The 2019 OLA Forest of Reading® Winners and Honour Books

The 2019 Forest of Reading awards were announced last week and we are so thrilled that eight of our titles were honoured at the Festival of Trees. Congratulations to our authors and illustrators!

Blue Spruce Award
#2 Honour Book
The Magician's SecretThe 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

Silver Birch Fiction Award
Winner
Chase - paperbackChase
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

#1 Honour Book
Elephant SecretElephant 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

Red Maple Non-Fiction Award
#2 Honour Book
Innovation NationInnovation 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

Red Maple Fiction Award
#2 Honour Book
Fourth DimensionFourth 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

White Pine Award
Winner
The Agony of Bun O'KeefeThe 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

The Forest of Reading is Canada’s largest recreational reading program. This initiative of the Ontario Library Association (OLA) 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. All Canadians are invited to participate via their local public library, school library, or individually.

The 2019 OLA Forest of Reading® Nominees

2019ForestOfReading
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 SecretThe 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 FitsWhere 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 - paperbackChase
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 SecretElephant 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:

BloomBloom: 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 DimensionFourth 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 GrayThe 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 NationInnovation 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'KeefeThe 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

Graduation Gift Guide

It’s graduation season and you’re probably looking for a cute gift for the grad in your life-whether you’re celebrating a kindergarten class or a university degree. Here are a few picture book options that are perfect for all ages.

Petra
Written by Marianna Coppo
Hardcover | 48 Pages
ISBN: 9780735262676
The humorous adventures of an irresistible little rock who finds herself in constantly changing circumstances, Petra is a picture book that celebrates the power of perspective and believing in yourself.

Great Dog
Written by Davide Cali
Illustrated by Miguel Tanco
Hardcover | 46 Pages
ISBN: 9781101919170
The age-old question of “what will I be when I grow up” gets a hilarious twist in this stylish and clever story.

Miss Moon: Wise Words from a Dog Governess
Written by Janet Hill
Hardcover | 48 Pages
ISBN: 9781101917930
A whimsical, tongue-in-cheek book of wisdom from Miss Wilhelmina Moon, dog governess. Some lessons are practical, some are playful, but all are necessary for the raising of happy, healthy and well-mannered dogs (and humans).

The Magician’s Secret
Written by Zachary Hyman
Illustrated by Joe Bluhm
Hardcover | 40 Pages
ISBN: 9781770498945
This action-adventure picture book featuring a grandfather and grandson duo celebrates the magic and power of imagination. “Whatever you believe, you can achieve!”

Tuesdays with Tundra 51

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

Heartache and Other Natural ShocksHeartache and Other Natural Shocks
Written by Glenda Leznoff
Hardcover | 384 Pages | Ages 14+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-836-5
eBook: 978-1-77049-837-2
“She said, she said, with a dose of Shakespearean intrigue … a refreshing break from contemporary teen fiction.” – Kirkus Reviews

When Santa Was a BabyWhen Santa Was a Baby
Written by Linda Bailey
Illustrated by Geneviève Godbout
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 3-7
ISBN: 978-1-77049-556-2
“Bailey and Godbout give Santa Claus a backstory in this sweetly funny account, warmly illustrated with soft, nostalgic pencil and pastel artwork…a clever take on the Santa myth that develops him as a character with his own thoughts and motivations…Godbout’s cozy artwork gives the book the feel of a classic while also offering some cheeky moments – as when a young Santa stands naked in front of an open fridge, trying to cool down.” – Starred Review, Publishers Weekly

today is the dayToday Is the Day
Written by Eric Walters
Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 6-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-648-4
“A different sort of birthday celebration is at the bighearted center of this picture book…. Text and colorful art with expressive line combine to depict the orphanage as a place of care and safety for the children, who still have ties to family despite significant losses and difficulties…. Endnotes ground the story in its inspiration from a real orphanage in Kenya while also explaining to more privileged Western children how someone might not know his or her birthday. Both deeply important and purely joyful.” – Kirkus Reviews

Hockey HeroHockey Hero
Written by Zachary Hyman
Illustrated by Zachary Pullen
Hardcover | 40 Pages | Ages 6-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-630-9
“…the story has an ingenuous wisdom. And Grandpa is just kooky enough-painting his face red and white for games and throwing octopuses onto the ice…. A fine look into hockey’s heart.” – Kirkus Reviews

What We Hide - paperbackWhat We Hide
Written by Marthe Jocelyn
Trade Paperback | 288 Pages | Ages 14+
ISBN: 978-1-77049-643-9
eBook: 978-1-77049-644-6
“Jocelyn provides authentic British flavor and an evocative representation of the tumultuous ’60s, when teens challenged social conventions. Intrigue builds as many figures, willingly or unwillingly, come face-to-face with what they are hiding and must decide whether to drop their deceptive facades.” – Publishers Weekly

Pub Date Giveaway: In the comments below, please tell us which new October 2015 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, October 19, 2015!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Jane, who won a copy of When Santa Was a Baby.

Tuesdays with Tundra 49

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

InvisiBillInvisiBill
Written by Maureen Fergus
Illustrated by Dušan Petričić
Hardcover | 40 Pages | Ages 5-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-613-2
InvisiBill is a brilliant portrayal of the frustrations that come with feeling young and powerless in everyday scenarios…. Fergus spins the situation into a lighthearted comedy without losing sight (pun maybe intended) of the story’s compassionate side…. InvisiBill is a book equal parts silly and humane.” – National Post

The Good Little BookThe Good Little Book
Written by Kyo Maclear
Illustrated by Marion Arbona
Hardcover | 40 Pages | Ages 5-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-451-0
“Arbona presents a compelling, sequential, aerial view of a sullen child who nonetheless becomes fascinated by reading. Vivid, fantastical artwork augments the ensuing … sentences about book-induced trips to faraway places and varied emotions.” – Kirkus Reviews

Sonyas ChickensSonya’s Chickens
Written by Phoebe Wahl
Hardcover | 32 Pages | Ages 4-8
ISBN: 978-1-77049-789-4
“A father’s thoughtful explanation provides a helpful perspective for a child’s loss…. There’s an old-fashioned feel to this simple story and its timeless illustrations, created with watercolor, collage, and colored pencil and reminiscent of Goodnight Moon in mood, design, and palette…. Both words and illustrations emphasize comfort and the security a family can provide…. A reassuring story about death in the natural world, thoughtfully designed and illustrated.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

The Bambino and Me - PaperbackThe Bambino and Me
Written by Zachary Hyman
Illustrated by Zachary Pullen
Trade Paperback | 48 Pages | Ages 6-9
ISBN: 978-1-77049-628-6
“The tale is entirely fictional, but it manages to capture the essence of that extraordinary time and the larger-than-life persona that was Babe Ruth. Hyman invests George’s voice with boyish enthusiasm and conversational language filled with contemporary syntax. Pullen’s oddly proportioned, compelling illustrations, rendered in oil paint and walnut oil, are in perfect tandem with the nostalgic spirit of the text and wonderfully depict every aspect of the characters’ emotions…. Lively, fun-filled and altogether delightful.” – Starred Review, Kirkus Reviews

Pub Date Giveaway: In the comments below, please tell us which new July/August 2015 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, August 17, 2015!

UPDATE: Congratulations to Sandra, winner of a copy of Sonya’s Chickens.

Tundra Book Group