The Forest of Reading® is Canada’s largest recreational reading program. This initiative of the Ontario Library Association offers seven reading programs to encourage a love of reading in people of all ages. The Forest helps celebrate Canadian books, publishers, authors, and illustrators. More than 270,000 readers participate annually from their school and/or public library! Here at Penguin Random House Canada Young Readers, we’d like to congratulate our nominated authors and illustrators.
2019 Blue Spruce Awardâ„¢ Nominees:
The Magician’s Secret
Written by Zachary Hyman
Illustrated by Joe Bluhm
Hardcover
Published by Tundra Books
“The conversational tone draws the reader through the story. The remarkable art work by Joe Bluhm showcases the relationship between Charlie and his grandpa and transports the reader into each adventure, providing glimpses of how the imagination can make a dream a reality . . . this book is best shared as a read-aloud. Any adult will be equally thrilled by the story, its rich language and the wonderful illustrations.” – CM Magazine
Where Oliver Fits
Written and illustrated by Cale Atkinson
Hardcover
Published by Tundra Books
“Find room on the shelves for this picture book, because feeling like you don’t belong is universal. . . . A solid choice for discussion, and one-on-one or small group sharing.” – School Library Journal
2019 Silver Birch Award® Fiction Nominees:
Chase
Written by Linwood Barclay
Published by Puffin Canada
Paperback
“The action in Chase begins on the first page and doesn’t let up in this new thriller from Linwood Barclay . . . readers will enjoy the twists and turns of the action and will relate to all three main characters.” – CM Magazine
Elephant Secret
Written by Eric Walters
Published by Puffin Canada
Hardcover
“Walters interweaves his beautiful family story with a thorough description of elephant behavior-their intellect, compassion, and loyalty-and factual scientific possibilities of cloning an extinct species…A must-read for anyone with an interest in elephants and their welfare.” – Booklist
2019 Silver Birch Award® Express Nominees:
Bloom: A Story of Fashion Designer Elsa Schiaparelli
Written by Kyo Maclear
Illustrated by Julie Morstad
Hardcover
Published by Tundra Books
“Julie Morstad’s delicate art brings the vibrancy of flowers and 1920s and 1930s frock fashions alive. . . . Bloom takes a contemplative step back from the purely biographical and becomes a gentle ode to self-expression.” – Starred Review, Quill & Quire
2019 Red Maple Awardâ„¢ Fiction Nominees:
Fourth Dimension
Written by Eric Walters
Hardcover
Published by Penguin Teen Canada
“I recommend Fourth Dimension to fans of The Rule of 3 series as well as those readers who enjoy action/adventure, realistic, or post-apocalyptic stories. Emma and her mother are strong female characters who are great role models for teenage girls. . . . Recommended.” – CM Magazine
The Strange and Deadly Portraits of Bryony Gray
Written by E. Latimer
Hardcover
Published by Tundra Books
“An action-packed adventure that is lightly laced with horror, there is a little something for everyone in this middle grade debut. Recommended.” – CM Magazine
2019 Red Maple Awardâ„¢ Non-Fiction Nominees:
Innovation Nation: How Canadian Innovators Made the World Smarter, Smaller, Kinder, Safer, Healthier, Wealthier, Happier
Written by David Johnston and Tom Jenkins
Illustrated by Josh Holinaty
Hardcover
Published by Tundra Books
“[R]eminds us just how ingenious Canadians are, despite our golly-gosh-shucks tendency to downplay our accomplishments… Bright illustrations by Josh Holinaty swirl around each page of text to evoke the brilliance of fun and curiosity.” – Quill & Quire
2019 White Pine Awardâ„¢ Nominees:
The Agony of Bun O’Keefe
Written by Heather T. Smith
Hardcover
Published by Penguin Teen Canada
“Although Bun is 14, she possesses the endearing naiveté and honesty of a child, but her first-person narration isn’t sappy or immature. . . . Bun O’Keefe will settle comfortably at home in readers’ hearts.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews
At Tundra Books we think the dead of winter is the best time to curl up with a bone-chilling read and a cup of something warm (and delicious)! We’re looking for 10 people with Instagram accounts to take part in our #WinterIsAScream campaign, featuring some of our spooky middle grade titles.