The Canadian Toy Testing Council’s Great Books

Canadian Toy Testing CouncilThe Canadian Toy Testing Council (CTTC), the leading authority on toys in Canada, has used its evaluation process to select Great Books for Children by Canadian creators and publishers. The books range from picture books to novels to non-fiction or science-based fact books. The diversity of titles shows that there are books available to appeal to every child!

CANADIAN TOY TESTING COUNCIL
TOY REPORT 2014 AWARD-WINNING BOOKS
GREAT BOOKS

The Pocket MommyThe Pocket Mommy
Written by Rachel Eugster
Illustrated by Tom Goldsmith
ISBN 978-1-77049-300-1
Ages 3+
“When a pocket-sized mommy joins him in kindergarten, Sammy actually discovers his independence. Children can relate to the story about missing mommy and appreciate the detailed, humorous illustrations. Parents find this a helpful story for children starting school or a new activity.”

JoJo the GiantJoJo the Giant
Written by Jane Barclay
Illustrated by Esperanca Melo
ISBN: 978-0-88776-976-4
Ages 4+
“This uplifting story about determination and compassion can inspire children to have faith in themselves and look beyond their shortcomings. Children enjoy the expressive, colourful illustrations, the text’s appealing language, and the surprise twist at the end.”

In the BagIn the Bag! Margaret Knight Wraps It Up
Written by Monica Kulling
Illustrated by David Parkins
ISBN 978-1-77049-239-4
Ages 5-7
“This story about the inventor Margaret Knight is a tale of perseverance and ingenuity. Children, especially young girls, are inspired by a young woman who did things others women could not do, who understood things others said women could not know. Readers also appreciated the detailed illustrations and accessible story, while parents liked the book’s educational quality.”

Hey CanadaHey Canada!
Written by Vivien Bowers
Illustrated by Milan Pavlovic
ISBN 978-1-77049-255-4
Ages 7-10
“Explore Canada from coast to coast to coast with this colorfully illustrated book that mixes photographs, comic strips, narrative and social media. Readers liked the humorous approach to information about Canada’s diverse geography, history, nature, etc. A great resource to understand this country better in an entertaining and accessible way.”

For the full list of Great Books, please click here!

CANADIAN TOY TESTING COUNCIL
TOY REPORT 2014 AWARD-WINNING BOOKS
RECOMMENDED READS

  • My Achy Body by Liza Fromer and Francine Gerstein, illustrated by Joe Weissmann
  • My Messy Body by Liza Fromer and Francine Gerstein, illustrated by Joe Weissmann
  • My Noisy Body by Liza Fromer and Francine Gerstein, illustrated by Joe Weissmann
  • My Stretchy Body by Liza Fromer and Francine Gerstein, illustrated by Joe Weissmann
  • Checkers and Dot at the Beach by J. Torres, illustrated by J. Lum
  • Checkers and Dot on the Farm by J. Torres, illustrated by J. Lum
  • Creatures Great and Small by Karen Patkau
  • Creatures Yesterday and Today by Karen Patkau
  • Ella May and the Wishing Stone by Cary Fagan, illustrated by Geneviève Côté
  • Here Comes Hortense! by Heather Hartt-Sussman, illustrated by Georgia Graham
  • Hockey 123 by Christopher Jordan
  • Hockey ABC by Christopher Jordan
  • Hockey Colours by Christopher Jordan
  • Hockey Opposites by Christopher Jordan
  • It’s Not About the Ball! by Veronika Martenova Charles, illustrated by David Parkins
  • It’s Not About the Beanstalk! by Veronika Martenova Charles, illustrated by David Parkins
  • It’s Not About the Straw! by Veronika Martenova Charles, illustrated by David Parkins
  • Man Overboard! by Curtis Parkinson
  • Nana’s Summer Surprise by Heather Hartt-Sussman, illustrated by Georgia Graham
  • Nini by François Thisdale
  • Noni Is Nervous by Heather Hartt-Sussman, illustrated by Geneviève Côté
  • Puckster’s First Hockey Game by Lorna Schultz Nicholson, illustrated by Kelly Findley
  • Puckster’s First Hockey Sweater by Lorna Schultz Nicholson, illustrated by Kelly Findley
  • Spot the Difference by Tak Bui
  • The French Fry King by Rogé
  • Where Do You Look? by Marthe Jocelyn and Nell Jocelyn
  • Who Needs an Iceberg? by Karen Patkau
  • Who Needs an Jungle? by Karen Patkau
  • Winterberries and Apple Blossoms by Nan Forler, illustrated by Peter Etril Snyder

For the complete list of Recommended Reads, please click here.

The BC Book Prizes Finalists

The West Coast Book Prize Society has announced the finalists for the 2013 BC Book Prizes. The BC Book Prizes, established in 1985, celebrate the achievements of British Columbia writers. Congratulations to our authors and illustrators:

Finalist, Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize
The Reluctant Journal of Henry K LarsenThe Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen
Written by Susin Nielsen
Hardcover | 256 Pages
Ages 10 and up
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, School Library Journal

Finalist, Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize
Hey CanadaHey Canada!
Written by Vivien Bowers
Illustrated by Milan Pavlovic
Hardcover | 72 Pages
Ages 7-10 years
ISBN: 978-1-77049-255-4
“This is probably the best Canadian travel book written for pre-teens…. Filled with facts, simply related history, engaging tales and colour illustrations presented as souvenirs, postcards and slides, Wow Canada! is guaranteed to stimulate a youngster’s urge to explore the country.” – The Globe and Mail

The 28th Annual BC Book Prizes awards gala will be held on Saturday, May 4 at Government House in Victoria. Gala tickets include a sit down dinner and an open bar and will be available for purchase online on the BC Book Prize website beginning March 19th. For more information, please visit www.bcbookprizes.ca.

Hey Canada! Blog Tour: Day 5


The final day of the Hey Canada! blog tour. The last stops for today are:

Links will be updated to the direct post as they go live. Don’t forget, you can also follow @TundraBooks, the character Cal, and the participating bloggers on twitter! We will be using the hash tag, #HeyCanada.

Today is the last day of our giveaway! If you retweet one of Cal’s factoids, you’ll be entered to win a copy of Hey Canada! We will be randomly choosing a winner at the end of each day.

Thank you for following our tour!

Hey Canada! Blog Tour: Day 4


Day four of the Hey Canada! blog tour. The stops for today are:

Links will be updated to the direct post as they go live. Don’t forget, you can also follow @TundraBooks, the character Cal, and the participating bloggers on twitter! We will be using the hash tag, #HeyCanada.

Don’t forget, we are also giving away a book a day! If you retweet one of Cal’s factoids, you’ll be entered to win a copy of Hey Canada! We will be randomly choosing a winner at the end of each day.

Tundra Book Group