New York, New York

We know that a lot of you will be in New York for BookExpo America this coming week. And who doesn’t love the Big Apple, especially when there are new books involved? If you’re around on Sunday, we would like to invite you to a party! A book party! Here are the details:

When: Sunday, May 22, 2011
Time: From 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Where: Shoofly (Shoofly has been a teeny star in NYC since 1987, the first to showcase European footwear for children. They carry shoes from newborn to big kids, prewalkers to stiltwalkers, walkers to hikers.)
Address: 42 Hudson Street, New York City, NY 10013
Phone: 212-406-3270
Who will be there: Co-creators of Ones and Twos, the mother-and-daughter team of Marthe Jocelyn and Nell Jocelyn! Marthe has created over 25 books. Ones and Twos is Nell’s first!

Please come for refreshments and fun to help us celebrate this beautiful picture book, created by one mother, one daughter, two artists…

Then, there’s BEA of course! If you aren’t able to party with us on Sunday, you can meet our authors and illustrators during their signings at the Autographing Area.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Janet Willen
From 11:00 to 11:30am at Table 19
Five Thousand Years of Slavery provides the suspense and emotional engagement of a great novel. It is an excellent resource with its comprehensive historical narrative, firsthand accounts, maps, archival photos, paintings and posters, an index, and suggestions for further reading. Much more than a reference work, it is a brilliant exploration of the worst – and the best – in human society.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Marthe Jocelyn and Nell Jocelyn
From 2:00 to 2:30pm at Table 19
Marthe Jocelyn’s ability to present important-to-learn concepts to the very young has garnered accolades from around the world. Ones and Twos is her first book collaboration with her nineteen-year-old art student daughter, Nell, and, together, they explore numeracy, sorting, and pairing. Each brightly illustrated page invites children to identify familiar objects ranging from kites to socks, from one nest to the two birds sitting in it. Ones and Twos gives little toddlers and their caregivers much to discuss and to enjoy together, and it introduces an exciting new creative team.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Marthe Jocelyn
From 3:00 to 3:30pm at Table 24
In 1855, Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote to his publisher, complaining about the irritating fad of “scribbling women.” Whether they were written by professionals, by women who simply wanted to connect with others, or by those who wanted to leave a record of their lives, those “scribbles” are fascinating, informative, and instructive.
Many of the women in “Scribbling Women” had eventful lives. They became friends with cannibals, delivered babies, stole horses, and sailed on whaling ships. Others lived quietly, close to home. But each of them has illuminated the world through her words.

Don’t forget to stop by Tundra Books at booth #4431. Alison and Pamela will be there to answer any questions and to tell you about our new and upcoming books.

Tuesdays with Tundra 11

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

Ones and Twos
By Marthe Jocelyn and Nell Jocelyn
Hardcover | Ages 2-5
ISBN 978-1-77049-220-2
“This delightful concept book brings visual literacy to the forefront, supported by a minimal text…. The simple descriptive verses … are spot-on to reinforce images of numeracy, sorting, paring, common-object recognition, and the daily lives of young children. Each page or spread is illustrated with creative, engaging collages on paper, textured fabrics, and items … extending the opportunity for learning and discussion…. The charming collages are the stars of the show and will inspire curiosity” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

Capturing Joy: The Story of Maud Lewis
By Jo Ellen Bogart
Illustrated by Mark Lang
Paperback | Ages 8-12
ISBN 978-1-77049-262-2
“More than an account of a fascinating life, Bogart’s introduction to this Canadian painter is a lesson in self-determination…. A lovely and inspiring book.” – School Library Journal

Picasso: Soul on Fire
By Rick Jacobson
Illustrated by Laura Fernandez and Rick Jacobson
Paperback | Ages 10+
ISBN 978-1-77049-263-9
“Jacobson is to be congratulated for taking a little-known figure to children and making him – and modern art – accessible. Though aimed at ages 10 and up, the book’s compelling story, beautiful illustration and reproduced paintings of Picasso will appeal to anyone who loves art.” – Today’s Parent

The Adventures of Cosmo the Dodo Bird
By Patrice Racine
Paperback | Ages 6-9
A Friendship Begins ISBN 978-1-77049-246-2
The Great Illusion ISBN 978-1-77049-248-6
In Search of the Jewel ISBN 978-1-77049-245-5
The Mysterious Substance ISBN 978-1-77049-247-9

Cosmo is a dodo who was born on the island of Mauritius. But the fearless, flightless birds were no match for humans and their guns, and about three hundred years ago, dodos became extinct. Cosmo is the last of his kind, and since he knows firsthand the toll that people can take on Earth’s species, he becomes a champion of the environment.

The Adventures of Cosmo the Dodo Bird
By Patrice Racine
Paperback | Ages 8-11
The Quest for the Last Dodo Bird ISBN 978-1-77049-241-7
The Traveling Planet ISBN 978-1-77049-242-4
The Climate Masters ISBN 978-1-77049-243-1
The Chain Reaction ISBN 978-1-77049-244-8

In fast-paced text and eye-catching art, the Adventures of Cosmo the Dodo Bird encourages children to learn about their environment and the reason why it is important for them to protect it.

Sindbad: From the Tales of the Thousand and One Nights
Retold by Ludmila Zeman
Paperback | Ages 6+
ISBN 978-1-77049-264-6
“…Ludmila Zeman has retold and illustrated episodes from Arabian Nights, drawing the reader into the adventure as skillfully as Scheherazade enthralled King Shahriyat with her marvelous storytelling…Zeman’s meticulously researched illustrations recreate the elaborate carpet borders and richly detailed artwork of Persian miniature paintings.” – The Globe & Mail

Sindbad in the Land of Giants: From the Tales of the Thousand and One Nights
Retold by Ludmila Zeman
Paperback | Ages 6+
ISBN 9781770492660
“Engagingly written, the story is fleshed out by Zeman’s illustrations. Richly detailed, with intricate borders, the pictures are strongly reminiscent of Near Eastern miniatures, thus evoking the culture from which the story springs…. [F]or those who like adventure stories with gorgeous artwork, this title is a sound addition to folklore collections.” – School Library Journal

Sindbad’s Secret: From the Tales of the Thousand and One Nights
Retold by Ludmila Zeman
Paperback | Ages 6+
ISBN 9781770492653
“Zeman…preserve[s] much of the exoticism and excitement of the original [Sindbad stories]. Glowing pencil and watercolor illustrations are done in the style of ancient Persian miniatures.” – The Washington Post

Pub Date Giveaway: Which book would you love to read? Leave us a comment below and one lucky reader will receive a copy of their requested book, courtesy of Tundra! One request per person and please review our rules. The Adventures of Cosmo the Dodo Bird will be given away as a set of four. Please specify if you want the picture book set or the chapter book set.  The Sindbad books will also be given away as a set of three. This giveaway ends at midnight on Thursday, May 12, 2011!

Spring Blog Carnival

Hello and welcome to Talking with Tundra! We are so excited to be participating in the Spring Blog Carnival. We must thank our lovely hostesses, Angela from Reading Angel, Candace from Candace’s Book Blog, Lori from Pure Imagination, and Mary from The Book Swarm for deciding to throw this big blog party!

Aside from the giveaway hop, there are different booths for this carnival. Be sure to check them out for activities, challenges, and giveaways! At our carnival stand, you can enter to win the following humorous books:

What do you have to do to enter? Leave a comment below telling us your favourite carnival ride, midway game, or food. Our e-mail subscribers are automatically entered to win. If you haven’t subscribed yet, do so for one extra entry. Simply enter and verify your e-mail using the Subscribe widget at the top, right corner of this blog.

Details: This giveaway is open to residents of Canada and the U.S.A. only. Please read our rules for more information.

Dates: This giveaway starts on Sunday, May 1, 2011 and ends on Sunday, May 8, 2011 at midnight. One winner will be selected and announced on Monday, May 9, 2011 to receive the prize pack.

After you enter our giveaway, hop onto another blog via Reading AngelCandace’s Book BlogPure Imagination, and The Book Swarm!

Tuesdays with Tundra 10

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

“Scribbling Women” True Tales from Astonishing Lives
By Marthe Jocelyn
Hardcover | Ages 14 and up
ISBN 978-0-88776-952-8
eBook 978-1-77049-230-1
“…a wonderful example of a book that will break down any negative stereotypes about biographies. [Jocelyn]… creates lively, sometimes humorous pieces that blend straight biographic detail and anecdotal accounts about some lesser known women writers in history….  Each of these remarkable women shed light on a place, time and experience that would have otherwise been lost. Not only does Jocelyn share extraordinary stories about these women, but her piece also celebrates writers of all kinds, inspiring young adults, particularly girls, to value their own voices and experiences by writing through whatever means they choose. Although many of the women in Scribbling Women led extraordinary lives, the everyday is often filled with exciting, humorous tales….” – ForeWord Reviews

From Then to Now: A Short History of the World
By Christopher Moore
Illustrated by Andrej Krystoforski
Hardcover | Ages 10 and up
ISBN 978-0-88776-540-7
“Moore does an admirable job not only getting so much history in, but displaying how it can be cyclical, a constant succession of societies rising and falling. That premise will prompt much discussion among curious young minds.” – Quill & Quire

Stones for My Father
By Trilby Kent
Hardcover | Ages 11 and up
ISBN 978-1-77049-252-3
eBook 978-1-77049-260-8
Corlie Roux’s farm life in South Africa is not easy: the Transvaal is beautiful, but it is also a harsh place where the heat can be so intense that the very raindrops sizzle. When her beloved father dies, she is left with a mother who is as devoted to her sons as she is cruel to her daughter. Despite this, Corlie finds solace in her friend, Sipho, and in Africa itself and in the stories she conjures for her brothers.

But Corlie’s world is about to vanish: the British are invading and driving Boer families like hers from their farms. Some escape into the bush to fight the enemy. The unlucky ones are rounded up and sent to internment camps.

Will Corlie’s resilience and devotion to her country sustain her through the suffering and squalor she finds in the camp at Kroonstad? That may depend on a soldier from faraway Canada and on inner resources Corlie never dreamed she had….

Merci Mister Dash!
By Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Esperanca Melo
Hardcover | Ages 3-6
ISBN 978-0-88776-964-1
“…Brightly colored acrylic paintings show Mr. Dash at his best…. Generously sprinkled with easily understood French phrases, this well-paced portrait of patience and toleration ends with a satisfying nap by the fire and the promise of a quiet, Daphne-free day. Children will empathize with Daphne and Mr. Dash and perhaps gain an understanding of both positions. A good choice to generate discussion, this will appeal to energetic youngsters and dog lovers alike.” – Kirkus Reviews

Pub Date Giveaway: Start your spring with a new book! Which book would you love to read? Leave us a comment below and one lucky reader will receive a copy of their requested book, courtesy of Tundra! One request per person and please review our rules. This offer ends at midnight on Thursday, April 14, 2011!

“Scribbling Women” Blog Tour Winner

Today’s the day we find out who wins the “Scribbling Women” Blog Tour giveaway! The gigantic prize? A collection of Marthe Jocelyn’s books:

Let us turn on random.org and generate some numbers! From the 5 blog tour days, we are narrowing it down to:

Day 1:

From the 6 blogs, we are narrowing it down to:


The first blog, which is Jennifer at Literary Endeavors.

Okay, lots of number ones there! Now, to pick a winner from the unique comments:

  1. Cassandra
  2. Jenny_O
  3. cassiemannes
  4. Teresa
  5. Sally
  6. Theresa N
  7. Christinabean
  8. Roberta
  9. Heather
  10. llevinso
  11. Deborah
  12. Ashley
  13. Martha S.
  14. Carolyn
  15. Rebecca


Comment number 12! Congratulations to Ashley! Please send tundra@mcclelland.com an e-mail. We will need your mailing address to send out your books!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the blog tour’s contest! We hope you made new friends and found new blogs to revisit. With your help, “Scribbling Women” made it to the Maclean’s Non-fiction Bestseller list for the week of March 29!

Tundra Book Group