for kids (The Toronto Star), The best of the current crop (The Globe and Mail), Books For Everybody

Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom
By Susin Nielsen
Hardcover | 240 pages
Ages 11-14
ISBN 978-0-88776-977-1

Listed in: Best children’s books for under the tree (CTV British Columbia), Put these under a young reader’s tree (The Times Colonist), Open Book’s Holiday Book Guide: Stage, Screen & Song (Open Book), Books For Everybody

Ghost Trackers
The Unreal World of Ghosts, Ghost-Hunting, and the Paranormal
By Chris Gudgeon
Trade Paperback | 80 pages
Ages 9+
ISBN 978-0-88776-950-4

Listed in: Books For Everybody

Humpty Dumpty and Friends
Nursery Rhymes for the Young at Heart
Illustrated by Oleg Lipchenko
Hardcover | 24 pages
Ages 3-6
ISBN 978-1-77049-205-9

Listed in: Books For Everybody

Lulu’s Piano Lesson
By Arlene Alda
Illustrated by Lisa Desmini
Hardcover | 32 pages
Ages 4-7
ISBN 978-0-88776-930-6

Listed in: The best of the current crop (The Globe and Mail)

Rude Stories
By Jan Andrews
Illustrated by Francis Blake
Hardcover | 88 pages
Ages 6-9
ISBN 978-0-88776-921-4

Listed in: The best of the current crop (The Globe and Mail)

The Secret Fiend
The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His 4th Case

By Shane Peacock
Hardcover | 256 pages
Ages 10-14
ISBN 978-0-88776-853-8

Listed in: Open Book’s Holiday Book Guide #3: City Living (Open Book)

Splinters
By Kevin Sylvester
Hardcover | 40 pages
Ages 6-8
ISBN 978-0-88776-944-3

Listed in: Open Book’s Holiday Book Guide #5: Work & Play (Open Book), Books For Everybody, Hockey. Christmas. Hockey books. Perfect (TheSpec.com)

Winter Shadows
By Margaret Buffie
Hardcover | 336 pages
Ages 11+
ISBN 978-0-88776-968-9

Listed in: Books For Everybody, Open Book’s Holiday Gift Guide #6: Canadiana (Open Book)

Zero Kisses for Me
By Manuela Monari
Illustrated by Virginie Soumagnac
Hardcover | 24 pages
Ages 4-7
ISBN 978-1-77049-208-0

Listed in: Open Book’s Holiday Book Guide #5: Work & Play (Open Book)

Tundra Book Group