Eric Walters – Page 10 – Tundra Book Group

January 26, 2015May 7, 2025

2015 OLA Super Conference

It’s that time of year again! The OLA Super Conference takes place at the end of this week!

From Thursday to Friday, you can find us at booth #716-724, talking about our new and upcoming books. We’ll also have a few author signings over the two days! With each author signing, we’ll hand out complimentary copies of the title on a first come, first serve basis. Make sure you get there early – there will only be a limited number of signed books to give away!

Frank Viva signing on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.

Outstanding in the Rain
Written by Frank Viva
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 3-7
ISBN 9781101917688
eBook 9781101917701
An outstanding story of word and picture play from an award-winning author/illustrator, that will amaze and delight kids, English language enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates great design and arty children’s books.

Charis Cotter signing on Thursday, January 29, 2015 at 4:00 p.m.

The Swallow: A Ghost Story
Written by Charis Cotter
Hardcover | 320 Pages | Ages 9-12
ISBN 9781770495913
eBook 9781770495937
“Spooky tension, friendship and compassion permeate this exquisitely plotted middle-grade ghost story … readers will seesaw between chills and snorts of laughter. When Cotter delivers the final twist, it is a denouement that becomes a springboard for greater revelations that lead to even greater reader satisfaction. Middle-grade storytelling at its very best-extraordinary.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
“Cotter builds suspense without artificially withholding information from the reader. And for bibliophiles, the author’s subtle hat tips to favourite books are a joy. Like all the best ghost stories, The Swallow tells us more about the living than the dead. It is a fantastic addition to Toronto literature, with all the makings of a classic.” – Starred Review, Quill & Quire

Eric Walters signing on Friday, January 30, 2015 at 9:30 a.m.

Hope Springs
Written by Eric Walters
Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 6-9
ISBN 9781770495302
eBook 9781770495319
“Based on actual events, this story is one of strength and kindness in the face of fear…. With the addition of the author’s ‘Story Behind the Story,’ the facts of the origin of Hope Springs allow a retelling of the story through a personal narrative with the aid of photography, a map, and additional explanation.” – School Library Journal

Sylvia McNicoll signing on Friday, January 30, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.

Best Friends through Eternity
Written by Sylvia McNicoll
Hardcover | 192 Pages | Ages 12 and up
ISBN 9781770497108
eBook 9781770497122
A fast-paced novel about a Chinese teen who “dies” in a tragic accident and is reunited with her former best friend. Will she have to stay away for the rest of her days, or is there a way back?

Follow @TundraBooks, @VIVAandCO, @CharisCotter, @EricRWalters and @SylviaMcNicoll on Twitter! You can also follow #OLASC15 for the latest news and updates!

December 9, 2014May 7, 2025

Mabel’s Fables: Our Favourite Picture Books of 2014

The staff at Mabel’s Fables Bookstore picked their best books of the year, Nancy Knows and Hope Springs is on their list! Congratulations to CybÃ¨le Young, Eric Walters, and Eugenie Fernandes!

Nancy Knows
Written by CybÃ¨le Young
Hardcover | 40 Pages | Ages 3-7
ISBN: 978-1-77049-482-4
“This book is just beautiful, from the artwork right down to the message. Nancy’s plight to remember is something that resonates with me and feel it is perfect for any child who has someone suffering from memory loss in their family. It’s a quick, lovely read and, I admit, I got a bit teary at the end.” – Karla

Hope Springs
Written by Eric Walters
Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 6-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-530-2
“The first time I read this book, I was in tears in the store – in front of customers. I should have read this at my desk, instead! Hope Springs is an incredibly touching story about kindness, understanding, charity and point of view. It’s about a whole lot more than just water. This type of picture book is what I like to refer to as a ‘dialogue opener’ one that starts important discussions with kids.” – Erin

October 15, 2014May 7, 2025

The 2015 OLA Forest of ReadingÂ® Nominees

Today, the Ontario Library Association revealed the nominated titles for the 2015 Forest of Reading® program. Tundra would like to congratulate the nominated authors and illustrators!

BLUE SPRUCEâ„¢ 2015 NOMINATED TITLES

The Highest Number in the World
Written by Roy MacGregor
Illustrated by Genevieve Després
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-575-3
eBook: 978-1-77049-576-0
“From the moment Grandma begins to share her past and her passion for hockey, the story’s context becomes broader, more complex, and more meaningful. A memorable, intergenerational picture book perfect for sharing.” – Booklist

The Day My Mom Came To Kindergarten by Maureen Fergus and Mike Lowery
Kenta and the Big Wave by Ruth Ohi
Loula is Leaving for Africa by Anne Villeneuve
The Man with the Violin by Kathy Stinson and Dusan Petricic
Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino and Isabelle Malenfant
The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
My Blue Is Happy by Jessica Young and Catia Chien
Oddrey and the New Kid by Dave Whamond
Young Frank, Architect by Frank Viva

SILVER BIRCH® EXPRESS 2015 NOMINATED TITLES

The Fly
Written by Elise Gravel
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-636-1
“The Fly is a unique nonfiction book about the common housefly. Full of interesting facts, the book reads more like a picture book or simple graphic novel. Everything you never wanted to know about one of mankind’s least favourite creatures is covered in this book…. This series is a must-read for children who like the world’s most unlikeable creatures.” – Highly Recommended, CM Magazine

My Name Is Blessing
Written by Eric Walters
Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-301-8
“This expressive picture book, based on a real family, lovingly tells a hard story with a twist. It’s difficult to broach poverty, disability and custody issues in so few pages without sounding maudlin, but Walters manages by speaking simply…. With dignity and quiet acceptance, this story illustrates that blessings, like family, can take unexpected forms.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

Be a Wilderness Detective by Peggy Kochanoff
Every Day is Malala Day by Rosemary McCarney
From There To Here by Laurel Croza and Matt James
The Great Bike Rescue by Hazel Hutchins
How To Save A Species by Jonathan Baillie and Marilyn Baillie
Kung Pow Chicken #1 Let’s Get Cracking by Cyndi Marko
Prove It, Josh by Jenny Watson
Seconds by Sylvia Taekema

RED MAPLE NON-FICTIONâ„¢ 2015 NOMINATED TITLES

Legends, Icons & Rebels
Music That Changed the World
Written by Robbie Robertson, Jim Guerinot, Sebastian Robertson and Jared Levine
Hardcover | 128 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-571-5
eBook: 978-1-77049-573-9
“Wow, just wow! This book is big in every way…. The book’s art is hard to resist … it’s a treat that the words grab as much as the pictures.” – Starred Review, Booklist

Growing Up, Inside and Out by Kira Vermond and Carl Chin
It’s Catching: The Infectious World of Germs and Microbes by Jennifer Gardy and Josh Holinaty
The Last Train: A Holocaust Story by Rona Arato
Looks Like Daylight: Voices of Indigenous Kids by Deborah Ellis
Pay It Forward Kids: Small Acts, Big Change by Nancy Runstedler
Real Justice: Sentenced to Life at Seventeen: The story of David Milgaard by Cynthia J. Faryon
Starting From Scratch: What You Should Know About Food and Cooking by Sarah Elton and Jeff Kulak
We Are Canada by Rikia Saddy and Cameron McLellan
Why Do We Fight?: Conflict, War, and Peace by Niki Walker

GOLDEN OAKâ„¢ 2015 NOMINATED TITLES

When I Get Older
The Story behind “Wavin’ Flag”
Written by K’naan and Sol Guy
Illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
Hardcover | 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-302-5
“Somali-Canadian musician K’naan’s first children’s book tells the inspirational story of his immigration to Canada to escape the Somali War. K’naan uses accessible yet poetic language to draw in young readers, exploring his adjustment to Canada and how music kept him connected to his family. Gutierrez’s artwork powerfully conveys a new immigrant’s sense of alienation.” – Parents Canada

The Clear-Out by Deborah Ellis
Every Day is Malala Day by Rosemary McCarney
The Hard Fall by Brenda Chapman
Just Gone by William Kowalski
Rainbow Crow : Nagweyaabi-aandeg by David Bouchard and David Jean
Rick Hansen: A Life in Motion by Don Quinlan
Sentenced to Life at Seventeen : The Story of David Milgaard by Cynthia J. Faryon

The Festival of Treesâ„¢ in Toronto will be taking place on May 12-13, 2015 at the Harbourfront Centre. We will be there to cheer on our authors and illustrators!

September 9, 2014May 7, 2025

Tuesdays with Tundra 42

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

Bob’s Hungry Ghost
Written by GeneviÃ¨ve CÃ´té
Hardcover| Ages 3-7 | 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-713-9
“Pets get bored when they have nothing to do. Dogs chew furniture and shoes, cat kill carpets and steal things, and apparently ghosts start consuming everything in sight. Children are going to enjoy seeing how Bob deals with his ghost problem, and they will appreciate why the ghost becomes a problem in the first place. There is a moral to this story: don’t neglect your pet, no matter what kind of creature it is.” – Through the Looking Glass Children’s Book Reviews

Haze
The Rephaim, Book 2
Written by Paula Weston
Hardcover | Ages 14 and up | 448 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-550-0
eBook: 978-1-77049-552-4
“The stunning sequel to the much loved Shadows, is filled with heart-racing action, enthralling plot lines and some very kick-ass characters that certainly kicked me into dazeville.” – YA Midnight Reads

Hope Springs
Written by Eric Walters
Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
Hardcover | Ages 6-9 | 32 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-530-2
“It is a sweet story with a very powerful social message and makes a wonderful moral lesson for children. The illustrations too are beautiful…. I would recommend this book to children and adults – so that they can know more about the pressing problem of water shortage that farmers in Kenya face.” – Everyday Gyaan

Shadows
The Rephaim, Book 1
Written by Paula Weston
Trade Paperback | Ages 14 and up | 400 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-769-6
eBook: 978-1-77049-549-4
“Piece by piece, characters offer Gaby truths about her past, and piece by piece, we readers are taken aback by the genuinely surprising twists Weston has set up…. There is a girl, a boy, war, love, angels, demons and blood. What more do you need?” – The Midnight Garden

The Swallow: A Ghost Story
Written by Charis Cotter
Hardcover | Ages 9-12 | 320 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-591-3
eBook: 978-1-77049-593-7
“The Swallow: A Ghost Story, is such a wonderful, special book that I would pretty much recommend it to anyone…. The Swallow is the best of books, a middle grade novel that will appeal to adults as well as children, and a book that takes its readers into the creative space of imagination, in which anything is possible.” – Read This Book

Who Needs a Desert?
A Desert Ecosystem
Written by Karen Patkau
Hardcover | Ages 7-10 | 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-386-5
“Another great ecosystem introduction. This can be a difficult ecosystem to understand. The introduction pulls young eyes into the biodiversity of the desert with interesting plants and animals then goes on to explain why the desert is the way it is with weather patterns.” – Stephanie’s Book Reviews

Who Needs a Prairie?
A Grassland Ecosystem
Written by Karen Patkau
Hardcover | Ages 7-10 | 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-388-9
“I read this book to a group a kids aged 4-8. Younger kids loved the pictures and finding all of the plants and animals in the pictures that were mentioned in the text. Older kids liked learning about the different animals and how they lived.” – Stephanie’s Book Reviews

Who Needs a Reef?
A Coral Ecosystem
Written by Karen Patkau
Hardcover | Ages 7-10 | 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-390-2
“This is a great introduction to a coral reef ecosystem. I loved that it revealed why coral reef ecosystems are important as well as the biodiversity of plants and animals that it contains. I liked that there were many tie-ins with curriculum, information on food chains, habitat and why we should preserve this special habitat.” – Stephanie’s Book Reviews

Zombie Elementary
The Real Story
Written by Howard Whitehouse
Hardcover | Ages 9-12 | 256 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-608-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-610-1
“The characters were all very realistic and immediately brought me back to my elementary school days. I could immediately remember a person from my past who fit the description of nearly every person in this book with startling clarity. The nostalgic feeling, and the instances of humour that made me laugh out loud really made this a fun read. Then we add in zombies, hilarious zombie tropes, references to almost every amazing zombie movie… and Chuck. Love. Him.” – A Cozy Couch and A Good Book

You know what else releases today? Our newly packaged L.M. Montgomery paperback books!!! With gorgeous cover art from Elly MacKay:

Pub Date Giveaway: In the comments below, please tell us which new September 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, September 15, 2014!

September 4, 2014May 7, 2025

Finalists for the 2014 Canadian Children’s Book Centre Awards

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) has announced the finalists for its seven major children’s book awards – the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, Prix TD de littérature canadienne pour l’enfance et la jeunesse, Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction, Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People, John Spray Mystery Award, and the Monica Hughes Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy.

The nominated books exemplify some of the best work by Canadian authors and illustrators. The following Tundra titles have been chosen:

MARILYN BAILLIE PICTURE BOOK AWARD

My Name Is Blessing
Written by Eric Walters
Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
Hardcover | 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-301-8
“This story of an African boy plagued by disability, poverty and prejudice, and ultimately saved by love, is unfailingly respectful… Every child can be enriched by the unsentimental, honest and enlightening text and be carried away by the beautifully realized art suffused with the burnt orange tones of the African Savannah… The turn of phrase reflected in the title is highly poignant.” – Jury Comments

Where Do You Look?
Written by Marthe Jocelyn and Nell Jocelyn
Hardcover | 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-376-6
“A series of wonderful double-entendres that introduce language concepts in a playful way, this book contains few words but hours of fun… The playful joys and puzzles of language are presented with exuberant high spirits, in cleverly chosen words and brilliantly patterned collage illustrations reminiscent of folk art… This mother-daughter team brings artful layers to a seemingly simple concept.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to the other finalists in this category: Fox and Squirrel by Ruth Ohi, How To by Julie Morstad, and The Man with the Violin by Kathy Stinson and illustrated by DuÅ¡an PetriÄiÄ‡.

NORMA FLECK AWARD FOR CANADIAN CHILDREN’S NON-FICTION

My Name Is Blessing
Written by Eric Walters
Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
Hardcover | 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-301-8
“This picture book explores the universal feelings of fear of rejection and joy of acceptance… Based upon a true story, My Name Is Blessing details the plight of a young boy in Kenya living with a physical disability and challenging living circumstances… Eugenie Fernandes’ colourful renditions of the young boy’s family and changing circumstances compliment Eric Walters’ direct narrative with an understated grace.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to the other finalists in this category: Branded by the Pink Triangle by Ken Setterington, A History of Just About Everything: 180 Events, People and Inventions That Changed the World by Elizabeth MacLeod and Frieda Wishinsky and illustrated by Qin Leng, The Last Train: A Holocaust Story by Rona Arato, and Looks Like Daylight: Voices of Indigenous Kids by Deborah Ellis.

GEOFFREY BILSON AWARD FOR HISTORICAL FICTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Little Red Lies
Written by Julie Johnston
Hardcover | 352 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-313-1
eBook: 978-1-77049-314-8
“Set in the aftermath of World War II, Little Red Lies includes many elements that contribute to the theme of hiding secrets… Unflinchingly honest, Julie Johnston’s story of a 13-year-old girl living in post-World War II Canada will resonate with young adult readers… On the surface, the novel is about a soldier’s return from war, but under the layers of work, school and relationships linger the extraordinary truths held by Johnston’s characters…” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to the other finalists in this category: Brothers at War by Don Cummer, Graffiti Knight by Karen Bass, The Manager by Caroline Stellings, and Me & Mr. Bell by Philip Roy.

Thank you to the judges for their considerations and again, congratulations to our authors, illustrators, and our hardworking publishing team! The winners will be announced at the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Awards Gala on Thursday, November 6, 2014.