Tag: Rachel Berman

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Tuesdays with Tundra 23

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

Becoming Holmes
The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Final Case
Written by Shane Peacock
Hardcover | 264 Pages
Ages 10-14
ISBN: 978-1-77049-232-5
“And so the end comes to the beginning of the story of the world’s most beloved detective in Shane Peacock’s Becoming Holmes, the last of his boyhood Holmes mysteries. I have thoroughly enjoyed the world of Victorian England from this first person, close up and tangible version of Holmes. The series has courageously woven together famous people, popular myths and the street-level views of London. The mysteries, themselves, contain the illusive clues so reminiscent of Doyle’s work. In this last installment and, dare I say, his final bow, Peacock sets the scene for the man Sherlock Holmes. The story is ripe with premonitions…. Readers who have been captivated by “The Boy Sherlock Holmes” series will find this a satisfactory and hang-on-to-your-seat read. It was sad to know this is the final installment.” – Highly Recommended, CM Magazine

The Bridge
Written by Jane Higgins
Hardcover | 352 Pages
Ages 12+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-437-4
“…the gritty, painfully tense passages describing the ways in which war affects children – teens in particular – are compelling and deftly written.” – The Horn Book
“This grim first novel, set on a not-so-distant future Earth … packs a significant emotional wallop…. Higgins works hard to expose the religious and racial bigotry lurking behind so many military conflicts, and she is adept at showing that, frequently, neither side is without blame.” – Publishers Weekly

Going Up!
Elisha Otis’s Trip to the Top
Written by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by David Parkins
Hardcover | 32 Pages
Ages 5-8
ISBN: 978-1-77049-240-0
“… In his realistic, fine-lined illustrations, Parkins both enhances the sense of period and supplies the only hints of how Otis’ invention actually worked. He captures the narrative’s broad, high-energy tone in images of the inventor with eyes bulging, mouth wide open and arms flung out wildly during various Eureka! moments….” – Kirkus Reviews

The Hunting of the Snark
An Agony in Eight Fits
Written by Lewis Carroll
Illustrated by Oleg Lipchenko
Hardcover | 48 Pages
All Ages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-407-7
One of the most well-known creations by world-famous master of nonsense, Lewis Carroll, The Hunting of the Snark is a poem whose meaning has proved as elusive as the mysterious titular monster itself. Even Carroll confessed to not knowing who the Snark is or what the poem is about. But one thing about this much-scrutinized work of literature is perfectly clear: this is a tale of high adventure and great wit sure to delight readers of all ages.

Miss Mousie’s Blind Date
Written by Tim Beiser
Illustrated by Rachel Berman
Hardcover | 24 Pages
Ages 3-6
ISBN: 978-1-77049-251-6
“Spring fever strikes even the rodents. And who knows where the heart leads? … Beiser’s sprightly text has warmth, heart, and a valuable lesson. Berman’s pictures, in watercolor and gouache on rag, suggest Beatrix Potter, ably matching the crisp elegance of the story. Wonderful.” – Starred Review from Kirkus Reviews

Rescuing the Children
The Story of the Kindertransport
Written by Deborah Hodge
Hardcover | 64 Pages
Ages 10+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-256-1
“Fitting neatly into primary-classroom units about World War II and the Holocaust, … Hodge’s account … sketches in Germany’s history from Hitler’s rise to Kristallnacht, noting the reluctance of other national governments to take German refugees, particularly Jewish ones…. Then-and-now portraits of her eight survivors, with a mix of period photos and paintings by Kind artist Hans Jackson, provide plenty of visual witness to those dangerous times and the children caught in them. A quick but systematic overview, well-endowed with both visual and documentary supporting material….” – Kirkus Reviews

Pub Date Giveaway: In the comments below, tell us which new October 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, October 15, 2012!

Update: Congratulations to Connie who has won a copy of The Bridge by Jane Higgins.

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Tuesdays with Tundra 12

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

Ella May and the Wishing Stone
By Cary Fagan
Illustrated by Geneviève Côté
Hardcover | Ages 4-7
ISBN 978-1-77049-225-7
“…soft, summery, pastel watercolors. The story includes several understated lessons for youngsters, such as getting along, being considerate, and using your imagination.” – School Library Journal

Except the Color Grey
By Arlene Alda
Hardcover | Ages 2-5
ISBN 978-1-77049-284-4
“…The rhythmic pace carries readers along as the author shares her day’s journey, giving them focus for a walk that they might take themselves…with camera in hand.” – Sal’s Fiction Addiction

Nini
By François Thisdale
Hardcover | Ages 3-6
ISBN 978-1-77049-270-7
“…the story of a family coming together is told with lyrical elegance…. As is typical of Thisdale’s work, breathtaking, multi-layered visuals form a magnificent, detail-rich backdrop to the narrative and contribute heavily to its emotional impact…. There is wonderful interplay between text and image…. Highly recommended.” – Starred Review, Quill & Quire

Wishes and Worries: Coping with a Parent Who Drinks Too Much Alcohol
By the Centre For Addiction And Mental Health
Illustrated by Lars Rudebjer
Hardcover | Ages 5-8
ISBN 978-1-77049-238-7
Children of parents who drink too much alcohol are affected in many ways. They may experience anger, fear, confusion, and guilt. This reassuring book, written by professionals, offers information in the form of a story about one family’s struggle. Wishes and Worries is an excellent way to open a discussion between adult and child.

New in Paperback!

Bradley McGogg, The Very Fine Frog
By Tim Beiser
Illustrated by Rachel Berman
Paperback | Ages 2-5
ISBN 978-1-77049-276-9
“… This is a very fine book about a very fine frog, so fine in fact that he has -shall we say-refined tastes…. Now the story is great but the rhyming text is so fun to read and so different than any other book that it makes this worth the read and purchase. I can’t imagine any child getting sick of this book or any parent for that matter. Berman’s illustrations match the fresh and unique text. Her depictions of the Brad McGogg the finicky frog in his sandals, jaunty bow tie and striped overalls are magnificent (who could not love a frog in sandals?!) … This book is truly an exploration in epicurean delights that would please any aficionado! Not just a perfect classroom addition to teaching about differences, judgment and understanding those with particular tastes, I think wee readers with foodies for folks may find themselves being read this story time and time again to much delight (both parents and kids!)” – Word of Mouse Book Reviews

Did You Say Pears?
By Arlene Alda
Paperback | Ages 3-8
ISBN 978-1-77049-278-3
“A marvelously imaginative pairing…of homonyms…and homophones wrapped up in a rhyme of amazingly few words and terrific offbeat photographs.” – Booklist

Pub Date Giveaway: Welcome to the beginning of our fall season readers! Which book would you love to read? Leave us a comment below and one lucky reader will receive a copy of their requested book! One request per person and please review our rules. This giveaway ends at midnight on Thursday, August 11, 2011!

A winner will be chosen at random and announced on this post.

UPDATE: A winner has been chosen. Congratulations to Erin Walker, the new owner of Ella May and the Wishing Stone.

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Day 1: Festival of Trees 2010

The Ontario Library Association hosts the Forest of Reading Programs  where readers vote for their favourite books! There are 7 different reading programs, categorized by grade level and age. The 2010 winner for each award is announced at the Festival of Trees at the Harbourfront Centre on May 12 and 13th. Despite the cold weather, the students came to the award ceremony to support their favourite books.

First up was the Red Maple Award! Just look at the audience:

Let’s zoom in to see the authors:

DRUMROLL please! Here’s a video on the announcement of the Finalists and the Winner:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvTZJJVXz24]

Congratulations to Susin Nielsen, Word Nerd is the winner of the 2010 Red Maple Award! Here she is giving her acceptance speech:

Coming off the stage, readers ask to have their photos taken with Susin:

Readers crowding around Susin to get her autograph! She’s feeling like a total ROCK STAR!!!

Lovely isn’t it? Where will Susin hang this?

Next up was the Blue Spruce Award ceremony, the sign holders were adorable:

Tim Beiser and Rachel Berman, creators of Bradley McGogg, the Very Fine Frog sitting beside Jeremy Tankard (in the blue jacket):

Congratulations to Jeremy Tankard, his book Boo Hoo Bird won the Blue Spruce Award!

Thank you to all the organizers, volunteers, authors, illustrators, teachers, and students for all their work! Congratulations to all the authors and illustrators!

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2010 Blue Spruce Award Nominee

Bradley McGogg, the Very Fine Frog is nominated for the Blue Spruce Award!

Tim Beiser created a video clip reading, watch and listen:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Q6FGUo0BgM]

The winner of the Blue Spruce Award will be announced at the Festival of Trees, taking place on May 12-13, 2010 at the Harbourfront Centre. For more information, visit the Forest of Reading website. Vote for Bradley McGogg, The Very Fine Frog!

Bradley McGoggBradley McGogg
The Very Fine Frog
By Tim Beiser
Illustrated by Rachel Berman
ISBN 978-88776-864-4
Hardcover
24 Pages
Ages 2-5

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CBA Libris Awards 2010 Shortlist

The Canadian Booksellers Association (CBA) announced the 2010 CBA Libris Awards shortlist. The great news is that Bradley McGogg, The Very Fine Frog and Vanishing Girl have both been nominated for an award. Congratulations to Tim Beiser, Rachel Berman, and Shane Peacock! What a very fine birthday present this must be for Tim Beiser!

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOK OF THE YEAR

Bradley McGogg, The Very Fine Frog
Written by Tim Beiser
Illustrated by Rachel Berman

Tim Beiser was born on April Fools’ Day in Los Angeles, California. Tim has had many day jobs: a pastry chef, an architectural draftsman, a college teacher, a waiter, a nightclub performer, a computer repairman, and, lastly, an emergency medical technician for the Fire Department of New York, driving an ambulance. His work has appeared in such publications as National Post Business, Toronto Life, Elm Street, Reader’s Digest, and Saturday Night, Tim has been nominated for four National Magazine Awards. Bradley McGogg, the Very Fine Frog is his first book for children. Tim Beiser is the proud dad of twins Rowan and Daniel, and he and his family split their time between Toronto, Canada and Grignan, France.

Rachel Berman is a self-educated painter who has lived and worked in Canada, the United States, and Ireland. Born in New Orleans, Rachel has worked as a professional artist for over thirty years. Her paintings have been likened to the poems of Leonard Cohen. The mysterious figures and hidden stories glimpsed in her paintings are a reflection of the mysteries Berman has unraveled in her own life. Once known as Susan King, she discovered her original birth name, birth date, and the names of her biological parents only ten years ago. This experience led her to reclaim her long-lost name. Rachel Berman lives in Victoria, British Columbia.

Also nominated in this category:
Perfect Snow by Barbara Reid
When Stella Was Very, Very Small by Marie-Louise Gay

YOUNG READERS’ BOOK OF THE YEAR

Vanishing Girl
The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Third Case
Written by Shane Peacock

Shane Peacock was born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and grew up in Kapuskasing. A biographer, journalist, and screenwriter, he is also the author of several novels and plays. He has received many honors for his writing, including the prestigious Arthur Ellis Award for Eye of the Crow, the first of his Boy Sherlock Holmes series. Shane Peacock lives with his wife and three children near Cobourg, Ontario.

Also nominated in this category:
The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
The Uninvited by Tim Wynne-Jones

The Winners will be announced at the CBA’s Libris Awards Ceremony on May 29, 2010. Good luck to all the nominees!

Tundra Book Group