Tag: Nicolas Debon

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Canadian Children’s Literature Awards Celebration

Last night, Tundra came out to support our finalists in the Canadian Children’s Literature Awards. It was a beautiful night of fine dining, cocktails, and children books!

Charming Garvia Bailey, host of CBC’s Big City, Small World was our Master of Ceremony. The first award to be announced was the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People. We have a short clip that you can watch by clicking here.

Drumroll please, the winner of the Geoffrey Bilson for Historical Fiction for Young People goes to…

Vanishing Girl: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His 3rd Case
Written by Shane Peacock
Hardcover | 320 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-852-1
For ages 9 and up
“Peacock delves into the young mind of one of the best-known characters in literature, creating a story that is well-plotted, with plenty of action, adventure and plot twists… Beautifully written and fast-paced… Peacock’s writing has a distinctive voice and tone that is perfectly suited to the story being told.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to Shane Peacock! The first two books in the Boy Sherlock Holmes series, Eye of the Crow and Death in the Air are all finalists of the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award.

The Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction was next! Tundra’s A Thousand Years of Pirates by William Gilkerson was nominated. The award went to the much deserving team of Priscilla Galloway and Dawn Hunter for Adventures on the Ancient Silk Road. They received a standing ovation after Priscilla’s thank you speech.

Next up, the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award! We had two finalists in this category (Our Corner Grocery Store by Joanne Schwartz, illustrated by Laura Beingessner), but only one could win…

Timmerman Was Here
Written by Colleen Sydor, illustrated by Nicolas Debon
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-890-3
For ages 4 – 8
“This is a sublimely humanistic and memorable story about the way we discover the difference between truth and appearances… Dramatic pictures equally involve the reader, while the artistic use of dark and light further affect our emotional response… This intriguing tale with a twist delves exceptionally well into values and perceptions, the rational and the irrational, achieving a conclusion that is profoundly self-affirming for the child… This emotionally rich and suspenseful story is capped by an uplifting ending that will stir hearts from 8 to 80… A perfect pairing of text and illustration.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to Colleen Sydor and Nicolas Debon for their work on Timmerman Was Here!

Lastly, the big award we were all waiting for, the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. Tundra has two finalists in the running!

And the winner is…

Arthur Slade for The Hunchback Assignments! Congratulations! Everyone got a copy in their gift bag and we can’t wait to read it!

A huge thank you goes out to the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, TD Bank Financial Group, the jurors, sponsors, and staff for all your work and for the amazing celebration!

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Finalists for the 2010 Canadian Children’s Book Centre Awards

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) and TD Bank Financial Group announced the 2010 finalists for the Canadian Children’s Book Awards today. We would like to congratulate our authors and illustrators!

TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award Finalists:

A Thousand Years of Pirates
Written and illustrated by William Gilkerson
Hardcover | 96 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-924-5
For ages 10 – 14
“A beautifully illustrated treasure trove of information… Chronicles the history of piracy from the time of the Vikings to the present day… This clear and compelling cross-over (history) for all ages includes not only biographical and dramatic narratives, but also the rarely-told sordid and sad details of piracy.” – Jury Comments

Watching Jimmy
Written by Nancy Hartry
Hardcover | 160 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-871-2
For ages 12 and up
“Watching Jimmy is a masterful exploration of the impact a young girl’s voice can have when she is supported by adult allies… A suspenseful novel of loyalty, determination and compassion… Hartry creates a memorable portrayal of the secret subculture of childhood… A profound and powerful story.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to the other finalists: Janet McNaughton (Dragon Seer), Sharon Jennings (Home Free), and Arthur Slade (The Hunchback Assignments)! All great books!

Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award Finalists:

Our Corner Grocery Store
Written by Joanne Schwartz, illustrated by Laura Beingessner
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-868-2
For ages 4 – 8
“In this endearing book, the grocery store is the cornerstone of the neighbourhood, a place where people come together in the daily act of living… A vivid slice of life packed with sensory delights, neighbourly warmth, and children’s pleasures… Beingessner’s detailed illustrations overflow with charm, brilliantly capturing the sights, sounds and gentle emotions of this busy and completely satisfying day.” – Jury Comments

Timmerman Was Here
Written by Colleen Sydor, illustrated by Nicolas Debon
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-890-3
For ages 4 – 8
“Timmerman Was Here tells a suspenseful story using a compelling narrative voice… The heroine’s simple, eloquent first-person narrative grabs the reader from the opening lines, while the artist’s exquisite, softly lit images flow effortlessly across the pages with affecting beauty… A truly memorable book.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations also go out to Janet Perlman (The Delicious Bug), Geneviève Côté (Me and You), and Frieda Wishinsky and Kady MacDonald Denton (You’re Mean, Lily Jean)!

Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction Finalists:

A Thousand Years of Pirates
Written and illustrated by William Gilkerson
Hardcover | 96 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-924-5
For ages 10 – 14
“The combination of strong storytelling and beautiful artwork and design make this an appealing book for children of all ages… Unparalleled in the presentation of pirate history… Gilkerson successfully weaves together fascinating tales to bring life and context to these adventurers of the high seas.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to the other finalists: Priscilla Galloway and Dawn Hunter (Adventures on the Ancient Silk Road), Charis Cotter (Born to Write: The Remarkable Lives of Six Famous Authors), Scot Ritchie (Follow That Map! A First Book of Mapping Skills), and Kathy Kacer and Sharon E. McKay (Whispers from the Ghettos).

Geoffrey Bilson for Historical Fiction for Young People Finalists:

Vanishing Girl: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His 3rd Case
Written by Shane Peacock
Hardcover | 320 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-852-1
For ages 9 and up
“The sinister side of Victorian London comes to life on the pages of Vanishing Girl… Both its aristocratic society and dark underbelly are perfectly described… Beautifully written and fast-paced… Peacock delves into the young mind of one of the best-known characters in literature… The story is well-plotted, with plenty of action, adventure and plot twists.” – Jury Comments

Watching Jimmy
Written by Nancy Hartry
Hardcover | 160 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-871-2
For ages 12 and up
“A short, but powerful coming-of-age novel… Hartry has created memorable characters, carefully weaving family relationships tinged by fear and guilt… This is a moving – and fast-moving – story, alive with the fears and uncertainties of life in Canada soon after the Second World War… A thoughtful read.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to the other finalists: Laura Best (Bitter, Sweet), John Wilson (Crusade), and Barbara Haworth-Attard (Haunted).

The winning books will be announced on November 9, 2010 at the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Awards gala event. We are looking forward to it!

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CLA Announces 2010 Award Finalists

The Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award Committee of the Canadian Library Association announced the shortlist for the 2010 Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award. This award recognizes an illustrator of a noteworthy Canadian book, published in 2009, that appeals to children up to the age of 12 years.

Congratulations to our illustrators, Bill Slavin and Nicolas Debon!

It’s a Snap! George Eastman’s First Photograph
Written by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
ISBN 978-0-88776-881-1
Hardcover
32 Pages
Introducing our Great Idea Series, a first biography for young readers!

Timmerman Was Here
Written by Colleen Sydor
Illustrated by Nicolas Debon
ISBN 978-0-88776-890-3
Hardcover
32 Pages
Timmerman Was Here is a charming tale of mystery, perception, and the gift of friendship.

The Young Adult Services Interest Group of the Canadian Library Association announced the shortlist for the 2010 Young Adult Book Award. This award recognizes an author of an outstanding English-language Canadian work of fiction, published in 2009, that appeals to young adults between the ages of 13 and 18.

Congratulations to Shane Peacock!

Vanishing Girl
The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Third Case
Written by Shane Peacock
ISBN 978-0-88776-852-1
Hardcover
320 Pages
The third case in the compelling Boy Sherlock Holmes series is full of as many twists and turns as the backstreets of Victorian London.

The Canadian Association of Children’s Librarians, Section of the Canadian Association of Public Libraries announced the shortlist for the 2010 Book of the Year for Children Award. This award recognizes a Canadian author of an outstanding book published in Canada in 2009, which appeals to children up to and including age 12.

Congratulations to Nancy Hartry, Eva Wiseman, and Shane Peacock!

Watching Jimmy
Written by Nancy Hartry
ISBN 978-0-88776-871-2
Hardcover
160 Pages
A novel of danger, warmth, and dark humor — about a brain-damaged young boy and the friend who knows a terrible secret. Click here for the teacher guide.

Puppet
Written by Eva Wiseman
ISBN 978-0-88776-828-6
Hardcover
252 Pages
This powerful fictionalized account of one of the last blood libel trial in Europe is told through the eyes of Julie, a friend of the murdered Esther, and a servant at the jail where Morris is imprisoned. Once again, Eva Wiseman illuminates a heartbreaking episode in history for young readers.

Vanishing Girl
The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Third Case
Written by Shane Peacock
ISBN 978-0-88776-852-1
Hardcover
320 Pages
The third case in the compelling Boy Sherlock Holmes series is full of as many twists and turns as the backstreets of Victorian London.

The winners will be announced prior to the Canadian Library Association National Conference. The awards will be presented at the CLA National Conference and Trade Show at the Shaw Conference Centre in Edmonton on June 3, 2010.

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OLA Best Bets 2009

Each year the OLA Best Bets Committee selects the top 10 Canadian picture books, fiction and non fiction for children and fiction for teens. The selections are presented at OLA Superconference. Here are the Tundra titles that made their 2009 lists:

Picture Books:

Bird Child
By Nan Forler
Illustrated by François Thisdale
ISBN 978-0-88776-894-1
Hardcover
32 Pages
Ages 5-8
Bullying and the ability to rise above it are at the heart of this strikingly beautiful picture book.

Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion
By Jane Barclay
Illustrated by Renné Benoit
ISBN 978-0-88776-951-1
Hardcover
24 Pages
Ages 4-7
Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion has relevance to a growing number of families, as new waves of soldiers leave home.

Same Same
By Marthe Jocelyn
Illustrated by Tom Slaughter
ISBN 978-0-88776-885-9
Hardcover
24 Pages
Ages 2-5
Forget about differences! Here’s a wonderful new concept book to explore and enjoy!

Timmerman was Here
By Colleen Sydor
Illustrated by Nicolas Debon
ISBN 978-0-88776-890-3
Hardcover
32 Pages
Ages 4-7
Timmerman Was Here is a charming tale of mystery, perception, and the gift of friendship.

Children’s Fiction:

The Battle for Duncragglin
By Andrew Vanderwal
ISBN 978-0-88776-886-6
Hardcover
320 Pages
Ages 11+
Set in the time of William Wallace, this is historical fiction at its bloody best!

Watching Jimmy
By Nancy Hartry
ISBN 978-0-88776-871-2
Hardcover
160 Pages
Ages 9+
A novel of danger, warmth, and dark humor — about a brain-damaged young boy and the friend who knows a terrible secret.

Vanishing Girl
By Shane Peacock
ISBN 978-0-88776-852-1
Hardcover
320 Pages
Ages 10-14
The third case in the compelling Boy Sherlock Holmes series is full of as many twists and turns as the backstreets of Victorian London.

Children’s Non Fiction:

It’s a Snap! George Eastman’s First Photograph
By Monika Kulling
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
ISBN 978-0-88776-881-1
Hardcover
32 Pages
Ages 5-8
Monica Kulling’s spunky, playful text is beautifully complemented by the stunning pen-and-ink with watercolour illustrations of artist Bill Slavin.

Which books do you think will make the 2010 list?

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Celebrating the Year’s Best

In the December 2009 issue (Volume 15, Number 2) of Resource Links, they included their annual The Year’s Best. These titles have been designated as Excellent by their reviewers.  Here are the Tundra titles that made the 2009 list, organized by author’s last names in their categories:

PICTURE BOOKS

Bird Child
By Nan Forler
Illustrated by François Thisdale
Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88776-894-1
“… As a thematic book dealing with the issue of bullying, this story excels. It is not preachy or didactic…. illustrations are also a standout.… A final word of praise has to go out to the author for the use of language in this story. Word choices approach the finely tuned standard of poetry…. Highly recommended.” – Resource Links

A Wizard in Love
By Mireille Levert
Illustrated by Marie Lafrance
Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88776-901-6
“Although we don’t see it happen, I am positive Hector’s heart grows in this book… The colours used in the book A Wizard in Love reflect Hector’s shifting moods… Marie Lafrance’s illustrations are not typical of your average love story, but this is not your average love story!” – Resource Links

Timmerman Was Here
By Colleen Sydor
Illustrated by Nicolas Debon
Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88776-890-3
“… Nicolas Debon’s gouache and wax pencil illustrations are dark and mysterious.… The atmosphere is nostalgic, from the 1940s setting to the reflective nature of the narrator. This is a quiet gem for all school and public libraries.” – Resource Links

FICTION: GRADES 3-6

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
By Lewis Carroll
Illustrated by Oleg Lipchenko
Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88776-932-0
“… a beautiful book that stands up to careful scrutiny in appreciating the playful complexity of his unique interpretation and rich imagination.… Lipchenko’s sophisticated version is obviously driven by a commitment to faithfully represent his personal joy in a story that continues to enchant, amuse, and provoke delight and discussion among readers of all ages.” – Resource Links

Jacob Two-Two on the High Seas
By Cary Fagan
Illustrated by Dušan Petričić
Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88776-895-8
“A delightful, imaginative tale…. a wonderfully silly, child-like adventure of ridiculous characters…. This story is a great yarn and hooks the child-like imagination in every reader….” – Resource Links

Jacob Two-Two and the Dinosaur
By Mordecai Richler
Illustrated by Dušan Petričić
Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88776-926-9
“This book would be a great addition to a unit on dinosaurs. Highly recommended for public and school libraries.” – Resource Links

Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang
By Mordecai Richler
Illustrated by Dušan Petričić
Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88776-925-2
“… Dušan Petričić’s new illustrations complement the tone of the story and bring Richler’s characters to life, especially the Hooded Fang. This book would be a fabulous read aloud.” – Resource Links

Jacob Two-Two’s First Spy Case
By Mordecai Richler
Illustrated by Dušan Petričić
Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88776-927-6
“…kids will delight in the hilarious downfall of adults who take advantage of their authority…. The story’s suspense is fun…. Highly recommended….” – Resource Links

NON-FICTION: GRADES K-6

Brigadier: Gentle Hero
By Judy Andrekson
Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88776-904-7
“… fascinating detail of the rigorous training and wide variety of skills these animals must master, while keeping the plot moving at a quick pace…. Andrekson excels at vividly recreating the lives of horses she writes about for her readers…. This book is highly recommended.” – Resource Links

Wild Animals!
By Eduardo Bustos
Illustrated by Lucho Rodriguez
Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88776-946-7
“… the animals seem to burst off the page…. encourage independent thinking and interaction with the storyteller. …a great non-fiction picture book for toddlers and preschoolers. Dramatic colours, attention-grabbing use of graphics and shapes and short interactive passages will keep young readers interested…” – Resource Links

Getting There
By Marla Stewart Konrad
Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88776-867-5
“…stunning photographic essays …a book about various and sundry forms of transportations. … Konrad’s interest and concern for children is evident in both these books. I hope to see many more books from her, and additional titles in this series that is ideal for schools and libraries, wherever diversity is celebrated.” – Resource Links

Mom and Me
By Marla Stewart Konrad
Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88776-866-8
“… small children will be fascinated by the scenes and people revealed by Konrad’s pictures. And older ones may begin to learn empathy for children who on the surface might seem quite different from them, but who all share a common humanity….” – Resource Links

It’s a Snap!
George Eastman’s First Photograph
By Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88776-881-1
“…accessible picture book biography… The strong narrative is peppered with snappy dialogue. Bill Slavin’s pen, ink and watercolour illustrations are equally engaging. …This first book in the Great Idea Series is a picture-perfect introduction to biographies for beginning readers.” – Resource Links

What Came First?
By Sandro Natalini
Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88776-901-8
“… This book presents the theory of evolution in language that is easily accessible to young readers…. Natalini skillfully touches the important points in current evolutionary theory…. highly recommend….” – Resource Links

FICTION: GRADES 7-12

Tyranny
By Lesley Fairfield
Paperback
ISBN 978-0-88776-903-0
“… The illustrations also show the reader the devastation to her body that Anna cannot see. Fairfield aptly shows the insidious nature of eating disorders as well as the control of the disorder…. Clearly portrays how difficult recovery can be…. Highly recommended.” – Resource Links

Brothers
By Michael Mazo
Illustrated by Michael Soloviov
Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88776-922-1
“…a visually appealing book – Soloviov’s illustrations are humorous and lively, and one cannot help but laugh at the situations in which the two dogs find themselves….” – Resource Links

Puppet
By Eva Wiseman
Hardcover
ISBN 978-0-88776-828-6
“…a tale of shocking prejudice and a kind of petty corruption that chills one to the bone… Wiseman’s unflinching descriptions of the conducts of officials, the trial itself, and subtext of Julie’s life mixed with her reactions to and participation in the events around her are compelling and believable….” – Resource Links