The 2014 Red Maple Fiction Award Winner

The Toronto Festival of Trees took place on May 14-15, 2014 at the Harbourfront Centre. We were there to cheer on our nominated authors and illustrators! The Ontario Library Association revealed the winning titles and honour books for the 2014 Forest of Reading program and Tundra would like to congratulate our winning author, Susin Nielsen!

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K LarsenThe Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen
Written by Susin Nielsen
256 pages
Hardcover: 978-1-77049-372-8
Trade Paperback: 978-1-77049-654-5
eBook: 978-1-77049-373-5
“With fully developed adult and child characters and a solid sense of middle school humor, the author has crafted an insightful and nuanced novel about bullying and suicide, and familial love and resilience.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

Here’s a short clip of Susin accepting her Red Maple award on stage:

Video courtesy of Sigmund Brouwer.

PS: Word Nerd by Susin Nielsen was the winner of the 2010 Red Maple Award!

The 2013 Snow Willow Award Winner

The Saskatchewan Young Readers’ Choice’s Willow Awards promote reading by granting a Willow Award to the Canadian books voted by students to be the best of those nominated in three categories: Shining Willow, Diamond Willow, and Snow Willow. The 2013 Willow Awards winners were announced at the SaskEnergy Willow Awards Gala on May 7, 2014 in Swift Current at The Lyric Theatre.

And the winning authors and illustrators are…
Martin Springett, Isobel Springett, Jonathan Auxier, and Susin Nielsen! Congratulations to all!

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K LarsenThe Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen
Written by Susin Nielsen
Hardcover | 256 pages
HC ISBN: 978-1-77049-372-8
TR ISBN: 978-1-77049-654-5
eBook: 978-1-77049-373-5
“…With fully developed adult and child characters and a solid sense of middle school humor, the author has crafted an insightful and nuanced novel about bullying and suicide, and familial love and resilience.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

PS: Word Nerd by Susin Nielsen was the winner of the 2010 Snow Willow Award and Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom was the winner of the 2011 Snow Willow Award!

Tuesdays with Tundra 38

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

Nine Words MaxNine Words Max
Written by Dan Bar-el
Illustrated by David Huyck
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 5-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-562-3
“Bar-el uses his skills as a storyteller, educator and children’s author to spin an entertaining, quirky tale that celebrates the use of language. The clever and humorous story extols the use of words at a time when today’s media emphasizes brevity and seems to rely on shortened messaging in texts, emails and abbreviated tweets. The rich vocabulary and lively text are well-served by the high energy illustrations. . . . The cartoon-like illustrations are colorful, action-packed and crammed full of riotous detail.” – Highly Recommended, CM Magazine

Becoming HolmesBecoming Holmes
The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Final Case

Written by Shane Peacock
Trade Paperback | 264 Pages | Ages 10+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-768-9
“Peacock concludes his stellar saga with a final mystery, shaping the young boy into the man he will become. . . . This is a solid period mystery. Peacock once again uses London as a character, this time as a city deep in mourning for Charles Dickens. Holmes’s actions, decisions, and interactions all demonstrate the roots of the legendary detective he will become. Such characters as Irene Doyle, Malefactor (who will become Moriarty), Lestrade, and even a whiff of Watson all contribute to a feeling of authenticity . . . this is a strong story. The ending is exciting and unexpected. This is an excellent conclusion to a wonderful series.” – VOYA Magazine

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K LarsenThe Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen
Written by Susin Nielsen
Trade Paperback | 256 Pages | Ages 10+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-654-5
“. . . maybe it’s best that, while the story is infused with the quirkiness of Henry and the other teens, the emphasis should be on the overwhelming anguish experienced by those left behind after unnatural death. Nothing could or should remedy that agony except time, acceptance, and maybe forgiveness of oneself and others. Susin Nielsen shares the complicated nature of grief and grieving while helping the reader see the far-reaching and unpredictable consequences of bullying.” – CanLit for LittleCanadians

Pub Date Giveaway: In the comments below, please tell us which new April 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, April 28, 2014!

UPDATE: Congratulations to James, winner of Becoming Holmes by Shane Peacock.

The 2014 OLA Forest of Reading® Nominees


Today, the Ontario Library Association revealed the nominated titles for the 2014 Forest of Reading® program. Tundra would like to congratulate the nominated authors and illustrators!

Blue Spruceâ„¢ Nominee:
Mr Zingers HatMr. Zinger’s Hat
Written by Cary Fagan
Illustrated by Dušan Petričić
Hardcover | 32 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-253-0
“Every child needs a Mr. Zinger – and his hat! – in his or her life…. Petričić’s illustrations change from loose, soft watercolors to sharply defined cartoon drawings when the two enter the realm of their shared fiction…. This book oh-so-softly brings across a sweet multigenerational message about sharing the power of imagination.” – Booklist

Silver Birch® Express Nominees:
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

Red Mapleâ„¢ Fiction Nominees
The Reluctant Journal of Henry K LarsenThe Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen
Written by Susin Nielsen
Hardcover | 256 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-372-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-373-5
“…With fully developed adult and child characters and a solid sense of middle school humor, the author has crafted an insightful and nuanced novel about bullying and suicide, and familial love and resilience.” – Starred Review, School Library Journal

The Toronto Festival of Treesâ„¢ will be taking place on May 14-15, 2014 at the Harbourfront Centre. We will be there to cheer on our authors and illustrators!

Tundra Book Group