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.

BookExpo America 2010

Will you be going to New York for BookExpo America? If so, make sure to stop by these signing tables to meet our authors:

Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Signing Table 22 – 10:00
Rona Arato, author of Mrs. Kaputnik’s Pool Hall and Matzo Ball Emporium will be signing.
For ages 8-11

Treat yourself to a visit to the wackiest restaurant ever! Mrs. Kaputnik’s Pool Hall and Matzo Ball Emporium is a colourful tale that blends history and fantasy with a journey of discovery, adventure, and fun.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Signing Table 2 – 12:00
Tom Slaughter, illustrator of Which Way? will be signing
For ages 2-5

A new book from the team of Marthe Jocelyn and Tom Slaughter, Which Way? is an invitation to explore and understand the concepts we see every day in signs around us.

Thursday, May 27, 2010
Signing Table 1 – 11:00
Arlene Alda and Lisa Desimini, author and illustrator of Lulu’s Piano Lesson will be signing.
For ages 4-7

Who wants to practice the piano? Certainly not Lulu. She’d rather listen to her swing squeak, the bell on her bike ring, or the apples thump as she climbs a tree. Even her shoes play a tip-tap tune as she runs on the sidewalk. Before she knows it, it’s Friday afternoon and time for her piano lesson. Lulu’s heart sinks. She hasn’t practiced all week. Luckily, Lulu’s teacher knows how to inspire his small student.

Thursday, May 27, 2010
Signing Table 1 – 9:30
Dirk McLean, author of Curtain Up! A Book for Young Performers will be signing
For ages 6-8

Young Amaya is auditioning for a role in a professional play. Although she longs to perform, she is about to learn how much team effort and hard work is involved. As the reader follows her progress from a nervous hopeful at an audition through the fittings for costumes, the rehearsals, the memory work, and even stage fright, Dirk McLean introduces the many people and jobs involved in staging a play.

Don’t forget to visit Tundra Books at booth #4252 – Alison Morgan and Pamela Osti will be there to let you know about our new and upcoming books! Or if you’re shy, come say hi and pick up our catalogues, posters, bookmarks, and postcards.

First Weekend of May

Whoaa do we have some great events lined up for this weekend! Drop by if you’re in the neighbourhood and check these out, they’re all free to attend!

Speaking of free, May 1 is Free Comic Book Day!
Map: 12-55 Wyndham Street North, Guelph, ON N1H 7T8
J. Torres will be signing at the Dragon (Guelph, ON) from 10:00am to 2:00pm. You could pick up an Alison Dare, The Heart of the Maiden chapbook and other goodies (while supplies last). I hear that there will be yummy treats too… be sure to go to the Dragon early or you might miss out!
PS: Open Book: Toronto asked Alison Dare to answer The Proust Questionnaire. Keep an eye out for the interview and giveaway contest!

Saturday, May 1, 2010 – 1:30pm
Map: 740 Richmond Street, London, ON N6A 1L6
Author and athlete, Laura Robinson will be at the Oxford Book Shop (London, ON) for a presentation and signing of Cyclist BikeList: The Book for Every Rider. Learn about bike safety and maintenance as Bike Month approaches! Laura will be bringing in a sample tool kit.

Sunday, May 2, 2010 – 2:00pm
Map: 2901 Bayview Avenue, North York, ON M2K 1E6
Join Rona Arato at Chapters Bayview Village (Toronto, ON) as we celebrate the launch of Mrs. Kaputnik’s Pool Hall and Matzo Ball Emporium. Rona will be reading at 2:30pm, pay special attention and you could win some neat prizes by correctly answering a few questions.

We hope to see you there, will anyone be going to all three? There should be a prize for that!

Tuesdays with Tundra 1

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

Me & Death: An Afterlife Adventure
By Richard Scrimger
ISBN 978-0-88776-796-8
Ages 11+

“…fast-paced tale of life and death… Scrimger packs a lot into this short, philosophical tale, which openly acknowledges its Dickensian inspiration. …an accessible story of redemption.” – Publishers Weekly

Mrs. Kaputnik’s Pool Hall and Matzo Ball Emporium
By Rona Arato
ISBN 978-0-88776-967-2
Ages 8-11

“…a culturally diverse story of hardships, anguish, success and happiness. …the story of Mrs. Kaputnik and her children will captivate the reader….” – Resource Links

No Moon
By Irene N. Watts
ISBN 978-0-88776-971-9
Ages 9+

“…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

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
Ages 9-12

“…Love and Drake celebrate the affection that connects people with their pets…. this will draw animal lovers like a magnet.” – Booklist

Cyclist BikeList: The Book for Every Rider
By Laura Robinson
Illustrated by Ramón K. Pérez
ISBN 978-0-88776-784-5
Ages 9+

Bikes are becoming an ever-more vital part of daily life for people of all ages. Laura Robinson combines fascinating history with useful and fun information. The book features riding superstars like Lance Armstrong as well as the kids from the Chippewas of Nawash First Nation, whose mountain bike team is coached by Robinson.

Grand
By Marla Stewart Konrad
ISBN 978-0-88776-997-9
Ages 3-6

“…a book that children will enjoy sharing with their grandparents… an excellent book… a grand resource for Early child hood programs that include family themes.” – Highly Recommended, CM Magazine

I Like to Play
By Marla Stewart Konrad
ISBN 978-0-88776-998-6
Ages 3-6

“…The pictures are what draw the reader in. They are very vibrant and colourful…. Multicultural materials are very important to allow children to see how similar we are even if we look different….” – Highly Recommended, CM Magazine

Invitation to the launch of Mrs. Kaputnik’s Pool Hall and Matzo Ball Emporium

Rona Arato and Tundra Books invite you to celebrate the launch of Mrs. Kaputnik’s Pool Hall and Matzo Ball Emporium.

Chapters Bayview Village
Sunday, May 2, 2010
From 2:00-4:00pm
Reading at 2:30pm

Open Book: Toronto asked Rona Arato Ten Questions about Mrs. Kaputnik’s Pool Hall and Matzo Ball Emporium.

Here are what some bloggers thought of Mrs. Kaputnik’s Pool Hall and Matzo Ball Emporium: