Tuesdays with Tundra 22

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

The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen
Written by Susin Nielsen
Hardcover | Ages 11-14 | 256 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-372-8
eBook: 978-1-77049-373-5
“…With a quirky cast of characters and a thought-provoking storyline, Susin Nielsen’s latest novel is a gem you don’t want to miss. If you have ever been bullied in your life, The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen will especially strike a chord within your heart. I was completely touched and moved to tears at times, yet smiling like crazy at other moments, a feat I’m not sure how Susin Nielsen manages, but she truly does! I laughed. I cried. Susin Nielsen’s The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen is an absolute must-read for everyone.” – Midnight Bloom Reads

Oscar Peterson
The Man and His Jazz

Written by Jack Batten
Hardcover | Ages 10+ | 192 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-269-1
eBook: 978-1-77049-362-9
Called the “Maharaja of the keyboard” by Duke Ellington, Oscar Peterson released over 200 recordings, won seven Grammy Awards, received the Order of Canada and is considered to have been one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. This new biography from award-winning author Jack Batten, promises to tell Oscar Peterson’s story in a complete, compelling and sympathetic way.

Watching Jimmy
Written by Nancy Hartry
Trade Paperback | Ages 9+ | 160 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-360-5
“A short, but powerful coming-of-age novel… Hartry has created memorable characters, carefully weaving family relationships tinged by fear and guilt… This is a moving – and fast-moving – story, alive with the fears and uncertainties of life in Canada soon after the Second World War…. A thoughtful read.” – Jury Comments, Finalist for the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People

Winter Shadows
Written by Margaret Buffie
Trade Paperback | Age: 11+ | 336 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-358-2
“…the well-drawn characters will eventually capture readers’ attention. The details of daily life and racial politics in 1856 Manitoba, Canada, add weight to the story and the chaste romance between Beatrice and her two suitors will further draw in fans of historical fiction.” – School Library Journal

These books are available on September 25, but we’re going to include them on this roundup!

It’s Our Nature
Written by Rebeca Orozco
Illustrated by Menena Cottin
Hardcover | Ages 5-8 | 24 pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-283-7
An elegant look at similarities between animals and humans. Believe it or not, animals have a strong resemblance to humans. Rebeca Orozco’s informative text and Menena Cottin’s brilliant images show us how animals can live together in harmony.

When I Get Older
The Story behind “Wavin’ Flag”
Written by K’naan
Illustrated by Rudy Gutierrez
Hardcover | Ages 7-10 | 32 Pages
ISBN: 978-1-77049-302-5
eBook: 978-1-77049-303-2
In his first book for children, When I Get Older, Somali-Canadian poet, rapper, singer, and songwriter K’naan tells his own story. “Wavin’ Flag” has become an international anthem. Its powerful words of hope have crossed generations and borders, and have made K’naan an international star.

Pub Date Giveaway: In the comments below, tell us which new September release of Tundra’s you would love 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, September 17, 2012!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Mary-Esther, who will be getting a copy of Susin Nielsen’s The Reluctant Journal of Henry K. Larsen.

The 2011 OLA Forest of Reading® Nominees

Yesterday, the Ontario Library Association revealed the short-listed nominated titles for the 2011 Forest of Reading®. All nominated titles have been posted on the Reading Program page of the OLA website, which you can visit at http://www.accessola.com/reading.

Tundra would like to congratulate Jane Barclay, Renné Benoit, Monica Kulling, Bill Slavin, Ann Love, Jane Drake, and Nancy Hartry!

Blue Spruce Award (JK-Grade 2)

Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion
By Jane Barclay
Illustrated by Renné Benoit
ISBN 978-88776-951-1
Hardcover
24 Pages
“…Barcaly has taken on an important topic in an effective and touching way…. The text is complemented beautifully with Benoit’s artwork rendered in watercolours and gouache. The gentle wash of colours is soft and expressive, with the red poppies making an impression….” – CM Magazine

Silver Birch Award – Express (Grades 2-4)

It’s a Snap! George Eastman’s First Photograph
By Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
ISBN 978-88776-881-1
Hardcover
32 Pages
“…Love the story, the history and the illustrations. We had a great time reading it together and talking about how much cameras have changed. It’s great to look at our past to see how far we’ve come….” – The Book Broads

Silver Birch Award – Nonfiction (Grades 4-6)

Talking Tails: The Incredible Connection Between People and Their Pets
By Ann Love and Jane Drake
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
ISBN 978-88776-884-2
Hardcover
80 Pages
“…Written in what might be described as an infectiously friendly fashion, with an ample array of narrative … and plentifully illustrated with witty watercolours by the irrepressible Bill Slavin, Talking Tails will appeal to those who are contemplating having a pet in their lives, or those who just want affirmation of the rightness of their choice of pet – and perhaps more information about the cat, dog or leopard gecko they dote on.” – The Globe and Mail

Golden Oak Award (Adult Learners)

Watching Jimmy
By Nancy Hartry
ISBN 978-88776-871-2
Hardcover
160 Pages
“…Nancy Hartry’s observant, smart, and iconoclastic narrator floats the story over the surface of a despair which often threatens to engulf the characters, but somehow never does….” – Canadian Literature

The Festival of Trees™ will be taking place on May 11-12, 2011 at the Harbourfront Centre. We’ll be there to cheer on our authors and illustrators!

CBC TD Kids Bookclub Contest

CBC Radio is partnered with the TD Bank Financial Group and the Canadian Children’s Book Centre to run a contest for middle school students across Canada – Greater Vancouver, the Edmonton area, the Calgary area, Manitoba, Toronto, the Montreal area, and Mainland Nova Scotia.

It’s an opportunity for young readers to win a visit from one of the five nominated authors for a book club discussion, plus copies of the book. CBC Radio will even record the event for broadcast, so readers will be heard on the radio!

We have two TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award nominees this year who are participating in the contest:

A Thousand Years of Pirates
Written and illustrated by William Gilkerson
Hardcover | 96 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-924-5
For ages 10 – 14
“A beautifully illustrated treasure trove of information… Chronicles the history of piracy from the time of the Vikings to the present day… This clear and compelling cross-over (history) for all ages includes not only biographical and dramatic narratives, but also the rarely-told sordid and sad details of piracy.” – Jury Comments

Watching Jimmy
Written by Nancy Hartry
Hardcover | 160 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-871-2
For ages 12 and up
Watching Jimmy is a masterful exploration of the impact a young girl’s voice can have when she is supported by adult allies… A suspenseful novel of loyalty, determination and compassion… Hartry creates a memorable portrayal of the secret subculture of childhood… A profound and powerful story.” – Jury Comments

The other nominees are Janet McNaughton (Dragon Seer), Sharon Jennings (Home Free), and Arthur Slade (The Hunchback Assignments)! All great authors and books!

To Enter:
Individual classes must submit an original short story, poem or song convincing CBC Radio to bring the TD Kids Book Club to their school. Entrants must tell CBC why their class is so special when it comes to books and reading. Please visit www.cbc.ca/kidsbookclub for more information related to your location.

Contest Entry Deadline:
Friday, October 15, 2010. Please help spread the word, the entry deadline is approaching fast!

Finalists for the 2010 Canadian Children’s Book Centre Awards

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) and TD Bank Financial Group announced the 2010 finalists for the Canadian Children’s Book Awards today. We would like to congratulate our authors and illustrators!

TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award Finalists:

A Thousand Years of Pirates
Written and illustrated by William Gilkerson
Hardcover | 96 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-924-5
For ages 10 – 14
“A beautifully illustrated treasure trove of information… Chronicles the history of piracy from the time of the Vikings to the present day… This clear and compelling cross-over (history) for all ages includes not only biographical and dramatic narratives, but also the rarely-told sordid and sad details of piracy.” – Jury Comments

Watching Jimmy
Written by Nancy Hartry
Hardcover | 160 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-871-2
For ages 12 and up
Watching Jimmy is a masterful exploration of the impact a young girl’s voice can have when she is supported by adult allies… A suspenseful novel of loyalty, determination and compassion… Hartry creates a memorable portrayal of the secret subculture of childhood… A profound and powerful story.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to the other finalists: Janet McNaughton (Dragon Seer), Sharon Jennings (Home Free), and Arthur Slade (The Hunchback Assignments)! All great books!

Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award Finalists:

Our Corner Grocery Store
Written by Joanne Schwartz, illustrated by Laura Beingessner
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-868-2
For ages 4 – 8
“In this endearing book, the grocery store is the cornerstone of the neighbourhood, a place where people come together in the daily act of living… A vivid slice of life packed with sensory delights, neighbourly warmth, and children’s pleasures… Beingessner’s detailed illustrations overflow with charm, brilliantly capturing the sights, sounds and gentle emotions of this busy and completely satisfying day.” – Jury Comments

Timmerman Was Here
Written by Colleen Sydor, illustrated by Nicolas Debon
Hardcover | 32 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-890-3
For ages 4 – 8
Timmerman Was Here tells a suspenseful story using a compelling narrative voice… The heroine’s simple, eloquent first-person narrative grabs the reader from the opening lines, while the artist’s exquisite, softly lit images flow effortlessly across the pages with affecting beauty… A truly memorable book.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations also go out to Janet Perlman (The Delicious Bug), Geneviève Côté (Me and You), and Frieda Wishinsky and Kady MacDonald Denton (You’re Mean, Lily Jean)!

Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction Finalists:

A Thousand Years of Pirates
Written and illustrated by William Gilkerson
Hardcover | 96 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-924-5
For ages 10 – 14
“The combination of strong storytelling and beautiful artwork and design make this an appealing book for children of all ages… Unparalleled in the presentation of pirate history… Gilkerson successfully weaves together fascinating tales to bring life and context to these adventurers of the high seas.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to the other finalists: Priscilla Galloway and Dawn Hunter (Adventures on the Ancient Silk Road), Charis Cotter (Born to Write: The Remarkable Lives of Six Famous Authors), Scot Ritchie (Follow That Map! A First Book of Mapping Skills), and Kathy Kacer and Sharon E. McKay (Whispers from the Ghettos).

Geoffrey Bilson for Historical Fiction for Young People Finalists:

Vanishing Girl: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His 3rd Case
Written by Shane Peacock
Hardcover | 320 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-852-1
For ages 9 and up
“The sinister side of Victorian London comes to life on the pages of Vanishing Girl… Both its aristocratic society and dark underbelly are perfectly described… Beautifully written and fast-paced… Peacock delves into the young mind of one of the best-known characters in literature… The story is well-plotted, with plenty of action, adventure and plot twists.” – Jury Comments

Watching Jimmy
Written by Nancy Hartry
Hardcover | 160 Pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-871-2
For ages 12 and up
“A short, but powerful coming-of-age novel… Hartry has created memorable characters, carefully weaving family relationships tinged by fear and guilt… This is a moving – and fast-moving – story, alive with the fears and uncertainties of life in Canada soon after the Second World War… A thoughtful read.” – Jury Comments

Congratulations to the other finalists: Laura Best (Bitter, Sweet), John Wilson (Crusade), and Barbara Haworth-Attard (Haunted).

The winning books will be announced on November 9, 2010 at the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Awards gala event. We are looking forward to it!

Congratulations to Nancy Hartry

The Canadian Library Association has selected the 2010 winning title for the Book of the Year for Children Award.  This year’s winner is Watching Jimmy by Nancy Hartry!

Tundra gave a quick congratulatory toast to Nancy when she popped into the office today. Here she is with Editorial Director, Kathryn Cole:

“Though frugal with her words,” commended Helen Kubiw, Chair of the Book of the Year for Children Award Committee, “Nancy Hartry packs much intensity into them, superbly depicting the hardships of her characters’ lives without demanding sympathy from her readers.”

The CLA Children’s Book of the Year Award will be presented to Nancy Hartry on June 3, 2010 during the CLA National Conference and Tradeshow in Edmonton.

Two Honour Books for the CLA’s Book of the Year for Children Award were also selected. Congratulations to Shane Peacock for Vanishing Girl and R. J. Anderson for Faery Rebels: Spell Hunter!