Information Book Award Long List...time to narrow it down.

Yep, it's that time of the year again. Here's the long list for the 2010 Information Book Award for Canadian children's non-fiction. Most of the books are available from the Greater Victoria Public Library or at your local library. Selections will be made by June 15th and the winner is chosen in the fall.

Children’s Literature Roundtables of Canada

2010 INFORMATION BOOK AWARD PRELIMINARY LIST

Ages 5-8

Alfalfabet A to Z: The Wonderful Words from Agriculture

Written by Carol Watterson. Illustrated by Michela Sorrentino

BC Agriculture for the Classroom Foundation, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-9812317-0-9

Follow That Map! A First Book of Mapping Skills

Written/Illustrated by Scot Ritchie

Kids Can Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55453-274-2

Fun With Composers – Volume II

Written by Deborah Lyn Ziolkoski. Illustrated by Jim Fee

Fun With Composers, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-9780360-5-8

Getting There

Written by Marla Stewart Konrad

Tundra Books, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-88776-867-5

Have You Ever Seen an Octopus With A Broom?

Written by Etta Kaner. Illustrated by Jeff Szuc

Kids Can Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55453-247-6

I Is for Inuksuk: An Arctic Celebration

Written/Illustrated by Mary Wallace

Maple Tree Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-897349-57-1

It’s a Snap! George Eastman’s First Photograph

Written by Monica Kulling. Illustrated by Bill Slavin

Tundra Books, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-88776-881-1

La Primera: The Story of Wild Mustangs

Written by Ian Tyson. Paintings by Adeline Halvorson

Tundra Books, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-88776-863-7

Oh, Canada!

Written/Illustrated by Per-Henrik Gurth

Kids Can Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55453-374-9

Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion

Written by Jane Barclay. Illustrated by Renne Benoit

Tundra Books, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-88776-951-1

The Rocket

Written by Mike Leonetti. Illustrated by Greg Banning.

North Winds Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-545-98948-0

Who Lives Here? Forest Animals

Written by Deborah Hodge. Illustrated by Pat Stephens

Kids Can Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55453-070-0

AGES 9-15

Adventures on the Ancient Silk Road

Written by Priscilla Galloway with Dawn Hunter

Annick Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55451-198-3

Animal Aha! Thrilling Discoveries in Wildlife Science

Written by Diane Swanson

Annick Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55451-1655

Charlie: A Home Child’s Life in Canada

Written by Beryl Young

Key Porter Books, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55470-200-8

The Children of Africville

Written by Christine Welldon

Nimbus Publishing, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55109-723-7

Children of War: Voices of Iraqi Refugees

Written by Deborah Ellis

Groundwood Books/House of Anansi, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-88899-907-8

The Chinese Thought of It: Amazing Inventions and Innovations

Written by Ting-Xing Ye

Annick Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55451-196-9

Dieppe: Canada’s Darkest Day of World War II

Written by Hugh Brewster

Scholastic, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-545-99420-0

Dinosaurs in Your Backyard

Written by Hugh Brewster. Illustrated by Alan Barnard

Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-8109-7099-1

Hoaxed! Fakes and Mistakes in the World of Science

by the Editors of Yes Magazine

Kids Can Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55453-206-3

How Figure Skating Works

Written by Keltie Thomas. Illustrated by Stephen MacEachern

Owlkids, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-897349-59-5

How to Build Your Own Country

Written by Valerie Wyatt. Illustrated by Fred Rix

Kids Can Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55453-310-7

If America Were a Village: A Book about the People of the United States

Written by David J. Smith. Illustrated by Shelagh Armstrong

Kids Can Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55453-344-2

Kaboom! Explosions of All Kinds

Written by Gillian Richardson

Annick Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55451-203-4

Learn to Speak Music

Written by John Crossingham. Illustrated by Jeff Kulak

Owlkids, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-897349-65-6

Living Stories

Written by Mindy Willett, Therese Zoe and Philip Zoe

Illustrated by: Tessa Macintosh (photographs)

Fifth House (Fitzhenry and Whiteside), 2009

ISBN: 1-897-252-447

Out of This World: The Amazing Search for an Alien Earth

Written by Jacob Berkowitz

Kids Can Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55453-197-4

Pharaohs and Foot Soldiers

Written by Kristin Butcher. Illustrated by Martha Newbigging

Annick Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55451-171-6

Remembering John McCrae

Written by Linda Granfield

Scholastic, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-439-93561-6

Robert Munsch

Written by Frank B. Edwards

Fitzhenry and Whiteside, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55455-138-5

Sargeant Gander: A Canadian Hero

Written by Robyn Walker

Dundurn Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55488-463-6

Spiked Scorpions & Walking Whales: Modern Animals, Ancient Animals & Water

Written by Claire Eamer

Annick Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55451-206-5

A Thousand Years of Pirates

Written by William Gilkerson

Tundra Books, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-88776-924-5

Vanishing Habitats

Written by Robert Bateman with Nancy Kovacs. Illustrated by Robert Bateman.

Scholastic/Madison Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-545-98621-2

The War to End All Wars: The Story of World War I

Written by Jack Batten

Tundra Books, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-88776-879-8

What’s the Big Idea? Inventions that Changed Life on Earth Forever

Written by Helaine Becker

Owlkids, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-897349-60-1

Whispers from the Ghettos

Written by Kathy Kacer and Sharon McKay

Puffin Canada, 2009

ISBN: 978-0-14331-251-2

You Are Weird: Your Body’s Peculiar Parts and Funny Functions

Written by Diane Swanson. Illustrated by Kathy Boake

Kids Can Press, 2009

ISBN: 978-1-55453-282-7

Ontario Reader's Choice Awards Announced

The Ontario Library Association has announced the "2010 Tree Awards." Congratulations to the winners of this wildly popular reader's choice awards.

Blue Spruce Award (Kindergarten–Grade 2):
Jeremy Tankard, Boo Hoo Bird (Scholastic Canada Ltd.)

Silver Birch Express (Grade 3–4):

Cyndi Sand-Eveland, Dear Toni (Tundra Books)

Silver Birch Fiction (Grade 4–6):

Robert Paul Weston, Zorgamazoo (Penguin Group Canada)

Silver Birch Non-fiction (Grade 4–6):
Larry Verstraete, At the Edge: Daring Acts in Desperate Times (Scholastic Canada Ltd.)

Red Maple Award (Grade 7–8):
Susin Nielsen, Word Nerd (Tundra Books)

White Pine Award (Grade 9–12):
Pam Bustin, Mostly Happy (Thistledown Press)

Jacob Lambert is worth a read

I came across this very funny article by humorist JACOB LAMBERT

Are Picture Books Leading Our Children Astray? It's a total hoot with Lambert using five classic picture to explain how picture books are "thinly-veiled endorsements of chaos". I happened on it when perusing Chicken Spagetti, a wonderful blog I enjoy following. Check them both out.

Celebrity Kids' Books

Do you have a beef against bad celebrity kids' books? Have you ever read a good one? If you've answered yes to either of these questions, you'll want to make your voice heard on Betsy Bird's A Fuse # 8 Blog. Even if you don't have your own pet peeves or favs, you'll enjoy reading the postings others have made.

I can hardly wait to find out if the winners jive with my picks.

Earth Day update

Earth Day update: Here's another great title that I missed. Check out Compost Stew by Mary McKenna Siddals.

Hey it's Earth Day, so do something for our planet with the help of books...eat locally, walk or take the bus instead of driving...bring cloth bags to the grocery store...carry a reusable water bottle...anything to help our planet...and pass the word along.

BC BOOK PRIZES

Last night was the BC Book Prize gala. It was awesome, and the food was sooo good, but the best thing of all was being in a huge room full of people where everyone there loves books as much as you do.

I was honored to be asked to announce one of the awards. Several people asked me to post my comments. Here they are.

I'm honored to have been asked to present the Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize, supported by Kate Walker & Co. and awarded to author & Illustrator of picture books, picture book stories, illustrated non-fiction books. This is a relatively recent prize, and is particularly important because it divides the awards into two categories whereas previously there was only one; meaning books for babies were weighed against books for teens. Harris, considered the matriarch of Canadian Children's Literature in English, knew how important stories were for children. In her 94 years she wrote 20 books for young people & I am fortunate to have been able to call her a friend. She often began her stories with "I bide the time..."

One of the best ways to support books for children is to buy a book for a child. If you don't have children in your life, you can always donate a book to a school in your community.

Here are the nominees in the category Of illustrated books for children.

Bubble Homes and Fish Farts by Fiona Bayrock, illustrated by Carolyn Conahan, published by Charlesbridge is a creative, innovative and entertaining take on thematic science for young children supported by illustrations that illuminate and compliment the text. Read it for a whole new take on gas.

Ella’s Umbrellas 
by Jennifer Lloyd, illustrated by Ashley Spires and published by Simply Read Books is delightful and the perfect picture book to cheer up young readers on a drizzly day with a rhythmic text, bright illustrations and a message that speaks of good turns rewarded.

Maggie Can’t Wait by Frieda Wishinsky, illustrated by our own Dean Griffiths from here on The Island and published by Fitzhenry & Whiteside is a child centric story built around the conflicting emotions children sometimes experience when a new sibling arrives. The illustrations admirably capture the emotional range of the characters in a way that make them jump off the page.

On My Walk 
by Kari-Lynn Winters, illustrated by Christina Leist
 and published by Tradewind Books is a celebration of sounds heard by a boy, his mom and his dog on a walk. It’s told with onomatopoeic flare with the story complimented and extended by the illustrations.

Vanishing Habitats by Robert Bateman with Nancy Kovacs, illustrated by Robert Bateman and published by Scholastic Canada / Madison Press is a hopeful, engaging environmental science book for the young that does not sugarcoat the extent or significance of habitat loss. It is visually stunning, making it all the more powerful in it's message.

...and the winner is Maggie Can't Wait by Frieda Wishinski and Dean Griffins. Frieda was unable to attend but Dean is here to accept.

I only wish I could share Dean's acceptance speech here with you. It was very very moving.

Eric Walters and Impossible 2 Possible

So this morning I was going through my email and heard from friend and fellow author Eric Walters. Now Eric always has something crazy on the go; sometimes it involves tigers at book launches, or a press release in New York with NBA players, or building schools in Africa, so I opened up his message with interest. "I wonder what Eric's up to these days," I asked myself. But even from a guy whose been full of surprises over the years, Eric's news was a bit of a shocker. It seems he's hooked up with high performance athlete Ray Zahab and the Impossible 2 Possible Team. The plan is to run 250 kilometers across sand dunes and hard pack of the Sahara Desert in Tunisia to raise funds for Ryan's Well Foundation. Now I have to tell you that Eric is no elite athlete; I'm not saying he's in terrible shape. It's just that he's an average guy my age who lives in the suburbs, has kids, and plays a little recreational sports when he has time...But there is something just a little bit different about Eric and you only need to have a short conversation with him to know what that is...the guy is crazy committed to making the world a better place for kids. An even more obvious thing about Eric is that his commitment is infectious. So, this brings me to back to his latest venture. All I can say is I'm glad it's you Eric and not me pitting yourself against an unforgiving environment while trying to keep up with much younger elite athletes. I'll be watching the video feeds and following the blogs that will be broadcast to schools across North America though Eric. And I know a whole lot of other people will be too. The well of funds that this crazy venture brings in is gonna cost you in aches and pains that you've never imagined buddy. But then I'm guessing you know that. I'm also guessing that wild horses wouldn't be able to stop you from doing it. Way to go Eric and good luck.

You or your school can help Eric out by raising funds and donating online at the above website.

Top 100 Children's Novels

I think I may have mentioned before that I love Betsy Bird; children's librarian, critic, and blogger queen. If you haven't had a peek at her site before, you'll want to check out her "Top 100 Children's Novels" poll. And guess which book tops the list? Nope, I won't give it way. You'll have to visit A Fuse #8 to find out. Thanks again Betsy. You rock.

A Shine of Rainbows

Thought I'd pass along this bit of news from my film-maker friend Dennis Foon. His new family movie, Shine of Rainbows will be opening this weekend in Vancouver, Langley and Victoria. It's based on the Lillian Beckwith novel of the same name. Go see it if you get the chance.

Cinemark Tinseltown in Vancouver

Cineplex Colossus in Langley

Empire University

Here's the trailer.

Future of Kids Books

Here's a link to a Washington Post article in which the author of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, series, Jeff Kinney says "I think a book still has a special kind of magic." I couldn't agree More Jeff.

It take heart that someone who has been so successful the blogosphere (Diary of a Wimpy Kid began as blog posts that now receive 70,000 hits a day) remains enamored with the written page. Interestingly, the series didn't appear as a book until after it's blog success and of course it has just been released as a movie.

When it comes to trying to predict the future of children's books, it seems to me, that if you give kids something they can relate to, they'll eat it up with a spoon, no matter what the format. Just keep that in mind all you kid's writers, illustrators and publishers out there.

Tips on getting boys to read

My friend Helaine Becker has posted a must read list of how to get boys to read on her blog. Check it out. Comic books and graphic stories will make great additions to her list of books about underwear, explosions and hockey. If in doubt, I'm sure your local kid's librarian will be more than happy help you gather boy-friendly books. While you're there, check out a few of Helaine's books. You won't regret it.

Sad news about Sid Fleischman

Sad news. Sid Fleischman, who has been ill for some time, passed away March 17 in his home. His humor has been a light in the life for so many young people. Although he was 90, he will still be missed. Here is a link to an article about one of children's literature's favorite sons.

BC BOOK PRIZE SHORTLISTS ANNOUNCED

BC BOOK PRIZE shortlists were announced today:

Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize
- Counting on Hope by Sylvia Olsen, Sono Nis Press
- The Gryphon Project by Carrie Mac, Penguin Group Canada
- Inferno by Robin Stevenson, Orca Book Publishers
- Return to Bone Tree Hill by Kristin Butcher, Thistledown Press
- The Ship of Lost Souls by Rachelle Delaney, HarperTrophyCanada

Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize
- Bubble Homes and Fish Farts by Fiona Bayrock
Illustrated by Carolyn Conahan, Charlesbridge
- Ella’s Umbrellas by Jennifer Lloyd
Illustrated by Ashley Spires, Simply Read Books
- Maggie Can’t Wait by Frieda Wishinsky
Illustrated by Dean Griffiths, Fitzhenry & Whiteside
- On My Walk by Kari-Lynn Winters
Illustrated by Christina Leist, Tradewind Books
- Vanishing Habitats by Robert Bateman,
Scholastic Canada Ltd.

Congratulations to everyone!

Bird in flight

If you're into kids' books, chances are you've read or at least heard of Besty Bird and her amazing blog, A Fuse #8 Production. Not only is Betsy prolific and quirky, she's usually right on in her reviews. As knowledgeable about kids' books as she is passionate, she's a shining light for readers, sifting through a sea of books and directing us toward the best. By day, Betsy is a librarian in New York City, but after hours she's all about her blog which she was enticed to move to the School Library Journal website a while back. Bird has been a juror for the Newbery Book Awards, tackled the issue of "review as promotion in disguise" in Amazon.com's "Vine Voices," and been involved in Blogger Awards. I'm pretty sure is a super duper speed-reader judging by the breadth of the books she can talk about intelligently. Not surprisingly, this one-woman wonder of kids' books has been flying under the radar for years. Now though, Bird is finally causing a flap outside the cosy world of children's books with the recent Forbes article. Check it out. Besty, you deserve these cu-does and more...

A great video created by Ocoee Middle School

I just came across this great video thanks to one of the blogs I follow. It's made by Ocoee Middle School in central Florida. One of these days I'll figure out how to upload a video, but in the meantime, check out Gotta Keep Reading on You Tube. While you're watching, see if you can spot any familiar book titles. I bet you can! And while you're at it, maybe you could be the mover and shaker behind your own school video. If you do, send the link along to me and I'll publicize it. Happy reading.

Cybils Announced

Looking for a good book? It's your lucky day...The 2009 Cybils Awards were just announced. For those of you who don't know, The Cybils are a grassroots award for kids/teen books created by avid book bloggers. Lots of categories, like picture book, early reader, teen fiction, poetry, non-fiction mean that there is something for everyone. For more great books, be sure to check out the short lists too.

Wordle is so cool. Try it.

I just discovered this very cool site that plays with words. Here is a puppy poem I did this morning. Isn't it cool! So check out www.wordle.net to create your own fun poems.

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Celebrate Family Literacy Day

Tomorrow is Family Literacy Day. Celebrate by reading your favourite kid's books with a young person. For tips on family activities or to find out about local events, check out ABC Canada.

2010 National Ambassador of Young People's Literature appointed

I'm thrilled to hear that Katherine Patterson, one of my favorite writers, and author of Bridge to Terabithia, has been named the new National Ambassador of Young People's Literature by The Library of Congress in the US. I sure wish that Canada would follow their lead since kids who read tend to grow into adults who read. If you haven't read anything by Katherine Paterson, now's a good time to start. She's a powerhouse. You can pick up her books at any library, or better yet, support her by buying one of her many titles.

In the meantime, the wonderful Elizabeth Bird of A Fuse #8 Production fame has rounded up cool videos of past Ambasador, Mr. Scieszka. Check it out.

Victoria Library's 2009 list of great books for kids

Great Books for the Children on Your List

Every year at this time, children’s staff at the Greater Victoria Public Library compile lists of recommended books in time for holiday shopping. Here are some of our favourites for 2009:

Children’s Picture Books

• The Bears We Know by Brenda Silsbe, illus. by Vlasta van Kampen (2009) CDN/BC
• The Big Elephant in the Room by Lane Smith (2009)
• Bradley McGogg: The Very Fine Frog by Time Beiser, illus. by Rachel Berman (2008) CDN/BC
• Bubble Trouble by Margaret Mahy, illus. by Polly Dunbar (2008)
• Chicken Little by Rebecca Emberley & Ed Emberley (2009)
• The Christmas Magic by Lauren Thompson, illus. by Jon J Muth (2009)
• Dogs Don’t Brush Their Teeth by Diane deGroat & Shelley Rotner (2009)
• Duck! Rabbit! by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld (2009)
• The Imaginary Garden by Andrew Larsen, illus. by Irene Luxbacher (2009) CDN
• It’s a Secret! by John Burningham (2009)
• The King’s Taster by Kennth Oppel, illus. by Steve Johnson & Lou Fancher (2009) CDN
• Lousy Rotten Stinkin’ Grapes by Margie Palatini, illus. by Barry Moser (2009)
• Molly and the Night Monster by Chris Wormell (2008)
• Mouse Was Mad by Linda Urban, illus. by Henry Cole (2009)
• Violet and Winston by Sonya Sones & Bennett Tramer, illus. by Chris Raschka (2009)
• Wombat Walkabout by Carol Diggory Shields, illus. by Sophie Blackall (2009)

Children’s Non Fiction

• Amelia Earhart: the Legend of the Lost Aviator by Shelley Tanaka (2008) CDN
• Be Glad Your Nose is on Your Face And Other Poems: Some of the Best of Jack Prelutsky (2008)
• A Bear in War by Stephanie Innes & Harry Endrulat, illus. Brian Deines (2008) CDN
• Beverlie Manson's Fairies: a Celebration of the Seasonsby Beverlie Manson (2008)
• The Bill Martin Jr. Big Book of Poetry edited by Bill Martin Jr. (2008)
• Button Up! : Wrinkled Rhymes by Alice Schertle (2009)
• Dr Frankenstein's Human Body Book: the Monstrous Truth About How Your Body Works by Richard Walker (2008)
• Eat it up!: Lip-Smacking Recipes for Kids by Elisabeth de Mariaffi (2009)
• FamilyFun Birthday Cakes: 50 Cute & Easy Party Treats edited by Deanna F. Cook and the experts at FamilyFun magazine (2003)
• FamilyFun Cookies for Christmas: 50 Cute & Quick Holiday Treats edited by Deanna F. Cook and the experts at FamilyFun magazine (2009)
• Dinosaurs Roar, Butterflies Soar! by Bob Barner (2009)
• Dinothesaurus: Prehistoric Poems and Paintings by Douglas Florian (2009)
• Face to Face with Gorillas by Michael Nichols with Elizabeth Carney(2009)
• Hansel and Gretel retold by Michael Morpurgo, illus. by Emma Chichester Clark (2008)
• Knucklehead : Tall Tales & Mostly True Stories of Growing Up Scieszka by Jon Scieszka (2008)
• Sleight of Hand by Joe Fullman (2008)
• Super-Duper Cupcakes: Kids Creations From the Cupcake Caboose by Elaine Cohen (2006)
• Robots by the editors of YES Mag (2008) CDN
• You are the First Kid on Mars by Patrick O’Brien (2009)

Children’s Fiction

For Younger Readers (5-8):

• Bad to the Bone (Down Girl and Sit series) by Lucy Nolan (2008)
• Dunderheads by Paul Fleischman ; illus. by David Roberts (2009)
• Horse Crazy (Silver Horse Switch series) by Alison Lester (2007)
• Jacob Two-Two on the High Seas by Cary Fagan (2009) CDN
• The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt by Megan McDonald (2009)
• Melonhead by Katy Kelly (2009)
• Mercy Watson: Something Wonky This Way Comes by Kate DiCamillo (2009)
• Piper Reed: the Great Gypsy by Kimberly Willis Holt (2008)
• Uh oh, Cleo by Jessica Harper (2008)

For Intermediate Readers (9-12):

• A Christmas to Remember: Tales of Comfort and Joy(Dear Canada series) CDN
• Al Capone Shines My Shoes by Gennifer Choldenko (2009)
• Alex and the Ironic Gentleman by Adrienne Kress (2007) CDN
• Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson (2008) CDN
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney (2009)
• Everything For a Dog by Ann Martin (2009)
• Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly (2009)
• Faith, Hope, and Ivy June by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor (2009)
• Graveyard of the Sea by Penny Draper (2008) CDN
• Invention of Hugo Cabret: A Novel in Words and Pictures by Brian Selznick (2007)
• Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman (2009)
• Tropical Secrets: Holocaust Refugees in Cuba by Margarita Engle (2009)
• Where the River Takes Me: The HBC Diary of Jenna Sinclair (Dear Canada series) by Julie Lawson (2009) Wild Girl by Patricia Reilly Giff (2009)
• Word Nerd by Susin Nielsen (2008) CDN

Teen Fiction

• Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen (2009)
• Another Kind of Cowboy by Susan Juby (2007) CDN
• Emily the Strange: the Lost Days by Rob Reger and Jessica Gruner (2009)
• Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (2008) (followed by Catching Fire)
• If I Stay by Gayle Foreman (2009)
• King of the Screwups by E.L. Going (2009)
• Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeffer (2006) (followed by Dead and Gone)
• The Lit Report by Sarah Harvey (2008) CDN
• Little Brother by Cory Doctorow (2008)
• Q&A by Vikas Swarup (2005)
• Tales from Outer Suburbia by Shaun Tan (2008)
• A Thousand Shades of Blue by Robin Stevenson (2008) CDN
• Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr (2007) (followed by Fragile Eternity)
• Wounded by Eric Walters (2009) CDN

NYT 10 Best Children's Books

NYT Picks 10 Best Children's Books

Running in this Sunday's New York Times Book Review, the list comprises:

* Only a Witch Can Fly, by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo (Feiwel & Friends)
* Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11, written and illustrated by Brian Floca (Richard Jackson/Atheneum)
* The Odd Egg, written and illustrated by Emily Gravett (Simon & Schuster)
* A Penguin Story, written and illustrated by Antoinette Portis (HarperCollins)
* The Lion & the Mouse, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney (Little, Brown)
* The Snow Day, written and illustrated by Komako Sakai (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic)
* Tales from Outer Suburbia, written and illustrated by Shaun Tan (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic)
* Yummy: Eight Favorite Fairy Tales, written and illustrated by Lucy Cousins (Candlewick)
* White Noise, by David A. Carter (Little Simon/Simon & Schuster)
* All the World, by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Marla Frazee (Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster)

Just keep in my that the NYT tends toward a US list. There are lots of Canadian, British and other titles out there that are fabulous.

Lemony Snicket interview

Here's a taste of a Halloween interview with Lemony Snicket of A Series of Unfortunate Events fame.

Enjoy...

Susan Rich: Hello Mr Snicket. Thank you for agreeing to speak with us

about matters relating to Halloween. Halloween can be a very creepy time.

What sorts of things scare you?

Lemony Snicket: Masks, silverfish, a woman I once knew, iced tapioca

drinks, injustice, things that jump out suddenly at me in the dark, things

that approach me slowly in the dark, corporate hegemony, flickering

lightbulbs and bland, self-serving philosophies concerning the world.

SR: Many people who usually dress in regular clothes find Halloween a good

time to put on a disguise. Can you tell us about your most successful

disguise?

LS: No, but the next time you sit down at your “desk” you might look a bit

more closely.

Click here to read the rest of the interview and to download a free,

original Lemony Snicket story.

Orca Book Publishers offers free download of graphic novel

Sorry for the extended holiday from blogging, but this is an awesome opportunity so read on to find out more about a Free Graphic Novel Download.

Did you say free?
Yep! Free download...
Starting October 1, and for a limited time, Orca Books will be giving away a free download of the new Graphic Guide Adventure graphic novel - Media Meltdown by Liam O'Donnell and Mike Deas.

The site also features games and activities and a page for teachers and librarians with information about media literacy.

Graphic Guide Adventures is an ongoing series of graphic novels for ages 8-12. These exciting action-packed books have colorful illustrations, strong stories and engaging characters. Media Meltdown is the fourth title in the series, and was preceded by Wild Ride, Ramp Rats and Soccer Sabotage. Look for Food Fight in Spring 2010.

School Library Journal says of these graphic novels: "...fun, stylish art and underdog stories will appeal to many readers."

So enjoy it and pass the word on.

Sheryl

Young Winners Announced in 2008 Imperial Oil Foundation Writing Contest

TORONTO: April 1, 2009 — The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is excited to announce the winners of the 2008 Imperial Oil Foundation Writing Contest for young writers. The contest is a much-anticipated part of TD Canadian Children's Book Week—the largest celebration of Canadian books for young people in Canada.

In honour of the 100th anniversary of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, Book Week 2008 celebrated Classic Canadian Reading. In keeping with this theme, young writers from across Canada were invited to captivate our judges with recently-written stories or poems that they think could become a classic and be read for the next 100 years like Anne of Green Gables has.

Five Canadian children’s authors donated their time and expertise to judge 713 submissions from young writers in grades two to six. For the 2008 contest, the jurors were: Sylvia Gunnery, Richard Scrimger, Sheryl McFarlane, David Poulsen and Sylvia McNicoll.

The winner from each grade will receive a $200 gift certificate for the bookstore of his or her choice. The winning stories and honourable mentions can be enjoyed at www.bookweek.ca.

The WINNERS of the 2008 Imperial Oil Foundation Writing Contest are:

Grade 2: Laith Asem Sbeitan of Oakville, Ontario (Age 7) for his story Coming to Canada

Sylvia Gunnery’s comments: The worries of Chinese children, as they journey to Canada and as they begin to settle into a new life, are worries that many readers can easily understand. As I read Coming to Canada, I realized that the parents were hoping to begin a wonderful new life for the family; but the children missed China and all the things they were used to there. By the end of the story, both Sunjay and Romana had met new friends and they were “happy and safe.” I love stories with happy endings.

Grade 3: Kayla Borecky of Oakville, Ontario (Age 8) for her story Hug

Richard Scrimger’s comments: The story of Snookie the Hedgehog is completely charming and very well plotted. The issues are timely and the illustrations are perfect. I smiled all the way through the story, and my own children loved it too.

Grade 4: Audrey Pao of Toronto, Ontario (Age 9) for her story Can Santa Go On His Sleigh Tonight?

Sheryl McFarlane’s comments: I loved Audrey's creative new take on the magic of Christmas and I especially appreciated her ability to balance a well-paced plot against the story's message of the importance of a healthy life style. Audrey's use of rich language made the story come to life. All of these elements made this story a pleasure to read.

Grade 5: Elizabeth Roberts of Winnipeg, Manitoba (Age 10) for her story The Magic Song of Christmas

David Poulsen’s comments: I very much enjoyed The Magic Song of Christmas by Elizabeth Roberts of Winnipeg Manitoba. I was reminded of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" as I read it—high praise indeed for this ten year old, grade five student. The symbolism that enriches her story and the delightful way she tied the ending to the magic of what had transpired through the night made it the kind of enduring and endearing story that I'm sure will be read over and over for many years, especially at Christmas. I look forward to seeing more writing in the future from this talented young Winnipeg writer.

Grade 6: Jared Levinson of Hamilton, Ontario (Age 11) for his story Flint

Sylvia McNicoll’s comments: Jared Levinson’s ghostly thriller Flint shows great sophistication in writing skill. Jared varies the pace of the story effectively by interspersing dialogue, description, action and flashbacks. His choice of language, especially in the flashbacks, creates a spine tingling mood and when he switches to the backstory, he tightens the tension till the reader wants to scream.

* * *

The judges for the 2008 Imperial Oil Foundation Writing Contest talented authors of children’s and young adult books from across Canada:

Grade 2 judge:
Sylvia Gunnery (LaHave, Nova Scotia), author of Out of Bounds and Personal Best.

Grade 3 judge:
Richard Scrimger (Cobourg, Ontario), author of the Norbert series and Into the Ravine.

Grade 4 judge:
Sheryl McFarlane (Victoria, British Columbia), author of Waiting for the Whales and The Smell of Paint.

Grade 5 judge:
David Poulsen (Claresholm, Alberta), author of The Salt & Pepper Chronicles series and Numbers.

Grade 6 judge:
Sylvia McNicoll (Burlington, Ontario), author of Beauty Returns and Last Chance for Paris.
* * *
About the Canadian Children's Book Centre:
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is a national, not-for-profit organization founded in 1976 to encourage the reading, writing, illustrating and publishing of Canadian books for young readers. The CCBC is dedicated to promoting quality Canadian children’s literature through its services, publications and programs. For more information, please visit our website at www.bookcentre.ca.

Young Winners Announced in 2008 Imperial Oil Foundation Writing Contest

TORONTO: April 1, 2009 — The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is excited to announce the winners of the 2008 Imperial Oil Foundation Writing Contest for young writers. The contest is a much-anticipated part of TD Canadian Children's Book Week—the largest celebration of Canadian books for young people in Canada.

In honour of the 100th anniversary of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, Book Week 2008 celebrated Classic Canadian Reading. In keeping with this theme, young writers from across Canada were invited to captivate our judges with recently-written stories or poems that they think could become a classic and be read for the next 100 years like Anne of Green Gables has.

Five Canadian children’s authors donated their time and expertise to judge 713 submissions from young writers in grades two to six. For the 2008 contest, the jurors were: Sylvia Gunnery, Richard Scrimger, Sheryl McFarlane, David Poulsen and Sylvia McNicoll.

The winner from each grade will receive a $200 gift certificate for the bookstore of his or her choice. The winning stories and honourable mentions can be enjoyed at www.bookweek.ca.

The WINNERS of the 2008 Imperial Oil Foundation Writing Contest are:

Grade 2: Laith Asem Sbeitan of Oakville, Ontario (Age 7) for his story Coming to Canada

Sylvia Gunnery’s comments: The worries of Chinese children, as they journey to Canada and as they begin to settle into a new life, are worries that many readers can easily understand. As I read Coming to Canada, I realized that the parents were hoping to begin a wonderful new life for the family; but the children missed China and all the things they were used to there. By the end of the story, both Sunjay and Romana had met new friends and they were “happy and safe.” I love stories with happy endings.

Grade 3: Kayla Borecky of Oakville, Ontario (Age 8) for her story Hug

Richard Scrimger’s comments: The story of Snookie the Hedgehog is completely charming and very well plotted. The issues are timely and the illustrations are perfect. I smiled all the way through the story, and my own children loved it too.

Grade 4: Audrey Pao of Toronto, Ontario (Age 9) for her story Can Santa Go On His Sleigh Tonight?

Sheryl McFarlane’s comments: I loved Audrey's creative new take on the magic of Christmas and I especially appreciated her ability to balance a well-paced plot against the story's message of the importance of a healthy life style. Audrey's use of rich language made the story come to life. All of these elements made this story a pleasure to read.

Grade 5: Elizabeth Roberts of Winnipeg, Manitoba (Age 10) for her story The Magic Song of Christmas

David Poulsen’s comments: I very much enjoyed The Magic Song of Christmas by Elizabeth Roberts of Winnipeg Manitoba. I was reminded of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" as I read it—high praise indeed for this ten year old, grade five student. The symbolism that enriches her story and the delightful way she tied the ending to the magic of what had transpired through the night made it the kind of enduring and endearing story that I'm sure will be read over and over for many years, especially at Christmas. I look forward to seeing more writing in the future from this talented young Winnipeg writer.

Grade 6: Jared Levinson of Hamilton, Ontario (Age 11) for his story Flint

Sylvia McNicoll’s comments: Jared Levinson’s ghostly thriller Flint shows great sophistication in writing skill. Jared varies the pace of the story effectively by interspersing dialogue, description, action and flashbacks. His choice of language, especially in the flashbacks, creates a spine tingling mood and when he switches to the backstory, he tightens the tension till the reader wants to scream.

* * *

The judges for the 2008 Imperial Oil Foundation Writing Contest talented authors of children’s and young adult books from across Canada:

Grade 2 judge:
Sylvia Gunnery (LaHave, Nova Scotia), author of Out of Bounds and Personal Best.

Grade 3 judge:
Richard Scrimger (Cobourg, Ontario), author of the Norbert series and Into the Ravine.

Grade 4 judge:
Sheryl McFarlane (Victoria, British Columbia), author of Waiting for the Whales and The Smell of Paint.

Grade 5 judge:
David Poulsen (Claresholm, Alberta), author of The Salt & Pepper Chronicles series and Numbers.

Grade 6 judge:
Sylvia McNicoll (Burlington, Ontario), author of Beauty Returns and Last Chance for Paris.
* * *
About the Canadian Children's Book Centre:
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is a national, not-for-profit organization founded in 1976 to encourage the reading, writing, illustrating and publishing of Canadian books for young readers. The CCBC is dedicated to promoting quality Canadian children’s literature through its services, publications and programs. For more information, please visit our website at www.bookcentre.ca.