The 2012 Willow Awards Nominations

We are very pleased to announce that two of our titles have been nominated for a 2012 Willow Award in the Shining Willow category:

Ella May and the Wishing Stone
Written by Cary Fagan
Illustrated by Geneviève Côté
Hardcover | 32 pages | Ages 4-7
ISBN: 978-1-77049-225-7
“…A great choice for children aged four and up, Ella May and the Wishing Stone is a story that invites readers to think about what it means to be a friend, how best to share treasured items and imaginative ways to solve problems.” – Storytime Standouts

In the Bag!
Margaret Knight Wraps It Up
Written by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by David Parkins
Hardcover | 32 pages | Ages 5-8
ISBN: 978-1-77049-239-4
“…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. Each page turn reveals at least one full-page illustration in authentic-feeling sepia tones…. Don’t miss this really excellent book that opens the door to a multitude of curricular uses.” – Bookends, a Booklist Blog

The Saskatchewan Young Readers’ Choice Award (SYRCA) has three awards – the Shining Willow Award, kindergarten to grade 3, the Diamond Willow Award, grades 4 to 6, and the Snow Willow Award, grades 7 to 9. Ten books written by Canadian authors are nominated at each level. Saskatchewan students may vote in any category in which they have read the minimum number of books required. In 2010, over 12,350 children and young adults throughout the province voted for their favourite book. Students are in the process of voting for the 2011 awards. Award winners will be announced on April 27, 2012 at our annual Gala in Moose Jaw, SK.

The Word on the Street


Have you started planning out your schedule for Sunday, September 25th, 2011? Everyone is excited about the author events, presentations, workshops, and marketplace. We hope to see you at the Word on the Street festival from 11am to 6pm at Queen’s Park!

Here’s a quick glance at our schedule:

TORONTO

Children’s Activity Tent:
12:15pm-1:00pm – Join Nan Forler, author of Winterberries and Apple Blossoms, for a craft activity, make a quilt-inspired square, and take home your own mini wall-hanging! Ages 6 & up.

Children’s Reading Tent:
12:10pm-12:30pm – Ella May and the Wishing Stone by Cary Fagan
1:00pm-1:20pm – Noni Says No by Heather Hartt-Sussmann
1:20pm-1:40pm – Body Works series by Liza Fromer and Francine Gerstein MD
4:30pm-4:50pm – Merci Mister Dash! by Monica Kulling
5:10pm-5:30pm – Juba This, Juba That by Helaine Becker

This is Not Shakespeare Stage:
12:00pm-12:45pm – Mastering the Mystery – How to Keep Readers Guessing
How do mystery authors ensure that their book is a page-turner? How do they keeping us guessing, without compromising the integrity of their characters and the depth of the plot? What are the elements of a great mystery? Join authors Norah McClintock, Evan Munday, and Shane Peacock for a discussion of these topics and more!

Scotiabank Giller Prize Bestsellers Stage
2:00pm-3:15pm – Bestsellers of Tomorrow
The Dragon Turn: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Fifth Case by Shane Peacock
Summer 1869, Sherlock Holmes and his friend Irene celebrate her sixteenth birthday by attending the theater to watch a celebrated magician make a real dragon appear on stage. Sherlock and Irene meet the magician, Alistair Hemsworth – just as he is arrested for the murder of his rival, The Wizard of Nottingham. It seems that traces of the missing Wizard’s blood and his spectacles were found in Hemsworth’s secret studio. But is Hemsworth guilty? Sherlock has his doubts, and soon, so does the reader. The Dragon Turn is full of humor and plot twists as dizzying as a narrow London lane! Author Shane Peacock invites his readers along on another exciting adventure with one of literature’s all-time favorite characters.

VANCOUVER

Authors Tent
1:20pm – First Descent by Pam Withers
Montana-born Rex loves nothing more than to take his kayak out on a river, the faster and more powerful the better. When he gets the opportunity to tackle the well-named El Furioso in southwest Colombia, he is thrilled. He anticipates the river’s challenges, but finds himself in a situation where the real danger is human.

Kids Tent on Literacy Lane (Hamilton Street)
4:40pm – The Case of the Missing Deed by Ellen Schwartz
Five cousins are looking forward to their annual vacation at their grandmother’s cottage, but this may be their last summer there as a mining company has set its sights on the land. Grandma must produce the deed to prove that the property legally belongs to the family, but she can’t find it. The cousins suspect there may be clues hidden in the family’s cherished trove of recipes-but can they solve the mystery in time? Ellen Schwartz grew up in New Jersey before moving to Canada. She has written several books for children, including Avalanche Dance and Stealing Home. Ages 8-11

HALIFAX

Juba This, Juba That illustrated by Ron Lightburn

KITCHENER

Children’s Reading Tent:
12:00pm – Mrs Kaputnik’s Pool Hall and Matzo Ball Emporium by Rona Arato
1:30pm – Rude Stories by Jan Andrews
2:00pm – Sail Away with Me and Our Corner Grocery Store illustrated by Laura Beingessner

Tuesdays with Tundra 12

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

Ella May and the Wishing Stone
By Cary Fagan
Illustrated by Geneviève Côté
Hardcover | Ages 4-7
ISBN 978-1-77049-225-7
“…soft, summery, pastel watercolors. The story includes several understated lessons for youngsters, such as getting along, being considerate, and using your imagination.” – School Library Journal

Except the Color Grey
By Arlene Alda
Hardcover | Ages 2-5
ISBN 978-1-77049-284-4
“…The rhythmic pace carries readers along as the author shares her day’s journey, giving them focus for a walk that they might take themselves…with camera in hand.” – Sal’s Fiction Addiction

Nini
By François Thisdale
Hardcover | Ages 3-6
ISBN 978-1-77049-270-7
“…the story of a family coming together is told with lyrical elegance…. As is typical of Thisdale’s work, breathtaking, multi-layered visuals form a magnificent, detail-rich backdrop to the narrative and contribute heavily to its emotional impact…. There is wonderful interplay between text and image…. Highly recommended.” – Starred Review, Quill & Quire

Wishes and Worries: Coping with a Parent Who Drinks Too Much Alcohol
By the Centre For Addiction And Mental Health
Illustrated by Lars Rudebjer
Hardcover | Ages 5-8
ISBN 978-1-77049-238-7
Children of parents who drink too much alcohol are affected in many ways. They may experience anger, fear, confusion, and guilt. This reassuring book, written by professionals, offers information in the form of a story about one family’s struggle. Wishes and Worries is an excellent way to open a discussion between adult and child.

New in Paperback!

Bradley McGogg, The Very Fine Frog
By Tim Beiser
Illustrated by Rachel Berman
Paperback | Ages 2-5
ISBN 978-1-77049-276-9
“… This is a very fine book about a very fine frog, so fine in fact that he has -shall we say-refined tastes…. Now the story is great but the rhyming text is so fun to read and so different than any other book that it makes this worth the read and purchase. I can’t imagine any child getting sick of this book or any parent for that matter. Berman’s illustrations match the fresh and unique text. Her depictions of the Brad McGogg the finicky frog in his sandals, jaunty bow tie and striped overalls are magnificent (who could not love a frog in sandals?!) … This book is truly an exploration in epicurean delights that would please any aficionado! Not just a perfect classroom addition to teaching about differences, judgment and understanding those with particular tastes, I think wee readers with foodies for folks may find themselves being read this story time and time again to much delight (both parents and kids!)” – Word of Mouse Book Reviews

Did You Say Pears?
By Arlene Alda
Paperback | Ages 3-8
ISBN 978-1-77049-278-3
“A marvelously imaginative pairing…of homonyms…and homophones wrapped up in a rhyme of amazingly few words and terrific offbeat photographs.” – Booklist

Pub Date Giveaway: Welcome to the beginning of our fall season readers! Which book would you love to read? Leave us a comment below and one lucky reader will receive a copy of their requested book! One request per person and please review our rules. This giveaway ends at midnight on Thursday, August 11, 2011!

A winner will be chosen at random and announced on this post.

UPDATE: A winner has been chosen. Congratulations to Erin Walker, the new owner of Ella May and the Wishing Stone.

Tundra Book Group