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 BlessingMy 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 LookWhere 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 Dušan Petričić.

NORMA FLECK AWARD FOR CANADIAN CHILDREN’S NON-FICTION

My Name Is BlessingMy 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 LiesLittle 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.

Tuesdays with Tundra 26

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

An Infidel in ParadiseAn Infidel in Paradise
Written by S.J. Laidlaw
Hardcover | 320 Pages | Ages 11+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-304-9
eBook: 978-1-77049-305-6
Set in Pakistan, this is the story of a teen girl living with her mother and siblings in a diplomatic compound. As if getting used to another new country and set of customs and friends isn’t enough, she must cope with an increasingly tense political situation that becomes dangerous with alarming speed. Her life and those of her sister and brother depend on her resourcefulness and the unexpected help of an enigmatic Muslim classmate.

Mystery at Lake PlacidMystery at Lake Placid
Written by Roy MacGregor
Trade Paperback | 272 Pages | Ages 8-11
ISBN: 978-1-77049-413-8
Travis Lindsay, his best friend, Nish, and all their pals on the Screech Owls hockey team are on their way to New York for an international peewee tournament. As the team makes its way to Lake Placid, excitement builds with the prospect of playing on an Olympic rink, in a huge arena, scouts in the stands!
But barely have they arrived when things start to go wrong. Their star center, Sarah, plays badly. Travis gets knocked down in the street. And someone starts tampering with the equipment. Who is trying to sabotage the Screech Owls? And can Travis and the others stop the destruction before the final game?

The Night They Stole the Stanley CupThe Night They Stole the Stanley Cup
Written by Roy MacGregor
Trade Paperback | 176 Pages | Ages 8-11
ISBN: 978-1-77049-414-5
Travis, Nish, and the rest of the Screech Owls have come to Toronto for the biggest hockey tournament of their lives – only to find themselves in the biggest mess of their lives. First, Nish sprains his ankle falling down the stairs at the CN Tower. Later, key members of the team get caught shoplifting. And during a tour of the Hockey Hall of Fame, Travis overhears two men plotting to snatch the priceless Stanley Cup and hold it for ransom!
Can the Screech Owls do anything to save the most revered trophy in the country? And can they rise to the challenge on the ice and play their best hockey ever?

The Ghost of the Stanley CupThe Ghost of the Stanley Cup
Written by Roy MacGregor
Trade Paperback | 176 Pages | Ages 8-11
ISBN: 978-1-77049-416-9
The Screech Owls have come to Ottawa to play in the Little Stanley Cup Peewee Tournament. This relaxed summer event honors Lord Stanley himself – the man who donated the Stanley Cup to hockey – and gives young players a chance to see the wonders of Canada’s capital city, travel into the wilds of Algonquin Park, and even go river rafting.
Their manager, Mr. Dillinger, is also taking them to visit some of the region’s famous ghosts: the ghost of a dead prime minister; the ghost of a man hanged for murder; the ghost of the famous painter Tom Thomson. At first the Owls think this is Mr. Dillinger’s best idea ever, until Travis and his friends begin to suspect that one of these ghosts could be real.
Who is this phantom? Why has he come to haunt the Screech Owls? And what is his connection to the mysterious young stranger who offers to coach the team?

Sudden Death in New York CitySudden Death in New York City
Written by Roy MacGregor
Trade Paperback | 176 Pages | Ages 8-11
ISBN: 978-1-77049-415-2
Nish has done some crazy things – but nothing to match this! At midnight on New Year’s Eve, he plans to “moon” the entire world.
The Screech Owls are in New York City for the Big Apple International Peewee Tournament. Not only will they play hockey in Madison Square Garden, home of the New York Rangers, but on New Year’s Eve they’ll be going to Times Square for a live broadcast of the countdown to midnight. It will be shown on a giant TV screen and beamed around the world by a satellite. Data and Fahd soon discover that, with just a laptop and video camera, they can interrupt the broadcast – and Nish will be able to pull off the most outrageous stunt ever.
Just hours before midnight, the Screech Owls learn that terrorists plan to disrupt the New Year’s celebration. What will Nish do now? And what will happen at the biggest party in history?

Peril at the Worlds Biggest Hockey TournamentPeril at the World’s Biggest Hockey Tournament
Written by Roy MacGregor
Trade Paperback | 208 Pages | Ages 8-11
ISBN: 978-1-77049-417-6
The Screech Owls have convinced their coach, Muck, to let them play in the Bell Capital Cup in Ottawa, even though it means spending New Year’s away from their families. It’s a chance to skate on the same ice rink where Wayne Gretzky played his last game in Canada, and where NHLers like Daniel Alfredsson, Sidney Crosby, and Mario Lemieux have played.
During the tournament, political leaders from around the world are meeting in Ottawa. To pay tribute to the young hockey players, the prime minister has invited the leaders to watch the final game on New Year’s Day. The Owls can barely contain their excitement!
Meanwhile, as Nish is nursing an injured knee off-ice, he may have finally found a way to get into the Guinness World Records. But what no one knows is that a diabolical terrorist, also has plans to make it a memorable – and deadly – game.

Face-Off at the AlamoFace-Off at the Alamo
Written by Roy MacGregor
Trade Paperback | 176 Pages | Ages 8-11
ISBN: 978-1-77049-418-3
eBook: 978-1-77049-423-7
The Screech Owls are deep in the heart of Texas, in the southern city of San Antonio. The town is a surprising hotbed of American ice hockey, and the Owls are excited to come and play in the big San Antonio Peewee Invitational. Between games, they can explore the fascinating canals that twist and turn through the city’s historic downtown.
The tournament has been set up to include guided tours of the Alamo, the world’s most famous fort, where Davy Crockett fought and died. The championship-winning team will even get to spend a night in the historic fort.
The Screech Owls discover that the Alamo is America’s greatest symbol of courage and freedom, and when Travis and his friends uncover a secret plot to destroy it, they must summon all the courage of the fort’s original defenders.

Where Do You LookWhere Do You Look?
Written by Marthe Jocelyn and Nell Jocelyn
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 2-5
ISBN: 978-1-77049-376-6
Where do you look for glasses? On a shelf? Or on a face?
In this playful exploration of homonyms, readers will discover the fun they can have with language. Is a wave at a beach? Or at a train station? Is a trunk in a garden? Or on an elephant? Kids will love the juxtaposition of words and meanings, and the detailed collage illustrations will have them coming back again and again.

Shadow GirlShadow Girl
Written by Patricia Morrison
Trade Paperback | 224 Pages | Ages 9+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-290-5
eBook: 978-1-77049-368-1
This novel for ages nine and up is the story of a resilient young girl who struggles as the daughter of an alcoholic father and an absentee mother. Left alone to fend for herself for days at a time, she is observed by a kind and compassionate saleswoman at the mall she retreats to every day after school to avoid going “home.” The saleswoman gains her trust and takes action into her own hands by reporting the girl’s situation to social services. She is placed in foster care, where she dreams of being reunited with her dad, despite the deprivations in her life with him. The relationship between the girl and her foster mother is painful, and the girl’s spirit disintegrates. Eventually, the saleswoman “adopts” the girl into her caring family, whose love and support enable her, finally, to believe in herself.

Pub Date Giveaway: In the comments below, please tell us which new February release(s) of Tundra’s you would love to read (The Screech Owls series – all 6 books – count as one entry. Yes! You win the whole set!) and one lucky reader will receive their requested book(s)! One request per person and please review our rules. This giveaway ends at midnight on Monday, February 18, 2013!

You’re Invited to the Launch of Where Do You Look?

Where Do You Look? Book LaunchAuthor photo credit: © Nicole Giusti

You are invited to the launch of Where Do You Look? Please join Marthe and Nell Jocelyn as they celebrate their second collaboration!

When: Saturday, February 16, 2013
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Where: Shoofly Children’s Shoes and Accessories
Address: 42 Hudson Street, New York, NY 10013
Telephone: (212) 406-3270

Where do you look for glasses? On a shelf? Or on a face?

In this playful exploration of homonyms, readers will discover the fun they can have with language. Is a wave at a beach? Or at a train station? Is a trunk in a garden? Or on an elephant? Kids will love the juxtaposition of words and meanings, and the detailed collage illustrations will have them coming back again and again.

The mother and daughter team of Marthe and Nell Jocelyn know where to look for a story: Not in a skyscraper, but in the dictionary!

CCBC Choices 2012

Congratulations to Marthe Jocelyn and Nell Jocelyn! Their book, Ones and Twos, is included in CCBC Choices 2012, the annual best-of-the-year list of the Cooperative Children’s Book Center (CCBC).

Ones and Twos
Written and illustrated by Marthe Jocelyn and Nell Jocelyn
Hardcover | Ages 2-5 | 24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-220-2
“This delightful concept book brings visual literacy to the forefront…. 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…. The charming collages are the stars of the show and will inspire curiosity” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

“… Jocelyn’s imaginative collages help create a book rich in playful details, with a storyline told through pictures that provide depth to the concepts explored in the text…. Although the text is very spare, words like ‘lone,’ ‘swoop,’ and ‘chums’ provide verbal interest…. Sophisticated and yet endearingly simple, Ones and Twos can be enjoyed by both very young children and the adults who read it with them.” – Starred Review, Quill & Quire

“With their first collaborative effort, this mother-daughter team proves that they are a duo to watch. Marthe Jocelyn’s text is perfect in its simplicity, the short phrases and vocabulary just right for toddler audiences, while the rhythm and rhyme are spot-on. Nell Jocelyn’s picture-book debut is a visual feast of colors, patterns and textures. Found papers and objects, cut paper, folded elements, newspaper and string are all collaged into a wonderfully cohesive whole. A worthy contribution to any toddler bookshelf … and hopefully just the beginning of a long partnership.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

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.