Tag: Yes You Can!

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BlogFest 2011

Welcome and thank you for joining us for BlogFest 2011!  We had so much fun last year that we decided to do it again. For those of you who are participating for the first time, here’s some background info from our host and organizer, A Journey of Books:

What is BlogFest?
BlogFest is a blog run of sorts. A list of participating blogs will be provided on July 15, each offering a fantastic giveaway for readers to enter. Each blog will link to another, pulling readers through the fantastic party we’ll have set up for them!

How do I enter to win?
Each blog has their own giveaway and their own rules. The giveaways will start at midnight EST on the morning of July 15th and run through 11:59pm on the night of the 17th. That’s a whole 72 hours where you get to visit as many blogs as you want and enter their amazing giveaways.

This year, you could win the following prize pack (5 books) from Tundra Books:

Stones for My Father
By Trilby Kent
Ages 11+ | 176 Pages
HC ISBN 9781770492523
“The more prominent review media seem to have completely missed this gem from a Canadian-Brit. In quickly evocative prose, Kent creates an immediate and scintillating story of young Corlie Roux, a Boer girl in South Africa during the Anglo-Boer War at the turn of the last century…. Kent has a keen craft and understands her audience, and the U.S. children’s literature world would do well to start paying her more attention.” – BayViews, The Association of Children’s Librarians of Northern California

The Case of the Missing Deed
By Ellen Schwartz
Ages 8-11 | 200 Pages
HC ISBN 9780887769597
“…The Case of the Missing Deed is fast-paced, and full of cryptic clues, secret codes, and red herrings…. Schwartz beautifully captures the agony, ecstasy, and exquisite self-centredness of a 13-year-old girl on a family vacation…. The Case of the Missing Deed is a great summer read for kids who love a good, meaty mystery as much as they love a delicious homemade dessert.” – Quill & Quire

First Descent
By Pam Withers
Ages 12+ | 272 Pages
HC ISBN 9781770492578
“…Myriam is one of the best heroines I’ve found in a YA novel! She has so many layers and depth and she’s strong without being impossible…. Myriam and her family weren’t tropes or stereotypes; they were fully fleshed-out characters who were just living their lives as best they could. The changes Rex went through were really organic – because he spent time with Myriam’s people but also because he finally got away from his grandfather’s poisonous influence…. Willingness to both listen and to alter your worldview when needed are two important things I think a lot of kids need to learn about, and First Descent tells them that in such a way that it never felt like preaching. Which is great, don’t you think?” – Birdbrain(ed) Book Blog

“Scribbling Women” True Tales from Astonishing Women
By Marthe Jocelyn
Ages 14+ | 208 Pages
HC ISBN 9780887769528
“…a wonderful example of a book that will break down any negative stereotypes about biographies. [Jocelyn]… creates lively, sometimes humorous pieces that blend straight biographic detail and anecdotal accounts about some lesser known women writers in history…. Not only does Jocelyn share extraordinary stories about these women, but her piece also celebrates writers of all kinds, inspiring young adults, particularly girls, to value their own voices and experiences by writing through whatever means they choose….” – ForeWord Reviews

Yes You Can! Your Guide to Becoming an Activist
By Jane Drake and Ann Love
Ages 11+ | 144 Pages
TR ISBN 9780887769429
“…The style is conversational and the tone offers realistic encouragement to teens looking to solve problems. Teachers will approve of the focus on the importance of developing writing and speaking skills, being mindful of one’s online reputation, and learning how to evaluate project efforts … a useful historical perspective of activism.” – School Library Journal

To enter our BlogFest Giveaway:

  • Please leave a comment sharing your favourite book blog! The blog’s name or URL please! One entry per person.
  • Also let us know if you do the extra entries in your entry comment. It is optional! If you’re already a subscriber, follower, fan, and friend – just let us know. You don’t have to re-do it.
  • The giveaway closes on July 17, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST. Entries after this date and time will not be considered.
  • The winner will be chosen by random draw and notified by e-mail. Please read our rules here.

Optional extra entries:

  • +2: Subscribe to our blog using the widget on the top right-side column.
  • +2: Tweet this: I entered the #BlogFest2011 #giveaway at @TundraBooks http://wp.me/priCH-Wn =)
  • +1: Follow us on twitter.
  • +1: Like our page on facebook.
  • +1: Be our friend on goodreads.

Now hop on over to:
165. Tall Tales from a Small Town
166. Taming the Bookshelf
167. Teens Read and Write
168. The Book Garden
169. The Book Nympho

Giveaway Closed! Congratulations to Aik!

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2010 Book of the Year Award Winners

ForeWord Reviews‘ Book of the Year Award winners were announced on June 25 at ALA in New Orleans. Congratulations to the following Tundra authors and illustrators:

Juvenile Fiction – Gold
Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom
By Susin Nielsen
ISBN 978-0-88776-977-1
eBook 978-0-88776-978-8
240 Pages | Hardcover
“Nielsen (Word Nerd) has created a narrator as sassy and candid as this memorable novel’s title….Nielsen skillfully balances her story’s keen humor…with poignancy. Especially affecting are Violet’s struggles to accept her father’s new family….” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

Juvenile Nonfiction – Gold
Talking Tails: The Incredible Connection Between People and Their Pets
By Ann Love and Jane Drake
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
ISBN 978-0-88776-884-2
80 Pages | Hardcover
“…These factoids, fictional or otherwise, about the intersection of animal and human lives provide the structure upon which sisters Ann Love and Jane Drake build another of their interesting and informative books…. Written in what might be described as an infectiously friendly fashion … and plentifully illustrated with witty watercolours by the irrepressible Bill Slavin, Talking Tails will appeal to those who are contemplating have a pet in their lives….” – The Globe and Mail

Juvenile Nonfiction – Silver
Cyclist BikeList: The Book for Every Rider
By Laura Robinson
Illustrated by Ramón K. Pérez
ISBN 978-0-88776-784-5
64 Pages | Trade Paperback
“… The book is packed with information and fun facts, covers everything from the history of bicycles, to choosing a bike and fueling yourself up for long rides. The illustrations are lively and the writing informative and engaging, communicating a deep knowledge and passion for the sport….” – Momentum Magazine

Young Adult Nonfiction – Bronze
Yes You Can! Your Guide to Becoming an Activist
By Jane Drake and Ann Love
ISBN 978-0-88776-942-9
eBook 978-1-77049-235-6
144 Pages | Trade Paperback
“Young people who want to effect change are guided by a sequence of nine steps and inspirational examples of grassroots activism…. The style is conversational and the tone offers realistic encouragement to teens looking to solve problems. Teachers will approve of the focus on the importance of developing writing and speaking skills, being mindful of one’s online reputation, and learning how to evaluate project efforts. This title will primarily serve as a how-to, although the time lines, an accessible index, and factual information about anti-smoking campaigns, recycling, and children’s rights make it a useful historical perspective of activism.” – School Library Journal

Congratulations to our finalists too! You can also view the entire list of winners to see who won the other gold, silver, and bronze awards.

Check out our photos from ALA on our facebook page!

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2010 Book of the Year Award Finalists

ForeWord Reviews announced the finalists in the 2010 Book of the Year Awards. We would like to congratulate the following authors and illustrators on their nominations!

Children’s Picture Book Category

Humpty Dumpty and Friends: Nursery Rhymes for the Young at Heart
Illustrated by Oleg Lipchenko
ISBN 978-1-77049-205-9
24 Pages | Hardcover
“…inventive, sophisticated artwork…. Lipchenko’s style is a mix of textured retro with fancifully baroque illusions … this one will have illustration mavens intrigued.” – Kirkus Reviews

Which Way?
By Marthe Jocelyn
Art by Tom Slaughter
ISBN 978-0-88776-970-2
24 Pages | Hardcover
“Although aimed at the very young, this new picture book from Marthe Jocelyn and Tom Slaughter is not simplistic. …While the image seems simple enough, there is obviously a highly sophisticated design and colour sense behind its creation….” – Quill & Quire

Juvenile Fiction Category

Alison Dare, Little Miss Adventures
By J. Torres
Illustrated by J. Bones
ISBN 978-0-88776-935-1
96 Pages | Trade Paperback
“Normal just isn’t her thing. The 12-year-old daughter of an archaeologist/adventurer and masked hero the Blue Scarab, Alison has a craving for danger, and it has ways of finding her…. Be it magic genies, angry mummies, or a baron bent on world domination, Alison Dare is ready to take them on! … kids will love reading about her and her wacky adventures.” – Good Comics for Kids, School Library Journal

Dear George Clooney, Please Marry My Mom
By Susin Nielsen
ISBN 978-0-88776-977-1
eBook 978-0-88776-978-8
240 Pages | Hardcover
“Nielsen (Word Nerd) has created a narrator as sassy and candid as this memorable novel’s title…. Nielsen skillfully balances her story’s keen humor … with poignancy. Especially affecting are Violet’s struggles to accept her father’s new family….” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

Mrs. Katpuniks Pool Hall and Matzo Ball Emporium
By Rona Arato
ISBN 978-0-88776-967-2
eBook 978-1-77049-211-0
192 Pages | Trade Paperback
“With fantasy, farce, and also a strong sense of realism…. The kvetching and quarrels, the wry Yiddish idiom, and the search for the father will bring the coming-to-America story to young grade-schoolers, who will also enjoy the little dragon’s defeat of the crooks….” – Booklist

No Moon
By Irene N. Watts
ISBN 978-0-88776-9719
eBook 978-0-88776-972-6
240 Pages | Trade Paperback
“…Watts provides a fascinating account of what the great unsinkable ship was like. The catastrophe is rendered in a heartbreakingly graceful style, and Lou performs heroically in shepherding her two little girls to safety on a lifeboat in this uniquely engaging and satisfying coming-of-age historical adventure tale.” – Starred Review, Booklist

Rude Stories
By Jan Andrews
Illustrated by Francis Blake
ISBN 978-0-88776-921-4
88 Pages | Hardcover
“…they are rude stories of the highest order: wonderfully inventive, delightfully told, and charmingly illustrated…. They are tailor-made for reading aloud, and Andrews does a masterful job of linking disparate yarns…. Part of Andrew’s gift is making young readers feel as though she’s in cahoots with them … these stories will no doubt be the starting point for countless thought-provoking and entertaining discussions. Francis Blake’s lively illustrations just add to the sense of fun.” – Starred Review, Quill & Quire

Juvenile Nonfiction Category

All Aboard! Elijah McCoy’s Steam Engine
By Monica Kulling
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
ISBN 978-0-88776-945-0
32 Pages | Hardcover
“An engaging biography of the African-American inventor…. The narrative includes fictionalized dialogue and clear explanations about how the machinery works and concludes with an inspiring message…. Expressive watercolors, some full page and some full spread, capture the time period, allowing readers to imagine what life was like in this era, and add energy and touches of humor.” – School Library Journal and Black History Month 2011: SLJ‘s Picks

Cyclist BikeList: The Book for Every Rider
By Laura Robinson
Illustrated by Ramón K. Pérez
ISBN 978-0-88776-784-5
64 Pages | Trade Paperback
“… The book is packed with information and fun facts, covers everything from the history of bicycles, to choosing a bike and fueling yourself up for long rides. The illustrations are lively and the writing informative and engaging, communicating a deep knowledge and passion for the sport….” – Momentum Magazine

Hudson
By Janice Weaver
Illustrated by David Craig
ISBN 978-0-88776-814-9
48 Pages | Hardcover
“Failure is not usually at the heart of an exciting adventure story, but this dramatic picture-book biography about Henry Hudson … makes the explorer’s lack of success a gripping read…. Craig’s glowing period portraits, landscapes, and watercolors of the ship in dangerous seas intensify the drama….” – Starred Review, Booklist

Talking Tails: The Incredible Connection Between People and Their Pets
By Ann Love and Jane Drake
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
ISBN 978-0-88776-884-2
80 Pages | Hardcover
“…These factoids, fictional or otherwise, about the intersection of animal and human lives provide the structure upon which sisters Ann Love and Jane Drake build another of their interesting and informative books…. Written in what might be described as an infectiously friendly fashion … and plentifully illustrated with witty watercolours by the irrepressible Bill Slavin, Talking Tails will appeal to those who are contemplating have a pet in their lives….” – The Globe and Mail

Young Adult Nonfiction Category

Yes You Can! Your Guide to Becoming an Activist
By Jane Drake and Ann Love
ISBN 978-0-88776-942-9
eBook 978-1-77049-235-6
144 Pages | Trade Paperback
“Young people who want to effect change are guided by a sequence of nine steps and inspirational examples of grassroots activism…. The style is conversational and the tone offers realistic encouragement to teens looking to solve problems. Teachers will approve of the focus on the importance of developing writing and speaking skills, being mindful of one’s online reputation, and learning how to evaluate project efforts. This title will primarily serve as a how-to, although the time lines, an accessible index, and factual information about anti-smoking campaigns, recycling, and children’s rights make it a useful historical perspective of activism.” – School Library Journal

The winners will be determined by a panel of librarians and booksellers selected from our readership. Gold, Silver, and Bronze winners, as well as Editor’s Choice Prizes for Fiction and Nonfiction will be announced at a special program at the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans this June.

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Tuesdays with Tundra 5

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

Avalanche Dance
By Ellen Schwartz
ISBN 978-0-88776-958-0
US $9.95 / CAN $11.99
Ages 10-12
Gwen lives for dancing. When she has the chance to take an intensive – and expensive – course far from home, she knows her parents will object. She raises the subject when skiing with her father, but the discussion turns into an angry confrontation that is cut short by a sudden dreadful avalanche that almost kills her dad. She is left wracked with guilt and injuries that may end her career as a dancer. Gwen must find a way to make peace with her family, and with her own conscience if she is ever again going to experience the freedom that dancing brought her.

Ghost Trackers: The Unreal World of Ghosts, Ghost-Hunting, and the Paranormal
By Chris Gudegon and CCI
ISBN 978-0-88776-950-4
US $14.95 / CAN $15.99
Ages 9+
“…By the creator of the youth-oriented television reality show Ghost Trackers, this book provides young fans of the fantastic all the information and tools they’ll need for their own ghost-hunting expedition.” – VIA Destinations

Easy-to-Read Wonder Tales
It’s Not About the Apple! ISBN 978-0-88776-955-9
It’s Not About the Crumbs! ISBN 978-0-88776-953-5
It’s Not About the Hunter! ISBN 978-0-88776-948-1
It’s Not About the Pumpkin! ISBN 978-0-88776-949-8
It’s Not About the Rose! ISBN 978-0-88776-9542
By Veronika Martenova Charles
Illustrated by David Parkins
US $5.95 each / CAN $7.99 each
Ages 5-8
Here are five first books for fledgling readers that offer the enjoyment of a good story along with the thrill of accomplishment that comes from independent reading. Written in short, easy phrases with carefully selected vocabulary and plentiful illustrations, each book helps youngsters achieve success as they have fun. The series follows three friends who love to share stories. In each book, one is reminded of a well-known story: Little Red Riding Hood in It’s Not About the Hunter!, Beauty and the Beast in It’s Not About the Rose!, Snow White in It’s Not About the Apple!, Cinderella in It’s Not About the Pumpkin!, and Hansel and Gretel in It’s Not About the Crumbs! As one friend starts, the others are reminded of versions they know so each volume has three stories within one framework. The stories come from around the world, and Veronika Martenova Charles provides a note at the end of each book to describe the origins.

The Nightwood
By Robin Muller
ISBN 978-1-77049-209-7
US $18.95 / CAN $20.99
Ages 6+
“Written in true fairytale style with a passionate and soulful text that could standalone as a short story without the illustrations. But, the illustrations bring this story to a different level. Muller’s paintings are exquisite and finely detailed. Filled with emotion, atmosphere and magic they make this a book to own….” – Back to Books

Rude Stories
By Jan Andrews
Illustrated by Francis Blake
ISBN 978-0-88776-921-4
US $19.95 / CAN $21.99
Ages 6-9
Meet Mr. Mosquito, drawn from a Gypsy story. He’s cantankerous and nasty enough to raise belly laughs along with the eyebrows of the polite. In a story inspired by Australian bush tales, we meet Ella and Bella, two hilarious (and flatulent) sisters. Angelina’s earthy wit is memorialized in a story from Swahili tradition. The eight stories in Rude Stories have roots from Japan to Canada, from Africa to Eastern Europe, but they all share a sense of irreverence, and, because they are the work of a true storyteller, they beg to be read aloud, told aloud and shared.

Vanishing Girl: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His 3rd Case
By Shane Peacock
ISBN 978-1-77049-234-9
US $9.95 / CAN $11.99
Ages 11+
Now in paperback!
“… Fast paced and filled with clues readers can follow, this is a fun read.” – School Library Journal
“… The richly descriptive prose offers a vivid sense of both Victorian life and the diverse characters, especially complex, intriguing, and sympathetic Sherlock” – Booklist

Winter Shadows
By Margaret Buffie
ISBN 978-0-88776-968-9
US $19.95 / CAN $21.99
Ages 11+
“…Buffie’s characters and the conflicts they face are deeply engaging, more than compensating for the well-worn time-travel plot device. Of special interest is the rare portrait of a multiracial community when informal marriages among British and First Nations people were common.” – Kirkus Reviews

Yes You Can! Your Guide to Becoming an Activist
By Jane Drake and Ann Love
ISBN 978-0-88776-942-9
US $12.95 / CAN $14.99
Ages 11+
Every time our society takes steps forward, segregation becomes illegal, child labor is exposed, and companies that poison our air are called to account. Behind those steps are people who identified problems, worked together, and created change. Lifelong environmental activists, Jane Drake and Ann Love present the nine steps to social change and much more. From fascinating accounts about the founding of organizations such as Amnesty International, Pollution Probe, and Greenpeace to the nuts and bolts of how to run an effective meeting or write a petition, to words of inspiration.

Pub Date Giveaway: Which book would you love to get your hands on? Leave us a comment below and one lucky reader will receive a copy of their requested book (the Easy-to-Read Wonder Tales count as one request for all 5 books in the series), courtesy of Tundra! One request per person and please read our rules. This offer ends on Wednesday, October 13th, 2010!

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The Clean Air Commute

This year, the 2010 Clean Air Commute takes place during June 14-18. For that week, try biking, walking, telecommuting, taking public transit, driving a hybrid, carpooling, or even just giving your car a tune-up. Who knows? You might discover a more enjoyable way of commuting.

Yes You Can!
Your Guide to Becoming an Activist
Written by Jane Drake and Ann Love
Trade Paperback
Pub Date: October 2010
Ages 11+  |  176 pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-942-9

  • Did you know? Ann Love, is one of the founding members of Pollution Probe!
  • Did you know? One of Pollution Probe’s first big campaigns was directed at phosphate pollution.

I was in WWF today and noticed they have an interesting campaign add-on to the Clean Air Commute. WWF is encouraging people to pin a car-key on their shirts as a way of pointing out that their choice to cycle or walk is a deliberate alternative to driving. Either you or your parents could do that – choose a sturdy fabric and a strong safety pin to attach the key prominently to the front of your shirt or jacket. So, you do a good thing for the environment and you make the point so that others will think about walking or cycling too… – Ann Love

Cyclist BikeList
The Book for Every Rider
Written by Laura Robinson
Illustrated by Ramón K. Pérez
Trade Paperback
Ages 9+  |  64 pages
ISBN 978-0-88776-784-5

  • Issues concerning cyclists vs. bikers covered in Cyclist BikeList – Mike Marino, The Florida Times-Union/Jacksonville.com
  • Book hits just the right gear – Paul Jankowsky, Owen Sound Sun Times
  • The Bicycle Nut with Laura Robinson discussion Cyclist BikeList – Jerry, The Bicycle Nut

Bring the kids and spend an afternoon with author Laura Robinson and discover the joy of cycling. Laura will be launching Cyclist BikeList with Octopus Books on Sunday, June 6, 2010.

For more information on the Clean Air Commute or to register your workplace, please visit their website: www.cleanaircommute.ca

Tundra Book Group