Lace Up Your Skates for #TundraOnIce

Winter is coming so it’s time to break out your skates and hit the ice! From a beloved classic to a vampire-filled adventure, curling up with these books is the perfect way to unwind after an energetic game of hockey (even if you’re just a spectator!). 

Bobby Orr and the Hand-me-down Skates
By Kara Koostra and Bobby Orr
Illustrated by Jennifer Phelan
40 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover
ISBN 9780735265325 | Tundra Books
Bobby eats, sleeps and breathes hockey. So, with his birthday is coming up, he only wants one thing: new skates. He’s seen the exact pair he wants in the shop window: sparkling blades, shiny leather, clean new laces tied in perfect bows. But when Bobby opens his gift, he’s dismayed to find hand-me-down skates: scuffed leather, nicked blades, floppy laces. Once Bobby breaks them in, though, he and the hand-me-down skates become inseparable, and he can’t imagine life without them . . . until the brand-new skates come into his life. How can he leave his hand-me-down skates behind? Log Driver’s Waltz illustrator Jennifer Phelan brings this classic story to life with timeless, gorgeous art, and Kara Kootsra’s words evoke the joy and dedication that Bobby Orr brought to his favorite sport. 

Glory on Ice: A Vampire Hockey Story
By Maureen Fergus
Illustrated by Mark Fearing
40 Pages | Ages 3-7 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781524714512 | Knopf BFYR
After centuries alone in his old castle, Vlad is ready to try something new. When he hears the local hockey team gushing about how they’ll crush and destroy their opponents in the next game, he knows he’s found the activity for him! Vlad immediately gives the game his all, but he soon realizes that super-human powers don’t mean much in hockey without a mastery of the basics. After weeks of practice, he’s finally ready for the big game . . . but can a hundreds-of-years-old vampire really learn new tricks? This hilarious, energetic picture book encourages teamwork, perseverance, and a love of hockey that will last a lifetime, even for an immortal being.

Great
By Lauri Holomis and Glen Gretzky
Illustrated by Kevin Sylvester
Foreword by Wayne Gretzy
32 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Paperback
ISBN 9780735265134 | Puffin Canada
A story of teamwork with a positive message, featuring Wayne Gretzky and Coach Wally (Wayne’s dad, Walter Gretzky). Taylor is so excited when he makes the hockey team — and not just any team, but HIS team. The boy they are already calling The Great One. Taylor wants to be great too, but he’s still got a lot to learn. Lucky for him, Coach Wally is in his corner, guiding him through the ups and downs of being part of a hockey team, and being the best player he can be. As Coach Wally says, if you have a good time, work hard and do your best, “that is all that matters.”

Hockey Hero
By Zachary Hyman
Illustrated by Zachary Pullen
40 Pages | Ages 6-9 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781770496309 | Tundra Books
A heart-warming, intergenerational story about an awkward young boy who finds his hockey chutzpah at a PeeWee tournament. Tommy goes from timid observer to essential player – as we readers cheer him on! Illustrated by Zachary Pullen whose inimitable style blends perfectly with Zachary Hyman’s inspiring text.

Jay Versus the Saxophone of Doom
By Kara Koostra
Illustrated by Kim Smith
Afterword by Bobby Orr
192 Pages | Ages 8-12 | Paperback
ISBN 9780735268692 | Puffin Canada
Jay Roberts loves hockey. He’s good at it. He also loves his hockey hero, Bobby Orr, considered a legend by Jay’s grandfather. In fact, even though they may bicker, when it comes to the Bruins, the whole family agrees that they are the team to root for. When it comes to hockey, Jay’s a team player. But there’s one person who seems determined to make life hard for Jay: his classmate and fellow team member, Mick Bartlet. It’s a good thing Jay can usually stickhandle his way out of his bullying. But something else is determined to make Jay’s life difficult, something far harder for Jay to play: the saxophone. Sixth grade just became a whole lot more challenging . . .

Splinters
By Kevin Sylvester
40 Pages | Ages 6-9 | Hardcover
ISBN 9780887769443 | Tundra Books
Cindy Winters loves to play hockey. When her family’s basement apartment is flooded and the floor freezes, she’s even happy to skate on the concrete. Her parents are too poor to enroll her in a league, but she’s resourceful and does odd jobs until she has earned enough money to play. Armed with her mother’s old equipment, she is thrilled to join a team. But her happiness doesn’t last long. Among her teammates are the horrible Blister Sisters. They make her life miserable. And worse, Cindy’s sidelined by the coach, who just happens to be Mrs. Blister. It looks like she’ll be spending the season cleaning equipment, instead of playing on the ice. Cindy’s luck changes when her Fairy Goaltender appears and saves the day. With its great humor and hilarious illustrations, Kevin Sylvester’s Splinters is bound to become a favorite.

The Highest Number in the World
By Roy MacGregor
Illustrated by Geneviève Després
32 Pages | Ages 6-9 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781770495753 | Tundra Books
9-year-old Gabe (Gabriella) Murray lives and breathes hockey. She’s the youngest player on her new team, she has a nifty move that her teammates call “the Gabe,” and she shares a lucky number with her hero, Hayley Wickenheiser: number 22. But when her coach hands out the team jerseys, Gabe is stuck with number 9. Crushed, Gabe wants to give up hockey altogether. How can she play without her lucky number? Gabe’s grandmother soon sets her straight, though – from her own connection to the number 9 in her hockey-playing days to all the greats she cheered for who wore it, she soon convinces Gabe that this new number might not be so bad after all. A lovely intergenerational tale and a history of the storied number 9 in hockey, The Highest Number in the World is a must-have for any hockey fan.

The Hockey Sweater
By Roch Carrier
Illustrated by Sheldon Cohen
Translated by Sheila Fischman
24 Pages | Ages 0-3 | Board Book
ISBN 9780735268685 | Tundra Books
In the days of Roch’s childhood, winters in the village of Ste. Justine were long. Life centered around school, church, and the hockey rink, and every boy’s hero was Montreal Canadiens hockey legend Maurice Richard. Everyone wore Richard’s number 9. They laced their skates like Richard. They even wore their hair like Richard. When Roch outgrows his cherished Canadiens sweater, his mother writes away for a new one. Much to Roch’s horror, he is sent the blue and white sweater of the rival Toronto Maple Leafs, dreaded and hated foes to his beloved team. How can Roch face the other kids at the rink?

When the Moon Comes
By Paul Harbridge
Illustrated by Matt James
40 Pages | Ages 4-8 | Hardcover
ISBN 9781101917770 | Tundra Books
The beaver flood has finally frozen–perfect ice, without a bump or a ripple. For the kids in town, it’s Christmas in November. They wait, impatiently, for the right moment. Finally, it arrives: the full moon. They huff and puff through logging trails, farms, back roads and tamarack swamps, the powdery snow soaking pant legs and boots, till they see it – their perfect ice, waiting. And the game is on. When the Moon Comes is steeped in tradition and nostalgia: for hockey, for childhood, for a simpler time. The beauty of the text is matched by the brilliant, rich illustrations that wonderfully capture the magic of a moonlit night in winter.

Make sure to pick these up from your favourite bookstore and check out our website for even more suggestions!

TD Summer Reading Club 2015

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TD Summer Reading Club is an inclusive program that strives to engage all children in the joy of reading during the summer months while championing Canadian writers and illustrators. The program helps connect families with books and build confidence in reading through the delivery of free incentives and fun, accessible library activities. All summer long across Canada, libraries aim to inspire a sense of adventure and wonder, nurture children’s imaginations and celebrate their accomplishments.

Children who register for the TD Summer Reading Club at their local library receive free program materials and are encouraged to earn twelve collectible stickers by reading books over the summer. They are also invited to participate in programs organized at their local library and share their love of reading with children across the country through the TD Summer Reading club website. Sign up anytime from June 26 to September 7!

Here are some of the Tundra titles that are being featured in the reading lists this year, make sure you check them out at your local library:

Bob's Hungry GhostBob’s Hungry Ghost
Written by Geneviève Côté
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 3-7
ISBN: 978-1-77049-713-9
“… [a] zany take on a ghost story…. In keeping with the hyperactive mood of the story, Côté’s illustrations practically sail off the page.” — The New York Times

I Like To PlayI Like to Play
World Vision Early Readers
Written by Marla Stewart Konrad
Hardcover | 24 Pages | Ages 3-7
ISBN: 978-0-88776-998-6
“…full of gorgeous photographs and simple text…. The pictures are thought provoking and will prompt many questions from young readers…. There is so much joy and focus in these pictures… highly recommended….” — Excellent, Resource Links

Nancy KnowsNancy Knows
Written by Cybèle Young
Hardcover | 40 Pages | Ages 3-7
ISBN: 978-1-77049-482-4
“This story is told in simple, evocative language and is illustrated in minimalist style. Nancy appears as a blank slate drawn in graphite on plain white backdrops. Her elephantine shape is filled with colorful Japanese paper sculptures that reflect what’s on her mind. Nancy is a charming protagonist with a memory like an elephant. She won’t be soon forgotten.” — Starred Review, School Library Journal

Reality Check in DetroitReality Check in Detroit
Written by Roy MacGregor
Trade Paperback | 208 Pages | Ages 9-12
ISBN: 978-1-77049-422-0
Reality Check in Detroit, the latest in Roy MacGregor’s Screech Owls hockey series, delivers the goods: robust players, playful banter, zippy descriptions of hockey games, and a troubling mystery for the team to solve. With an affectionate homage to the hockey legends associated with the Detroit Red Wings and some thoughtful social commentary, it makes a satisfying read for kids who love hockey.” — National Reading Campaign

SplintersSplinters
Written by Kevin Sylvester
Hardcover | 40 Pages | Ages 6-9
ISBN: 978-0-88776-944-3
“…Sylvester’s puckish (sorry) take on the Cinderella story is reflected in squiggly, exaggerated watercolor-and-ink pictures. Most of them float on the page as if on the ice, and this works wonderfully, from Cindy’s parents’ frozen basement apartment to the wide rink. The Fairy Goaltender, by the way, works her magic by whacking Cindy across the legs with her magic hockey stick. Goal!” — Kirkus Reviews

Viminy Crowes Comic BookViminy Crowe’s Comic Book
Written by Marthe Jocelyn and Richard Scrimger
Illustrated by Claudia Dávila
Hardcover | 336 Pages | Ages 9-12
ISBN: 978-1-77049-479-4
“The numerous black-and-white comic panels help bring the story to life for traditional and graphic novel fans, also bridging the two settings and the story-within-a-story narrative structure. Comic geeks or not, many are likely to enjoy this humorous and action-packed adventure.” – School Library Journal

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This program is a joint initiative between TD Bank Group, Toronto Public Library, and Library and Archives Canada. Every year a theme is selected from suggestions made across the country. Supporting materials for the program are developed by a team of children’s librarians from Toronto Public Library with the francophone component developed by librarians from Ottawa, Quebec City, and Montreal.
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Please click here for more information about Josée Bisaillon, the illustrator who created the artwork for this year’s Reading Club!

Authors for Indies Day

authorsforindiesCanadian Authors for Indies Day is happening on Saturday, May 2, 2015, and several of our authors are popping into independent bookstores across the country!

British Columbia:

Edie's Ensembles  We Are All Made of Molecules If You Happen to Have a Dinosaur

Newfoundland:

The Swallow

Nova Scotia:

Frankenstink

Ontario:

Julia Child  Nancy Knows  Millhouse  Best Friends through Eternity Audrey-cow For Those About to Write  The Pocket Mommy

For a full list of participating authors and bookstores, please check out the Authors for Indies website.

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2014 Winter Olympics

The 2014 Winter Olympics are taking place from February 7 to 23 in Sochi, Russia. We are looking forward to the 98 events for the next two weeks! We are especially looking forward to . . . HOCKEY! Read these books with your little ones about this amazing winter sport.

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
“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…. 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

SplintersSplinters
Written by Kevin Sylvester
Hardcover | 40 Pages | Ages 6-9
ISBN: 978-0-88776-944-3
“Sylvester’s puckish (sorry) take on the Cinderella story is reflected in squiggly, exaggerated watercolor-and-ink pictures. Most of them float on the page as if on the ice, and this works wonderfully, from Cindy’s parents’ frozen basement apartment to the wide rink. The Fairy Goaltender, by the way, works her magic by whacking Cindy across the legs with her magic hockey stick. Goal!” – Kirkus Reviews

The Hockey SweaterThe Hockey Sweater
Written by Roch Carrier
Illustrated by Sheldon Cohen
Translated by Sheila Fischman
Hardcover | 24 Pages | Ages 7-9
ISBN: 978-0-88776-169-0
Paperback: 978-0-88776-174-4
“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

Ice TimeIce Time
The Story of Hockey

Written by Michael McKinley
Hardcover | 80 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-762-3
“From the nostalgic cover photos to the colorful action shots inside, this history of ice hockey is a winner. Tales of early hockey legends…and superb photos, some vintage…add enormous appeal. The author’s enthusiasm for ice hockey is infectious, giving the book widespread appeal especially for fans and former players. It is a highly recommended purchase for school and libraries in areas where hockey is played.” – VOYA

Real Stories from the RinkReal Stories from the Rink
Written by Brian Mcfarlane
Illustrated by Steve Nease
Trade Paperback | 96 Pages
ISBN: 978-0-88776-604-6
“Read this book and you will sweep the hockey category at the next Jeopardy challenge.” – TV Guide

Learn All About HockeyHockey Canada’s Learn All About Hockey
Color and Activity

Written by Al Huberts
Illustrated by Frank Bailey
Trade Paperback | 176 Pages | Ages 4-8
ISBN: 978-1-77049-436-7
“Since Learn All About Hockey Coloring and Activity Book really doesn’t have a plot and there is no real characterization, who would choose to ‘read’ it? The answer – Newbies to the game of hockey, especially those who don’t know/understand how the sport is played, how teams are structured, the equipment players, including goalies, need to wear . . . the hockey rink and its ‘parts’, the game’s rules, and especially hockey’s vocabulary, including the visual ‘language’ or hand signals used by the on-ice officials.” – CM Magazine

Screech Owls Series by Roy MacGregor
Mystery at Lake Placid The Night They Stole the Stanley Cup The Ghost of the Stanley Cup Sudden Death in New York City Peril at the Worlds Biggest Hockey Tournament Face-Off at the Alamo Panic in Pittsburgh The Mystery of the Russian Ransom The Boston Breakout

Puckster Series by Lorna Schultz Nicholson
Puckster's First Hockey Sweater Puckster's First Hockey Game Pucksters First Hockey Tournament Pucksters New Hockey Teammate Pucksters First Hockey Tryout Puckster Goes to the Olympics

My First NHL Book by Christopher Jordan
Hockey 123 Hockey ABC Hockey Animals Hockey Colours Hockey Opposites Hockey Shapes

NHLPA
We Are the Goalies We Are the Goal Scorers

2013 Telling Tales: A Festival of Stories

Telling Tales

This year, the 5th annual Telling Tales: A Family Festival of Stories is being held on Sunday, September 15, 2013 at the Westfield Heritage Village. Gates open at 9:30am and the festival ends around 4:00pm. Parents, grandparents, educators, aspiring writers and illustrators, established writers and illustrators, storytellers, musicians, literacy champions, history buffs, and lovers of stories will enjoy Telling Tales!

Cary Fagan at Telling Tales
Cary Fagan reading Mr. Zinger’s Hat at Telling Tales in 2012.

Location:
Westfield Heritage Village
Rockton, ON L0R 1X0

Located about 30 minutes from Hamilton, Kitchener, Cambridge, Waterloo, Brantford, Burlington, Oakville, and Milton. Guests can park at the Rockton Fairgrounds and take the 5 minute complimentary shuttle service (thanks to Hillfield-Strathallan Colleges) to Westfiled Heritage Village. All free of charge! There is NO General parking at Westfield.

Marthe Jocelyn sharing Ones and Twos at Telling Tales in 2012.
Marthe Jocelyn sharing Ones and Twos at Telling Tales in 2012.

Don’t forget to meet our authors at the festival this year:

My Name Is BlessingERIC WALTERS
Jerseyville Railway Station from 10:30 am – 11:00 am
Bryan Prince Bookseller tent at 11:15 am and 2:15 pm
Lockhart Meadow from 1:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Clever KatarinaKEN SETTERINGTON
Mountsberg Church from 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm
Bryan Prince Bookseller tent at 12:45 pm and 2:15 pm
Native Village from 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

SplintersKEVIN SYLVESTER
Jerseyville Railway Station from 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm
Bryan Prince Bookseller tent at 1:15 pm and 3:45 pm
Bandstand from 3:00 pm – 3:30 pm

For more information about the festival, visit the Telling Tales website or download the schedule and program. There’s even a festival app!