Mastermind Toys Best Books of 2019

We are so excited to see some of our books in Mastermind’s 2019 gift guide! Have you checked out the whole list of titles yet?

Sharon, Lois & Bram’s Skinnamarink
By Sharon Hampson, Lois Lilienstein, Bram Morrison, and Randi Hamson
Illustrated by Qin Leng
ISBN 9780735264069 | Hardcover
Ages 3-7 | Tundra Books
What does “skinnamarink” mean? You may not find its definition in a dictionary, but the meaning is clear to the generations of children who sang along: friendship, happiness, sharing, community and, ultimately, love. This song has been sung in weddings and in classrooms. It can be fun and silly – especially with the accompanying actions! And it has a way of bringing people together.

Narwhal’s Otter Friend
By Ben Clanton
ISBN 9780735262485 | Hardcover
Ages 6-9 | Tundra Books
Narwhal and Jelly . . . and Otty?! Exuberant Narwhal and skeptical Jelly test the waters of adding a new friend to their pod when they meet Otty the super-adventurous otter in the fourth book of this blockbuster early graphic novel series! Dive into three new stories about the joy of adventure and the power of friendship! In the first story, Otty the otter makes her debut splash; while Narwhal greets her with immediate enthusiasm, Jelly’s not so sure about her…mostly because he worries she’ll take his place as Narwhal’s best friend.

 

Indigo’s Best Books of 2019 for Kids

Indigo recently shared their best books of 2019 for kids and we are thrilled to see some of our titles on these lists. Congratulations to our talented and hardworking authors and illustrators!

Sharon, Lois & Bram’s Skinnamarink
By Sharon Hampson, Lois Lilienstein, Bram Morrison, and Randi Hamson
Illustrated by Qin Leng
ISBN 9780735264069 | Hardcover
Ages 3-7 | Tundra Books
What does “skinnamarink” mean? You may not find its definition in a dictionary, but the meaning is clear to the generations of children who sang along: friendship, happiness, sharing, community and, ultimately, love. This song has been sung in weddings and in classrooms. It can be fun and silly – especially with the accompanying actions! And it has a way of bringing people together.

Narwhal’s Otter Friend
By Ben Clanton
ISBN 9780735262485 | Hardcover
Ages 6-9 | Tundra Books
Narwhal and Jelly . . . and Otty?! Exuberant Narwhal and skeptical Jelly test the waters of adding a new friend to their pod when they meet Otty the super-adventurous otter in the fourth book of this early graphic novel series! Dive into three new stories about the joy of adventure and the power of friendship! In the first story, Otty the otter makes her debut splash; while Narwhal greets her with immediate enthusiasm, Jelly’s not so sure about her…mostly because he worries she’ll take his place as Narwhal’s best friend. Jelly tries to work out his jealousy in story two, and in story three, the new trio say “Ahoy, adventure!” and discover they all have more in common than they thought including a love of waffles!

Anne’s Kindred Spirits
By Kallie George
Illustrated by Abigail Halpin
ISBN 9781770499324 | Hardcover
Ages 6-8 | Tundra Books
Anne is nervous and excited to meet Diana, a neighbor girl who she just knows will be a kindred spirit. She’s even more excited when she learns that she’s invited to her very first picnic! Until Marilla’s precious brooch goes missing and it looks like it’s Anne’s fault. That is, Marilla is upset and Anne’s picnic adventure is now in jeopardy. Ultimately, the misunderstanding with the brooch is resolved and Anne is able to go to the picnic. Anne and Diana’s friendship blossoms and Anne’s bond with Matthew and Marilla grows stronger.

Sharon, Lois and Bram’s Skinnamarink

Based on the classic folk song made famous by a beloved trio of children’s entertainers, this picture book is best sung aloud! “Skinnamarink” is a timeless anthem of love and inclusion.

What does “skinnamarink” mean? You may not find its definition in a dictionary, but the meaning is clear to the generations of children who sang along: friendship, happiness, sharing, community and, ultimately, love. This song has been sung in weddings and in classrooms. It can be fun and silly – especially with the accompanying actions! And it has a way of bringing people together.

Through Qin Leng’s wonderfully imaginative illustrations, this delightful picture book tells the story of a community coming together. Young and old, from little mice to a big elephant, people and animals gather into a spontaneous parade as they follow the sound of music.

Sharon, Lois and Bram’s Skinnamarink is coming September 3, 2019.

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQjk7qUCmv0]

SHARON HAMPSON, the late LOIS LILLENSTEIN (d. 2015) and BRAM MORRISON are some of Canada’s most famous children’s performers, with fans across North America and around the world. The trio, known simply as Sharon, Lois and Bram, formed in Toronto in 1978 and went on to create two top-rated children’s television shows, most notably The Elephant Show, and to release 21 full-length albums (many of which reached gold, platinum, double platinum and triple platinum). They have won countless awards and were appointed to the Order of Canada in 2002. In 1998 they performed at the UN General Assembly and in 1994 they performed at the White House Annual Easter Egg Roll and Hunt. They also performed a run at the renowned Palace Theater on Broadway. Most recently Sharon and Bram were invited to participate in Toronto’s 2017 Pride parade – parade goers were so moved to see them participate that the crowd broke into a spontaneous version of the song along the parade’s route. In 2018, Sharon and Bram celebrated their 40th anniversary and they continue to entertain children and share their message of love.

Throughout her career, QIN LENG has illustrated picture books, magazines and book covers with publishers around the world. Recent picture books include her author/illustrator debut I Am Small; Ordinary, Extraordinary Jane Austen by Deborah Hopkinson; and Family Is a Family Is a Family written by Sara O’Leary. Hana Hashimoto, Sixth Violin, written by Chieri Uegaki, was a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award, and received the APALA Award for best picture book. She lives in Toronto, with her husband and her son.

Tundra Book Group