Elly MacKay – Page 6 – Tundra Book Group

September 17, 2018August 22, 2018

Science Literacy Week

Science Literacy Week is a nationwide celebration of science and on September 20, they will be hosting their second National Science Reading Day! Here is a list of our suggested titles to look out for next month and to read. And if you read one this week, use the hashtag #SciLit to share!

The Darkest Dark
By Commander Chris Hadfield and Kate Fillion
Illustrated by the Fan Brothers
ISBN 9781101918623, Tundra Books
Hardcover | 48 Pages
Ages 3-7 | Preschool-Grade 2
Chris is an astronaut. A very busy astronaut. Saving the planet from aliens is much more important than taking baths or going to bed, because in the darkness that comes before sleep, the worst sorts of aliens appear. These aliens plague Chris – and his dog – every night at bedtime. But when Chris watches the first televised lunar landing, he realizes that there’s a dark out in space that’s much darker than what he’s used to, the darkest dark ever, and he discovers that the unknown can be … exciting!

Red Sky At Night
By Elly MacKay
ISBN 9781101917831, Tundra Books
Hardcover | 40 Pages
Ages 3-7 | Preschool-Grade 2
Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. And, the next morning, when the dew is on the grass, no rain will come to pass. These are the perfect conditions for a grandfather to take his grandchildren out on a fishing trip. Acclaimed paper artist Elly MacKay illustrates a lovely family narrative through the use of weather aphorisms, creating a beautiful and informational story which will appeal to children’s timeless fascination with the natural world.

Dr. Jo: How Sara Josephine Baker Saved the Lives of America’s Children
By Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Julianna Swaney
ISBN 9781101917893, Tundra Books
Hardcover | 32 Pages
Ages 5-8 | Kindergarten-Grade 3
When she graduated in 1898, Dr. Jo still faced prejudice against women in her field. She accepted a job in public health and was sent to Hell’s Kitchen, one of New York’s poorest neighborhoods where many immigrants lived. There, she was able to treat the most vulnerable patients: babies and children. She realized that the best treatment was to help babies get a stronger start in life. Babies need fresh air, clean and safe environments, and proper food. Dr. Jo’s successes, fueled by her determination, compassion and ingenuity, made her famous across the nation for saving the lives of 90,000 inner city infants and children.

The Fog
By Kyo Maclear
Illustrated by Kenard Pak
ISBN 9781770494923, Tundra Books
Hardcover | 48 Pages
Ages 4-8 | Preschool-Grade 3
Warble is a small yellow warbler who lives on the beautiful island of Icyland, where he pursues his hobby of human watching. But on a warm day, a deep fog rolls in and obscures his view. The rest of the birds don’t seem to notice the fog or the other changes Warble observes on the island. The more the fog is ignored, the more it spreads. When a Red-hooded Spectacled Female (Juvenile) appears, Warble discovers that he’s not the only one who notices the fog. Will they be able to find others who can see it too? And is the fog here to stay? Kyo Maclear’s witty story, brought to life with the delicate, misty artwork of Kenard Pak, is a poignant yet humorous reminder of the importance of environmental awareness.

The Golden Glow
By Benjamin Flouw
ISBN 9780735264120, Tundra Books
Hardcover | 48 Pages
Ages 4-8 | Preschool-Grade 3
Fox loves nature. There’s nothing he enjoys more than reading about and picking flowers. One evening, he comes across a rare specimen in his old botany book — the golden glow, a plant from the Wellhidden family, found only in the mountains, that has yet to be described. Fascinated, Fox decides to set off on a quest in search of the mysterious golden glow. With spreads of educational content interspersed throughout, The Golden Glow is a charming story that details the simple pleasures of a nature hike and celebrates observing the beauty of nature.

My Journey to the Stars
By Scott Kelly
Illustrated by André Ceolin
ISBN 9780735263482, Puffin Canada
Hardcover | 48 Pages
Ages 5-8 | Kindergarten-Grade 3
In this debut autobiographical picture book, celebrated astronaut Scott Kelly describes how he – and his twin brother – grew up to achieve his dream of becoming an astronaut. As Scott Kelly prepares to blast back to Earth after a record-breaking year spent on the International Space Station, he thinks about what brought him here and what awaits him at home.

The Toad
By Elise Gravel
ISBN 9781770496675, Tundra Books
Hardcover | 32 Pages
Ages 6-9 | Grades 1-4
She’s good for the environment … and she’s disgusting! The Toad is the next installment of the Disgusting Critter series. Hilarious illustrated non-fiction about toads perfect for beginning readers. Humorous text and funny illustrations will leave young readers croaking for more.

Innovation Nation: How Canadian Innovators Made the World Smarter, Smaller, Kinder, Safer, Healthier, Wealthier, Happier
By David Johnston and Tom Jenkins
Illustrated by Josh Holinaty
ISBN 9780735263017, Tundra Books
Hardcover | 128 Pages
Ages 8-12 | Grades 3-7
Successful innovation is always inspired by at least one of three forces — insight, necessity and simple luck. Innovation Nation moves through history to explore what circumstances, incidents, coincidences and collaborations motivated each great Canadian idea, and what twist of fate then brought that idea into public acceptance. From the marvels of aboriginal inventions such as the canoe, igloo and life jacket to the latest pioneering advances in medicine, education, science, engineering and the arts, Canadians have improvised and worked together to make the world a better place.

Endurance, Young Readers Edition
By Scott Kelly
ISBN 9780735263420, Puffin Canada
Hardcover | 320 Pages
Ages 8-12 | Grades 3-7
Prepare to blast off with astronaut Scott Kelly as he takes readers on a journey through his year aboard the International Space Station. Discover the extreme challenges of long-term spaceflight, the pressures of living in close quarters with people from many countries, the extremely dangerous risk of colliding with space junk and the unnerving feeling of not being able to help if tragedy strikes at home. Find out the story of Kelly’s childhood, his struggles in school, and ultimately the inspiration that sparked his incredible career, and the training to become a test-pilot and then astronaut.

September 11, 2018September 11, 2018

Instagram Stories to Read Bedtime Stories to Kids

IG storiestime Innovative new series uses Instagram to help parents engage kids in storytime by reading picture books on Instagram Stories.

Tundra Books, an imprint of Penguin Random House Canada, has teamed up with advertising agency Rethink Canada to develop and produce the reading series “StoriesTime” launching September 10th, 2018. The new initiative designed to encourage families to read together, shares celebrated children’s books on Instagram through a series of bedtime Instagram Stories.

New stories featured on @tundrabooks Instagram each Monday and Thursday showcase beautifully illustrated children’s books from a collection of best sellers and new favourites, including Almost a Full Moon, written by Juno Award-winning musician Hawksley Workman. The stories, shot against a cozy home-like setting, and charmingly read, are designed to create an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

IG storiestime titles

“Bedtime reading is a wonderful way for parents to bond with their children, and we are excited to introduce our books to families in this new Instagram approach,” said Vikki VanSickle Associate Director, Marketing & Publicity, Young Readers at Penguin Random House Canada, and also a children’s book author herself.

The idea was inspired by a desire to promote an important childhood ritual, bedtime reading. “Every child should get that experience of bedtime stories. Using Instagram Stories we can use technology to give every kid that chance.” said Mike Dubrick, Partner, Creative Director at Rethink Canada in Toronto. “We see this as a way to encourage greater participation in an essential part of childhood.”

Tundra Books will host two different stories on their Instagram (@tundrabooks) each week over a four week period, the first having debuted September 10th. Each Story will remain active for a 24 hour period.

For more information or for high-resolution photographs please contact Vikki VanSickle at 416.928.2419 or vvansickle@penguinrandomhouse.com.

August 22, 2018August 21, 2018

#Annestagram

Hi Anne-fans!

As part of our Year of Anne celebrations, we’ve created Instagram story templates using artwork from Elly MacKay’s beautiful covers. But we’re not just showing Anne the love – some of our templates also feature other beloved characters like Emily Starr, Jane Stuart, and Sara Stanley.

Right click on each image to save it, then feel free to fill in the box with your favourite quote or moment and share it on your own social platforms. Make sure to tag us @TundraBooks so we can see!

July 6, 2018July 4, 2018

Tundra Illustrator Studio: Elly MacKay

Our Tundra Illustrator Studio video series is now live! We visited the studios of three of our summer 2018 picture book creators who work in non-traditional formats to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at their work spaces, processes, and learn about their inspiration.

Acclaimed paper artist Elly MacKay illustrates a lovely family narrative through the use of weather aphorisms in Red Sky at Night, creating a beautiful and informational story which will appeal to children’s timeless fascination with the natural world.

Red Sky at Night
Written by Elly MacKay
Hardcover | 40 Pages
ISBN: 9781101917831
Red sky at night, sailor’s delight. And, the next morning, when the dew is on the grass, no rain will come to pass. These are the perfect conditions for a grandfather to take his grandchildren out on a fishing trip. Especially since, as the saying goes, when the wind is from the West, then the fishes bite the best. The family takes a boat out on the lake, fishing and swimming and eventually camping out on a nearby island, taking full advantage of the gorgeous weather. But the next day . . . red sky in the morning, sailors take warning! The family ventures back home just in time to avoid a rainstorm. But not to worry — the more rain, the more rest. Fair weather’s not always best.

Check out the activity kit too!

Praise for Red Sky at Night:

“With MacKay’s dreamy cut-paper collage art featuring two siblings exploring outdoors, the old-fashioned approach to weather is oddly reassuring.” —New York Times

“[T]his makes a perfect fit for primary weather units.” –starred review, Booklist

“A curated collection of old-timey weather sayings is artfully brought to life in this exquisite informational picture book.” –starred review, Quill & Quire

“Distinctive, luminous illustrations delight the eye.” —Kirkus Reviews

“MacKay . . . once again relies on inventive, diorama-style artwork to create a moving story.” —Publishers Weekly

“A wonderful resource for nature lovers and for any classroom, especially for art and science curricula.” —School Library Journal

“[T]his transfixing picture book will teach something new to cloud-watchers everywhere.” —BookPage

April 24, 2018April 23, 2018

#YearOfAnne

Year of Anne

On the day of L. M. Montgomery’s passing, we’re reflecting on her enduring legacy all these years later. We’re honoring her work with a new publishing program and will be sharing these books with throughout the year.

Anne’s Colors
Inspired by Anne of Green Gables
By Kelly Hill
For ages 0-3 | Up to Preschool
Board book | 22 pages
Available May 1, 2018
ISBN 9780735262843
Iconic moments from the beloved L.M. Montgomery classic are celebrated in this adorable concept book. Artist Kelly Hill creates vignettes of the most recognizable scenes from Anne of Green Gables, including Anne and Diana’s first meeting, Gilbert pulling Anne’s hair, Anne’s puffed-sleeve dress and even Anne and Diana sharing raspberry cordial! Each scene has its own color, with simple text and tactile, gorgeous works of art created from cut fabric and embroidery.

Anne’s Numbers
Inspired by Anne of Green Gables
By Kelly Hill
For ages 0-3 | Up to preschool
Board book | 22 pages
Available May 1, 2018
ISBN 9780735262850
Iconic moments from the beloved L.M. Montgomery classic are celebrated in this adorable concept book. Walk along with Anne as she goes on a nature walk, counting trees, flowers, clouds and friends! The path Anne takes is based on the description of Anne’s walk to school in Anne of Green Gables. Each scene has multiple counting opportunities, with simple text and tactile, gorgeous works of art created from cut fabric and embroidery.

Goodnight, Anne
Inspired by Anne of Green Gables
By Kallie George
Illustrated by Genevieve Godbout
For ages 3-7 | Preschool-Grade 2
Hardcover | 40 pages
Available September 25, 2018
ISBN 9781770499263
Under the watchful eye of her adoptive mother Marilla, Anne has come to cherish life at Green Gables – the dearest, loveliest spot in the world, and her true home. Every night before she goes to bed, she thinks of all the people and places she loves: her family, her bosom friend Diana, her splendid teacher Miss Stacy, beloved tree Snow Queen, the Lake of Shining Waters and the brilliant sky above. Anne even wishes goodnight – or good riddance! – to pesky classmate Gilbert and nosy neighbor Mrs. Lynde. And through it all, Anne’s imagination takes flight on a whimsical journey through Avonlea.

Anne Arrives
Inspired by Anne of Green Gables
By Kallie George
Illustrated by Abigail Halpin
For ages 6-8 | Grades 1-3
Hardcover | 72 pages
Available September 25, 2018
ISBN 9781770499300
Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert need help on their farm, so they’ve adopted what they hope will be a sturdy, helpful boy. Instead, Matthew finds Anne awaiting him at the train station – imaginative, brash, redheaded Anne-with-an-e. With her place at the Cuthberts’ at risk – particularly if nosy neighbor Mrs. Lynde has anything to say about it – Anne will have to learn patience, understanding and what it takes to make Green Gables her true home.

Jane of Lantern Hill
By L.M. Montgomery
Cover by Elly MacKay
For ages 10+ | Grades 5+
Paperback | 304 pages
Available January 9, 2018
ISBN 9781101919484
For as long as she could remember, Jane Stuart and her mother lived with her grandmother in a dreary mansion in Toronto. Jane always believed her father was dead–until she accidently learned he was alive and well and living on Prince Edward Island. When Jane spends the summer at his cottage on Lantern Hill, doing all the wonderful things Grandmother deems unladylike, she dares to dream that there could be such a house back in Toronto . . . a house where she, Mother, and Father could live together without Grandmother directing their lives–a house that could be called home.

The Golden Road
By L.M. Montgomery
Cover by Elly MacKay
For ages 10+ | Grades 5+
Paperback | 320 pages
Available January 9, 2018
ISBN 9781101919477
On a blustery November day the King children and Sara, the Story Girl, come up with a great idea that will help them endure the dreary winter season. They will publish a magazine of their thoughts and adventures. From “Personals” and “Fashion Notes” to an etiquette column and stories of the most interesting happenings in Carlisle, Our Magazine is simply the most entertaining and delightful publication anyone in town has ever read. But seasons pass, and nothing is forever – and soon it will be time for the Story Girl to leave her good friends on Prince Edward Island, friends with whom she has walked the golden road of youth.

The Story Girl
By L.M. Montgomery
Cover by Elly MacKay
For ages 10+ | Grades 5+
Paperback | 336 pages
Available January 9, 2018
ISBN 9781101919491
Sara Stanley is only fourteen, but she can weave tales that are impossible to resist. In the charming town of Carlisle, children and grown-ups alike flock from miles around to hear her spellbinding tales. And when Bev King and his younger brother Felix arrive for the summer, they, too, are captivated by the Story Girl. Whether she’s leading them on exciting misadventures or narrating timeless stories – from the scary “Tale of the Family Ghost” to the fanciful “How Kissing Was Discovered” to the bittersweet “The Blue Chest of Rachel Ward” – the Story Girl has her audience hanging on every word.

Mistress Pat
By L.M. Montgomery
Cover by Elly MacKay
For ages 10+ | Grades 5+
Paperback | 400 pages
Available January 9, 2018
ISBN 9781101919460
When she was twenty, nearly everyone thought Patricia Gardiner ought to be having beaus – except, of course, Pat herself. For Pat, Silver Bush was both home and heaven. All she could ever ask of life was bound in the magic of the lovely old house on Prince Edward Island, “where good things never change.” And now there was more than ever to do, what with planning for the Christmas family reunion, entertaining a countess, playing matchmaker, and preparing for the arrival of the new hired man. Yet as those she loved so dearly started to move away, Pat began to question the wisdom of her choice of Silver Bush over romance. Was it possible to be lonely at Silver Bush?

LUCY MAUD MONTGOMERY (1874-1942) was born in what is now New London, Prince Edward Island, and raised by her grandparents after the death of her mother when she was just two. She worked for a time as a teacher and a journalist, then wrote her first novel, Anne of Green Gables, in the evenings while caring for her grandmother. When the book appeared in 1908, it was an instant success; it would go on to sell millions of copies in dozens of languages the world over, making Anne one of literature’s most beloved characters of all time.