Indigo’s Best Books of 2014 for Kids & Teens

Indigo Best of 2014

For Ages 3-5 | Laugh Out Loud
If You Happen to Have a DinosaurIf You Happen to Have a Dinosaur
Written by Linda Bailey
Illustrated by Colin Jack
Hardcover | 40 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-568-5
“There aren’t many books that have the courage to be this silly…. Simply wonderful.” – The Globe and Mail

For Ages 3-5 | Cuddle Up & Read
The Hockey Sweater_30th AnniversaryThe Hockey Sweater, 30th Anniversary Edition
Written by Roch Carrier
Illustrated by Sheldon Cohen
Translated by Sheila Fischman
Hardcover | 48 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-762-7
“It’s a classic… you can’t really be a Canadian and not read it. It’s become part of our cultural lexicon.” – Canadian Children’s Book News

The Highest Number in the WorldThe Highest Number in the World
Written by Roy MacGregor
Illustrated by Geneviève Després
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-575-3
“MacGregor’s writing packs an emotional punch without relying on sentimentality (“Gabe’s heart felt as if a skate had just run across it”). Expressive pencil drawings, brightened with color washes, perfectly capture the characters’ feelings. From the moment Grandma begins to share her past and her passion hockey, the story’s context becomes broader, more complex, and more meaningful. A memorable, intergenerational picture book perfect for sharing.” – Starred Review, Booklist

For Ages 9-12 | Contemporary Adventures
Viminy Crowes Comic BookViminy Crowe’s Comic Book
Written by Marthe Jocelyn and Richard Scrimger
Illustrated by Claudia Dávila
Hardcover | 336 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-479-4
eBook: 978-1-77049-480-0
“A harmonious blend of narrative and intertwined graphic sequences finds two preteens at a comics convention closer to the action than they ever imagined…. The book’s creators clearly had a grand time, filling it with fantastic steampunk creations…. This wholly imagined fantasy is well-fleshed out and keeps the pages flying with its extremely clever story within a story. As it embraces so many different genres and formats-comics, steampunk, adventure-expect this to resonate with a wide readership. A thrilling and imaginative reminder that adventure and magic can be found anywhere, especially where one least expects it….” – Starred Review, Kirkus

The 2015 OLA Forest of Reading® Nominees


Today, the Ontario Library Association revealed the nominated titles for the 2015 Forest of Reading® program. Tundra would like to congratulate the nominated authors and illustrators!

BLUE SPRUCEâ„¢ 2015 NOMINATED TITLES

The Highest Number in the WorldThe Highest Number in the World
Written by Roy MacGregor
Illustrated by Genevieve Després
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-575-3
eBook: 978-1-77049-576-0
“From the moment Grandma begins to share her past and her passion for hockey, the story’s context becomes broader, more complex, and more meaningful. A memorable, intergenerational picture book perfect for sharing.” – Booklist

  • The Day My Mom Came To Kindergarten by Maureen Fergus and Mike Lowery
  • Kenta and the Big Wave by Ruth Ohi
  • Loula is Leaving for Africa by Anne Villeneuve
  • The Man with the Violin by Kathy Stinson and Dusan Petricic
  • Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress by Christine Baldacchino and Isabelle Malenfant
  • The Most Magnificent Thing by Ashley Spires
  • My Blue Is Happy by Jessica Young and Catia Chien
  • Oddrey and the New Kid by Dave Whamond
  • Young Frank, Architect by Frank Viva

SILVER BIRCH® EXPRESS 2015 NOMINATED TITLES

The FlyThe Fly
Written by Elise Gravel
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-636-1
The Fly is a unique nonfiction book about the common housefly. Full of interesting facts, the book reads more like a picture book or simple graphic novel. Everything you never wanted to know about one of mankind’s least favourite creatures is covered in this book…. This series is a must-read for children who like the world’s most unlikeable creatures.” – Highly Recommended, CM Magazine

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 expressive picture book, based on a real family, lovingly tells a hard story with a twist. It’s difficult to broach poverty, disability and custody issues in so few pages without sounding maudlin, but Walters manages by speaking simply…. With dignity and quiet acceptance, this story illustrates that blessings, like family, can take unexpected forms.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

  • Be a Wilderness Detective by Peggy Kochanoff
  • Every Day is Malala Day by Rosemary McCarney
  • From There To Here by Laurel Croza and Matt James
  • The Great Bike Rescue by Hazel Hutchins
  • How To Save A Species by Jonathan Baillie and Marilyn Baillie
  • Kung Pow Chicken #1 Let’s Get Cracking by Cyndi Marko
  • Prove It, Josh by Jenny Watson
  • Seconds by Sylvia Taekema

RED MAPLE NON-FICTIONâ„¢ 2015 NOMINATED TITLES

Legends Icons and RebelsLegends, Icons & Rebels
Music That Changed the World

Written by Robbie Robertson, Jim Guerinot, Sebastian Robertson and Jared Levine
Hardcover | 128 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-571-5
eBook: 978-1-77049-573-9
“Wow, just wow! This book is big in every way…. The book’s art is hard to resist … it’s a treat that the words grab as much as the pictures.” – Starred Review, Booklist

  • Growing Up, Inside and Out by Kira Vermond and Carl Chin
  • It’s Catching: The Infectious World of Germs and Microbes by Jennifer Gardy and Josh Holinaty
  • The Last Train: A Holocaust Story by Rona Arato
  • Looks Like Daylight: Voices of Indigenous Kids by Deborah Ellis
  • Pay It Forward Kids: Small Acts, Big Change by Nancy Runstedler
  • Real Justice: Sentenced to Life at Seventeen: The story of David Milgaard by Cynthia J. Faryon
  • Starting From Scratch: What You Should Know About Food and Cooking by Sarah Elton and Jeff Kulak
  • We Are Canada by Rikia Saddy and Cameron McLellan
  • Why Do We Fight?: Conflict, War, and Peace by Niki Walker

GOLDEN OAKâ„¢ 2015 NOMINATED TITLES

When I Get OlderWhen I Get Older
The Story behind “Wavin’ Flag”

Written by K’naan and Sol Guy
Illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
Hardcover | 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-302-5
“Somali-Canadian musician K’naan’s first children’s book tells the inspirational story of his immigration to Canada to escape the Somali War. K’naan uses accessible yet poetic language to draw in young readers, exploring his adjustment to Canada and how music kept him connected to his family. Gutierrez’s artwork powerfully conveys a new immigrant’s sense of alienation.” – Parents Canada

  • The Clear-Out by Deborah Ellis
  • Every Day is Malala Day by Rosemary McCarney
  • The Hard Fall by Brenda Chapman
  • Just Gone by William Kowalski
  • Rainbow Crow : Nagweyaabi-aandeg by David Bouchard and David Jean
  • Rick Hansen: A Life in Motion by Don Quinlan
  • Sentenced to Life at Seventeen : The Story of David Milgaard by Cynthia J. Faryon

The Festival of Treesâ„¢ in Toronto will be taking place on May 12-13, 2015 at the Harbourfront Centre. We will be there to cheer on our authors and illustrators!

Tuesdays with Tundra 43

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

An Armadillo in ParisAn Armadillo in Paris
Written by Julie Kraulis
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 5-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-526-5
eBook: 978-1-77049-527-2
A winsome armadillo from Brazil takes a trip to Paris in this delightful new picture book from Julie Kraulis. Arlo is an armadillo who is always up for adventure. His grandfather, Augustin, loved adventure too. When Arlo was born, Augustin wrote travel journals about his favorite places for Arlo to use when he was hold enough to go exploring on his own. When Arlo reads about Paris and the one the French call La Dame de Fer, or Iron Lady, he decides it’s time to strike out on his first adventure. He travels to France and, guided by Augustin’s journal, discovers the joys of Paris: eating a flakey croissant at a café, visiting the Louvre, walking along the Seine and, of course, meeting the Iron Lady… But who is she? Each spread has a clue about her identity, and kids will see hints of her scattered throughout the book. This book is like a gorgeous stroll through Paris with an adorable new friend–a stroll you’ll want to take again and again.

The Boston BreakoutThe Boston Breakout
Written by Roy MacGregor
Trade Paperback | 176 Pages | Ages 9-12
ISBN: 978-1-77049-421-3
eBook: 978-1-77049-426-8
The Screech Owls are in historic Boston to play in the Paul Revere Hockey Tournament. Boston is where the American Revolution began and where Benjamin Franklin was born. Franklin, a Founding Father of the United States of America, was maybe the smartest American ever. And when Nish discovers that Franklin was just ten years old when he dropped out of school, the Screech Owls’ big defender decides he has found a new hero.
For Travis and the other Screech Owls, the highlight of all the places to see in Boston is the New England Aquarium, home to seals and turtles and penguins. Its huge glass tanks are filled with the most wonderful collection of sharks, stingrays, and other sea creatures. Samantha Bennett, especially, is amazed, but when she meets an animal-rights campaigner who is keen to convert Sam to her cause, Sam falls under the strange woman’s spell and becomes a new recruit in a very dangerous organization.

Edie's EnsemblesEdie’s Ensembles
Written by Ashley Spires
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 4-8
ISBN: 978-1-77049-490-9
eBook: 978-1-77049-491-6
“A budding fashion maven learns the hard way what defines personal style. Taking the metaphor of a fashion animal rather literally, Spires here concocts the tale of zany rodentlike Edie and her bird best friend, Andrew….The more attention Edie’s ensembles earn, the more driven she becomes to outdo herself, much to the detriment of her friendship with Andrew and-quite unbeknownst to Edie-her reputation…. A heartwarming tale of self-discovery and friendship.” – Kirkus Reviews

Every BreathEvery Breath
Written by Ellie Marney
Hardcover | 352 Pages | Ages 14+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-772-6
eBook: 978-1-77049-774-0
“…fans of the genre will appreciate the many twists and turns that come before the final show-stopping reveal … the Melbourne setting is vividly conveyed, including a realistically diverse cast of teen and adults. Strength of family and friends is a strong underlying theme, and the romantic tension between Rachel and Mycroft sizzles on the page. Inventive and unusual, this will appeal to readers with a taste for darker stories.” – Booklist

The Last Song_PaperbackThe Last Song
Written by Eva Wiseman
Now in Trade Paperback
240 Pages | Ages 10+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-517-3
eBook: 978-0-88776-980-1
“With spies and informers on all sides, the story builds to a gripping climax … readers will easily be caught by the young girl’s personal heartbreak and conflict and will want to find out more.” – Booklist

M Is for Maple LeafsM Is for Maple Leafs
An Official Toronto Maple Leafs Alphabet Book

Written by Michael Ulmer
Illustrated by Melanie Rose
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-798-6
For nearly a century, the Toronto Maple Leafs have stood as one of the most popular hockey franchises in the NHL. With M Is for Maple Leafs, children across North America will discover the alphabet while being introduced to interesting Leaf history. From people (such as Mats Sundin and Johnny Bower) to hockey terminology (line change and face-off) and places and things (dressing room, Air Canada Centre, puck), the world of hockey is depicted in this fun and lively picture book. Featuring rhyming text from author Mike Ulmer and striking illustrations from Melanie Rose, this book captures the spirit of “Canada’s game.”

Peter Puck and the Runaway ZamboniPeter Puck and the Runaway Zamboni Machine
Written by Brian Mcfarlane
Illustrated by Geri Storey
Hardcover | 64 Pages | Ages 6-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-583-8
In Peter Puck and the Runaway Zamboni Machine, Peter’s good friend, Tony the Zamboni, longs for adventure. When Tony disappears, Peter and referee George Phair head out to find him. Tony loves being out in the big wide world, especially when he enters a race at the speedway. Peter arrives just in time to hop on and drive, but a run-in with two nasty drivers threatens to put them on the sidelines. Can Peter and Tony stay in the race? And will the runaway Zamboni return to the arena and prepare the ice for the big game?

Puckster's Hockey Game Against the MascotsPuckster Plays the Hockey Mascots
Written by Lorna Schultz Nicholson
Illustrated by Kelly Findley
Trade Paperback | 24 Pages | Ages 3-7
ISBN: 978-1-77049-760-3
In Puckster Plays the Hockey Mascots, Puckster and his pals realize the dream of being on the ice with their hockey heroes – the Toronto Maple Leafs mascot Carlton the bear and the Montreal Canadiens mascot Youppi. These legendary NHL mascots inspired Puckster to play hockey and cheer for Hockey Canada and now here he was playing in a real game with these hockey greats. But when his drive to win and desire to impress others gets in the way, Puckster realizes that he has let his team down and forgotten the true spirit of teamwork. Puckster Plays the Hockey Mascots is yet another exciting hockey adventure for young fans. With the exciting addition of two legendary characters and the important message of teamwork, this classic tale offers all fans of the game a lesson in friendship.

Puckster's Christmas Hockey TournamentPuckster’s Christmas Hockey Tournament
Written by Lorna Schultz Nicholson
Illustrated by Kelly Findley
Trade Paperback | 24 Pages | Ages 3-7
ISBN: 978-1-77049-758-0
In Puckster’s Christmas Hockey Tournament, it is Christmas Eve and Puckster is nervously watching the heavy snowfall gather on the ground and in the trees. It is his first Christmas away from home and though he is excited to be with Team Canada at the World Junior Hockey Tournament, he is afraid that the winter storm will prevent his family and friends from travelling to the remote arena and arrive in time for Christmas morning.

Pub Date Giveaway: In the comments below, please 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 20, 2014!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Julie, winner of An Armadillo in Paris by Julie Kraulis.

You’re Invited to the Launch of The Highest Number in the World

MacGregor_Kaleidoscope
You are invited to the launch of The Highest Number in the World. Please join award-winning author, Roy MacGregor, as he celebrates his newest book with the fantastic staff at Kaleidoscope Kids’ Books!

When: Saturday, March 1, 2014
Time: 1:30 – 3:00 PM
Where: Kaleidoscope Kids’ Books
Address: 1018 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W8
Telephone: (613) 232-7406

Praise for The Highest Number in the World:
“The story’s ending, in which Gabe dreams of her number 9 retired and raised to the rafters, is uplifting in every way. MacGregor’s writing packs an emotional punch without relying on sentimentality (when the coach hands her the disappointing jersey, ‘Gabe’s heart felt as if a skate had just run across it’). Expressive pencil drawings, brightened with color washes, perfectly capture the characters’ feelings. From the moment Grandma begins to share her past and her passion for hockey, the story’s context becomes broader, more complex, and more meaningful. A memorable,
intergenerational picture book perfect for sharing.” – Starred Review, Booklist

“As pleasing as a warm memory.” – Kirkus Reviews

“MacGregor’s text climbs to a heartwarming conclusion, is wonderfully illustrated by St-Lambert’s Geneviève Després (I especially liked the views from the arena’s rafters), and makes for a great companion piece to The Hockey Sweater, Roch Carrier’s Canadian classic.” – The Montreal Gazette

Tuesdays with Tundra 35

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

The Highest Number in the WorldThe Highest Number in the World
Written by Roy MacGregor
Illustrated by Geneviève Després
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 6-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-575-3
“MacGregor’s writing packs an emotional punch…. Expressive pencil drawings, brightened with color washes, perfectly capture the characters’ feelings. From the moment Grandma begins to share her past and her passion for hockey, the story’s context becomes broader, more complex, and more meaningful. A memorable, intergenerational picture book perfect for sharing.” – Starred Review, Booklist

The Mystery of the Russian RansomThe Mystery of the Russian Ransom
Written by Roy MacGregor
Trade Paperback | 176 Pages | Ages 9-12
ISBN: 978-1-77049-420-6
The Screech Owls have never had such a wonderful surprise. A famous Russian billionaire has offered to pay and fly the whole team to his country. He wants the Owls to visit his homeland so the Russians can learn from the Screech Owls’ style of play. The team will play in a tournament while they are there, but even before their first practice on Russian ice, Sarah is taken off the snowy streets. Her kidnappers want ten million rubles in exchange for her safe release! The billionaire wants to pay for Sarah’s safe return, but Travis and his teammates decide to take matters into their own hands.

First Descent_paperbackFirst Descent
Written by Pam Withers
Trade Paperback | 272 Pages | Ages 12+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-412-1
“…From the first page, when Rex hears a crack of river ice, sees an eight-year-old in peril, and enacts a dramatic rescue in which he must out-paddle an advancing mountain of ice, Withers flings the reader from one perilous adventure to another….” – Booklist

Ella May and the Wishing StoneElla May and the Wishing Stone
Written by Cary Fagan
Illustrated by Geneviève Côté
Trade Paperback | 32 Pages | Ages 4-6
ISBN: 978-1-77049-410-7
“Côté’s…illustrations drive the story along with light and expressive outlines and wash effects… children won’t have any difficulty following the action, and they’ll recognize Ella’s conflicting impulses.” – Publishers Weekly

Peace WalkerPeace Walker
The Legend of Hiawatha and Tekanawita

Written by C.J. Taylor
Trade Paperback | 48 Pages | Ages 7-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-778-8
“In a style reminiscent of oral storytelling, the author weaves the legend of the Confederacy of the Five Nations.” – The Horn Book Guide

Baseball AnimalsBaseball Animals
Written by Christopher Jordan
Hardcover | 24 Pages | Ages 3-7
Fenn / Tundra
ISBN: 978-1-77049-474-9
In MLB Animals, children will learn about the various animals specific to professional baseball and discover why each team selected the particular animal when naming their club.

Baseball OppositesBaseball Opposites
Written by Christopher Jordan
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 3-7
Fenn / Tundra
ISBN: 978-1-77049-518-0
In MLB Opposites, children will be introduced to an array of familiar opposites clearly defined through bright and colorful photographs from the world of Major League Baseball.

Pub Date Giveaway: In the comments below, please tell us which new February 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, February 17, 2014!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Joy, winner of First Descent by Pam Withers.

Tundra Book Group