Storytime Standouts Weblog - Raising Children Who Love to Read!

Houndsley and Catina and the Quiet Time –
Written by James Howe, illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay, Published by Candlewick Press

When Houndsley and Catina are unexpectedly snowed in, Houndsley is quite happy to relax and enjoy The Quiet Time. Catina is not nearly as content. She has things to do and places to go. Eventually the two settle in and spend an enjoyable day playing board games, baking cookies and writing poetry. In the evening, they join their friends for a snowy outdoor concert. They “began to play so softly that the notes fell on the listening ears like snowflakes on waiting tongues, gently, softly, there for a flicker before melting away.” Terrific for newly independent readers, the Houndsley and Catina books are also a very good choice for children who are ready to enjoy a longer read aloud.

A Birthday for Bear –
Written by Bonnie Becker, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton, Published by Candlewick Press

Bear does not like birthdays, parties, balloons or gifts. He would much rather spend his birthday alone, cleaning house. When Mouse decides a celebration is in order, he arrives at Bear’s home with all sorts of lovely treats. Endlessly optimistic, cheery Mouse persists despite Bear’s rudeness and unwillingness to let him into the house. Ultimately, a chocolate cake with icing and sprinkles proves impossible to resist and the two friends share a happy celebration. Like the Houndsley and Catina books, this is a great choice for early readers and younger children who are keen to listen to a “chapter book.”

Alfalfabet A to Z The Wonderful Words from Agriculture
written by Carol Watterson, illustrated by Michela Sorrentino
Published by British Columbia Agriculture in the Classroom Foundation
This home gown alphabet book offers an amazing bounty of fresh, delicious and nutritious treats for young readers. Great for children who are learning the alphabet, Alfalfabet A to Z also offers all sorts of valuable information for older children, their parents and teachers. A perfect accompaniment to your next farm, orchard or veggie store visit.

Guess Again written by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Adam Rex
Published by Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers
Phonemic awareness is a key to early reading success for young children. It is the understanding that words are made up of sounds and the ability to pick out and manipulate those sounds. When we read rhyming books to young children, we help to develop their phonemic awareness.

Guess Again is nothing at all like a “typical’ rhyming book – there are far too many surprises in store – especially if you listen carefully to the clues. Really good fun!

Guess Again! at Amazon.ca

Violet
Written by Tania Duprey Stehlik, illustrated by Vanja Vuleta Jovanovic
Published by Second Story Press
When Violet attends her first day at a new school, she meets red, yellow and blue children but she doesn’t see any purple children. Upon returning home, her mother explains, “I am red and daddy is blue and you, my beauty, are a bit of us both.” Together, they play with paints and discover that many beautiful colours are created through mixing. Simply told, Violet is a lovely story that reminds us of the richness and splendor of a diverse community.

Violet at Amazon.ca

For Immediate Release: Toronto (August 20, 2009) The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is pleased to announce the finalists for the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, Prix TD de littérature canadienne pour l’enfance et la jeunesse, Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction and Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People.

The winners of the English-language awards will be announced at an invitation-only gala event at The Carlu in Toronto on November 19, 2009. The winners of the Prix TD de literature canadienne pour l’enfance et la jeunesse will be announced at an invitation-only gala event at the Canadian Centre for Architecture in Montreal on November 3, 2009. Overall, $110,000 in prize monies will be awarded.

The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is also pleased to announce that the prize money for the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award/Prix TD de littérature canadienne pour l’enfance et la jeunesse has increased to $25,000 (up from $20,000) and the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award has increased to $20,000 (up from $10,000). The CCBC thanks TD Bank Financial Group and Marilyn and Charles Baillie for their generous support.

This year’s nominated titles will captivate the hearts and imaginations of children and adults everywhere. Among the finalists are stories introducing readers to daring and adventurous female heroes; to a chicken, a pig and a cow and their new drooly friend; to tragic yet hopeful experiences of two siblings in a residential school; to a remarkable stuffed toy and the spoiled child who rejects him; and to 14-year-old Kit and her fight for survival during the Great Hunger.

As a result of a new partnership with Toronto’s International Festival of Authors (IFOA), readings from this year’s TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award shortlisted titles will be presented at IFOA on Saturday, October 24. For more information, please visit Readings.org

The books on these shortlists exemplify some of the best work by Canadian authors and illustrators. The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is proud to share these titles with you.

TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award ($25,000)
Sponsored by TD Bank Financial Group

Death in the Air
(The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His Second Case)
Written by Shane Peacock (Baltimore, Ontario)
Tundra Books
for ages 10-12

This second installment of ‘The Boy Sherlock Holmes’ series maintains tension from beginning to end. Pacing is superb, great character development, breath-taking from beginning to end.

Libertad
Written by Alma Fullerton (Midland, Ontario)
Fitzhenry & Whiteside
for ages 10-12

In this free verse novel, Alma Fullerton’s beautifully poetic language recreates the brutal reality of the lives of two Guatemala City’s dump dwelling brothers, Libertad and Julio. An unforgettable story.

Shin-chi’s Canoe
Written by Nicola I. Campbell (Vancouver, BC)
Illustrated by Kim LaFave (Roberts Creek, BC)
Groundwood Books
for ages 5-8

In this sequel to Shi-shi-etko, spare text and evocative artwork powerfully present a deeply moving story of longing and attachment about two Aboriginal children at a residential school.

Thing-Thing
Written by Cary Fagan (Toronto, Ontario)
Illustrated by Nicolas Debon (Saint-Denis, France)
Tundra Books
for ages 5-8

A fresh and charming book about a spoiled child and an unloved toy thrown out the window… The quirky gouache and collage illustrations offer a sense of speed and uncanny stories on each floor… A book to fall for.

Word Nerd
Written by Susin Nielsen (Vancouver, BC)
Tundra Books
for ages 10-12

A humourous and cleverly written novel with likeable, unusual characters from the wrong side of the tracks. An original novel about regaining self confidence and trust.J

JURY MEMBERS: Nancy Cohen, Children’s Librarian, Moncton Public Library; Theo Heras, author and Children’s Literature Specialist, Lillian H. Smith Library, Toronto Public Library; Dr. Dave Jenkinson, Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba; Dr. Ron Jobe, Professor Emeritus, Department of Language and Literacy Education, Faculty of Education, University of British Columbia; Josiane Polidori, Head, Children’s Literature, Library and Archives Canada.

Prix TD de littérature canadienne pour l?enfance et la jeunesse ($25,000)
Sponsored by TD Bank Financial Group

Chère Traudi
Written and illustrated by Anne Villeneuve (Montreal, Quebec)
Éditions Les 400 coups
for ages 9 and up

La Clé
Written by Angèle Delaunois (Montreal, Quebec)
Illustrated by Christine Delezenne (Montreal, Quebec)
Éditions de l?Isatis
for ages 10 and up

L’Étoile de Sarajevo
Written by Jacques Pasquet (Montreal, Quebec)
Illustrated by Pierre Pratt (Montreal, Quebec)
Éditions Dominique et compagnie
for ages 8 and up

Le Nouveau parapluie de Floup
Written by Carole Tremblay (Montreal, Quebec)
Illustrated by Steve Beshwaty (Montreal, Quebec)
Éditions Imagine
for 18 months and up

La Vraie histoire de Léo Pointu
Written and illustrated by Rogé (Montreal, Quebec)
Éditions Dominique et compagnie
for ages 4 and up

JURY MEMBERS: Suzie Cote, Children?s Books Consultant; Todd Kyle, Children’s Book Specialist and Branch Manager, Mississauga Library System; Brigitte Moreau, Manager, Monet Bookstore; Manon Richer, university lecturer on children’s books; Benoit St-Aubin, bookseller

. . . .

MARILYN BAILLIE PICTURE BOOK AWARD ($20,000)
Sponsored by A. Charles Baillie

Chicken, Pig, Cow Written and illustrated by Ruth Ohi (Toronto, Ontario)
Annick Press
for ages 2-5

Chicken, Pig and Cow finally make friends with drooly Dog in this hilarious story told from the viewpoint of three adventurous toys… Ruth Ohi’s droll humour and understanding of the lives of preschoolers (and their toys) shines delightfully through this warm, loving tale.

It’s Moving Day
Written by Pamela Hickman (Canning, Nova Scotia)
Illustrated by Geraldo Valério (Toronto, Ontario)
Kids Can Press
for ages 4-7

Information about wildlife habitat is woven into a delightful tale of the busy comings and goings of forest creatures in a woodland burrow. Glorious illustrations fill the pages with expressive colour and energy.

Mattland

Written by Hazel Hutchins (Canmore, Alberta)
and Gail Herbert (Cambridge, Ontario)
Illustrated by Du?an Petricivic (Toronto, Ontario)
Annick Press
for ages 4-7

Pitch-perfect text works wondrously with illustrations that bring increasing energy and colour to this tale of shimmering possibilities brilliantly realized by three exceptionally talented creators.

Shin-chi’s Canoe
Written by Nicola I. Campbell (Vancouver, BC)
Illustrated by Kim LaFave (Roberts Creek, BC)
Groundwood Books
for ages 5-8

A richly drawn story of family love, loss and hope unfolds through spare, lyrical prose and powerful images. This book makes the human history of Canada’s residential schools accessible to readers young and old.

Thing-Thing
Written by Cary Fagan (Toronto, Ontario)
Illustrated by Nicolas Debon (Saint-Denis, France)
Tundra Books
for ages 5-8

This unique story of Thing-Thing’s fall from the sixth floor of the Excelsior Hotel becomes a slow-motion vehicle for a touching and funny contemplation of life and love from a host of characters inspired by his fleeting image.

JURY MEMBERS: Brenda Halliday, librarian, book reviewer and sessional lecturer, Faculty of Information, University of Toronto; Judi McCallum, Training Coordinator, Markham Public Libraries; and Joanne Schwartz, Children’s Librarian, Lillian H. Smith Library, Toronto Public Library.

. . . .

NORMA FLECK AWARD FOR CANADIAN CHILDREN’S NON-FICTION ($10,000)Sponsored by the Fleck Family Foundation

The Bite of the Mango
Written by Mariatu Kamara (Pickering, Ontario)
with Susan McClelland (Toronto, Ontario)
Annick Press
for ages 14 and up

A heart wrenching and inspiring memoir of a young woman’s brave struggle to rebuild her life after suffering unspeakable horrors during Sierra Leone’s brutal civil war.

Inuksuk Journey: An Artist at the Top of the WorldWritten and illustrated by Mary Wallace (St. Thomas, Ontario)
Maple Tree Press
for ages 9 and up

Inuksuk Journey is a breathtakingly beautiful pictorial journey of the Arctic region and Inuit culture… Mary Wallace has done a fabulous job of combining her art with text about the region. It is a stunning presentation of the region.

No Girls Allowed: Tales of Daring Women Dressed As Men for Love, Freedom and AdventureWritten by Susan Hughes (Toronto, Ontario)
Illustrated by Willow Dawson (Toronto, Ontario)
Kids Can Press
for ages 9-12

This fast-paced graphic novel is an unusual take on historical figures and their stories… It will enlighten and entertain readers on many levels. Fun and highly original.

One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference
Written by Katie Smith Milway (Wellesley, MA)
Illustrated by Eugenie Fernandes (Peterborough, Ontario)
Kids Can Press
for ages 7 and up

This excellent picture book skillfully combines a clear text, a wonderful concept and evocative art. An outstanding and child-friendly approach to the complicated topic of microloans.

Royal Murder: The Deadly Intrigue of Ten Sovereigns
Written by Elizabeth MacLeod (Toronto, Ontario)
Annick Press
for ages 10-12

History comes alive in the gripping stories of ten murdered monarchs. Incredible design and riveting tales of murder and intrigue make this book an “I can’t put it down” read…

JURY MEMBERS: Mala Dayal, teacher-librarian, Peel District School Board; Polly Fleck, Governor General’s Literary Award-nominated poet and member of the Fleck family; Wendy Mason Geoghegan, Children’s Specialist, Indigo Books; Rachel Seigel, Selection Manager, S&B Books; Frieda Wishinsky, author of Please, Louise!, winner of the 2008 Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award.

. . . .

GEOFFREY BILSON AWARD FOR HISTORICAL FICTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ($5,000)Sponsored by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Bilson Endowment Fund

The Ancient Ocean Blues
Written by Jack Mitchell (Toronto, Ontario)
Tundra Books
for ages 10-13

A fast-paced spoof on Greek tales. Laugh-out-loud funny with great characters. A new take on the old classics. This book is original, delightful and engaging.

The Apprentice’s Masterpiece: A Story of Medieval Spain
Written by Melanie Little (Calgary, Alberta)
Annick Press
for ages 12 and up

An elegant novel told in free verse about the religious persecution of the Spanish Inquisition… A story about incredible brutality that is beautifully narrated.

Child of Dandelions
Written by Shenaaz Nanjji (Calgary, Alberta)
Second Story Press
for ages 12 and up

A hard-hitting, fast-paced novel that tells the story of the 90 days in which British Indians were given to leave Uganda. It is a story about political exploitation, discrimination and violence, but it is also a story about resilience and friendship.

Greener Grass: The Famine Years
Written by Caroline Pignat (Kanata, Ontario)
Red Deer Press
for ages 11-14

This dark, poignant and well-written novel tells the story of Ireland?s Great Potato Famine in 1847? Caroline Pignat skillfully captures the harshness of circumstances and impact of desperation on the characters in this moving tale.

The Landing
Written by John Ibbitson (Washington, DC)
Kids Can Press
for ages 12 and up

A beautifully written, evocative coming-of-age novel. Realistic fiction imbued with symbolism… It is a novel full of suspense, with finely crafted characters and a sense of time and place.

JURY MEMBERS: Merle Harris, storyteller and author; Christopher Moore, author; Kimberly Sutherland-Mills, Children’s and Teen Services Librarian, Kingston Frontenac Public Library; Gail de Vos (chair), storyteller and professor, School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alberta.

. . . .

TD CANADIAN CHILDREN?S LITERATURE AWARD
The TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award was established in 2005 to honour the most distinguished book of the year for children aged 1 to 12. Entries are judged on the quality of the text and illustrations and the book’s overall contribution to literature. All books for children, in any genre, written by a Canadian, are eligible for the award. Starting in 2009, the winning book receives $25,000 (up from $20,000) and an additional $10,000 is divided amongst the honour books. The publisher of the winning book receives $2,500 for promotional purposes.

MARILYN BAILLIE PICTURE BOOK AWARD
The Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award honours excellence in the illustrated picture book format, for children aged 3 to 8. Charles Baillie, retired Chairman and CEO of TD Bank Financial Group, is delighted to give the prize in his wife Marilyn’s name. As an award-winning children’s book author and an early learning specialist, Marilyn is involved in and passionate about children’s literature. Starting in 2009, the winning book receives $20,000 (up from $10,000).

NORMA FLECK AWARD FOR CANADIAN CHILDREN’S NON-FICTION
The Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction was established by the Fleck Family Foundation in 1999 to recognize Canada’s exceptional non-fiction books for young people. The award honours Norma Fleck (1906-1998), who inspired a deep love of reading in her children and grandchildren. Dr. James Fleck, who initiated the award, is the son of Norma Fleck. The winning book receives $10,000.

GEOFFREY BILSON AWARD FOR HISTORICAL FICTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
The Geoffrey Bilson Award was established in 1988 in memory of the respected historian and children’s author, Geoffrey Bilson. The $5,000 prize is awarded annually to the Canadian author of an outstanding work of historical fiction for young people. In 2005, the Bilson Endowment Fund was created to support this award. If you wish to contribute to this fund, please contact the CCBC.

THE CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is a national, not-for-profit organization and registered charity founded in 1976 to promote, support and encourage the reading, writing and illustrating of Canadian books for children and teens. With book collections and extensive resources in five cities across Canada, the CCBC is a treasure-trove for anyone interested in Canadian books for young readers. For more information, please visit www.bookcentre.ca.

Last Wednesday evening I had the privilege to attend the Seventh Chocolate Lily Choice Award Gala at Kidsbooks in Vancouver. It was a lovely evening and a very special celebration of British Columbia authors and illustrators.

Author Joan Betty Stuchner and illustrator Cynthia Nugent were awarded the Chocolate Lily Book Award for their novel, Honey Cake, published by Tradewind Books.

Chris Tougas, author and illustrator of Mechanimals, by Orca Book Publishers, won the Chocolate Lily Book Award picture book category.

The nominees who spoke at the event charmed the audience with anecdotes about writing and how their nominated books came to be. It was truly inspiring to hear their stories.

Chocolate Lily Book Awards is a choice award that showcases and celebrates the best of BC children’s fiction by encouraging BC grade school students to read the shortlisted titles and vote for their favourite at the end of each school year.

If you have not yet enjoyed a wordless picture book with your child(ren), I would like to introduce you to this genre. “Reading” wordless picture books together with your child stimulates language development because the “reader” takes an active part in telling the story. Once you and your child have “read” the story from beginning to end hopefully your child will enjoy the opportunity to retell the tale – a key reading readiness skill. In Chicken and Cat Clean Up we follow the misadventures of two dissimilar friends who operate a housekeeping business. The bright, cheerful illustrations provide a fun account of operating a small buiness, an enduring friendship and how an opportunity for heroism might be just around the corner. Really good fun!

Chicken and Cat Clean Up at Amazon.ca

What a delight! Four young animal friends decide a dry but dark cave is the perfect place to take shelter from a downpour. They have just settled into a sociable game of cards when a weary, bad-tempered bear chases them out of the cave and into the rain. Three of the pals decide that the bear’s misery must be due to his rather nondescript appearance. When their ill-advised makeover does nothing to improve the bear’s mood, it is left to ‘a plain but thoughtful sheep’ to make the cantankerous bear comfortable.

The Very Cranky Bear at Amazon.ca

The First Rule of Little Brothers written by Jill Davis, illustrated by Sarah McMenemy
Published by Alfred A. Knopf.
Oh dear, life can be awfully complicated when a younger brother or sister arrives on the scene. Before long, favourite toys are grabbed, tall towers are destroyed and ‘me too’ is an oft-heard phrase. For older children who are learning to get along with a little brother or sister, this picture book will ring true and inject some humor and insight into the experience.

The First Rule of Little Brothers at Amazon.ca

I want to let you know about four new eye-popping picture books that are sure to appeal to youngsters. I sincerely hope you will make time to share special books with the children in your life each and every day.

Welcome Winter
Written by Jill Ackerman, illustrated by Nancy Davis
This sturdy, fun board book caught my eye and will have great appeal for toddlers. The illustrations and text are simple and yet very engaging. I especially liked the description of “snow crunching under boots” and a matching slippery, noisy surface that begs to be touched. Very young children will thoroughly enjoy checking out a variety of textures as they learn about the season of swirling snowflakes, cold temperatures and wind.

Little Scholastic: Welcome Winter at Amazon.ca

Written by Danielle Simard, illustrated by Geneviève Côté
Originally published in French, The Little Word Catcher won a Governor General’s Award for Illustration. It was written with Alzheimer patients and their families in mind but also illustrates the impact of aphasia (an acquired communication disorder that is often due to stroke). Elise’s grandmother is losing her words. When in conversation, she has difficulty coming up with the right word to use. The affliction is terribly difficult for her young granddaughter to understand. Eventually, Elise takes comfort in the thought that perhaps Grandma has given her the words to use. A lovely story about the special relationship between a grandparent and a child, The Little Word Catcher will have special poignancy for families dealing with aging and loss.

Little Word Catcher at Amazon.ca

Smart-Opedia Junior
The Amazing Book About Everything from Maple Tree Press
It is all too easy to get locked into the idea that bedtime stories or even picture books ought to be fictional. For many children, a good nonfiction book will have terrific appeal not to mention loads of valuable information. Smart-Opedia Junior is intended for children aged 5 through 8 and provides all manner of interesting facts. Generously illustrated, youngsters will learn about body science, inventions, plant and animal life, our universe and more.

Smart-Opedia Junior Smart-Opedia Junior: The Amazing Book about Everything the Amazing Book about Everything at Amazon.ca

The 3 Bears and Goldilocks
Written by Margaret Willey, illustrated by Heather M. Solomon
I wonder how many different books tell the recognizable tale of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I expect there are dozens and dozens of interpretations but perhaps none quite as original or fascinating as this one. Here, a bold and daring Goldilocks discovers a small, cave-like cabin that is home to three extremely untidy creatures. Should we really be surprised that bear porridge is not at all like the oatmeal humans enjoy or that a bear’s bed is similarly unfamiliar? Children who know the traditional story well will thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to consider an alternate account of Goldilocks’ adventure.

Little by Little written by Amber Stewart, illustrated by Layn Marlow
Published by Oxford University Press
For young children who are attempting to learn a new skill, learning ‘little by little’ is a great approach to take. Here we follow Scramble, a young otter, as he learns to swim in spite of his own reluctance and unwelcome criticism from Bear and Beaver. Lovely, warm illustrations accompany a gentle story that will give confidence to toddlers and preschoolers as they take on new challenges.

Little by Little at Amazon.ca

Snow written by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Lauren Stringer
Published by Harcourt Inc.
What could be more wonderful for a young child than waking up to freshly fallen snow? Ms Rylant’s evocative writing and Ms Stringer’s lovely paintings beautifully capture the wonder and delight of a snowy day. An exuberant young girl shares the special day with a friend and her grandmother. This beautiful book will surely leave you wishing for a magical snowy day to share with your youngster.

Snow at Amazon.ca

The Jewel Box Ballerinas by Monique de Varennes, pictures by Ana Juan
Published by Schwartz & Wade Books, Random House

To an outside observer, Bibi Branchflower appears wealthy. She has many, many prize possessions but is terribly lonely; she does not have a single friend. One day she visits a small shop and purchases an exquisite jewel box. Upon opening the box, she is captivated by the two beautiful but sad ballerinas inside. Little does Bibi know that her purchase of the jewel box and the care she shows the ballerinas will result in an amazing transformation for herself and the dancers. This thought-provoking story is best-suited to children aged 4 and up.

The Jewel Box Ballerinas at Amazon.ca

Last evening I made a presentation at Queen’s Park Parent Participation Preschool in New Westminster, B.C. I introduced quite a number of books including Owl Moon by Jane Yolen. (Take a look at my January 27th blog entry for info about the book.) I mentioned a website that provides a great tie-in to this amazing book. Thompson Rivers University currently has a webcam on a nest of Great Horned Owls - this morning I can see the two babies. Such a treat!

Also last night we looked at Gymboree’s Play & Learn: 1001 Fun Activities for Your Baby and Child. Every parent has times when a little inspiration has a huge impact. This book is jammed with ideas to help your child learn through play (and to help you as well!)
Play & Learn: 1001 Fun Activities for Your Baby and Child at Amazon.ca

Another book that garnered special attention last night was Dorling Kindersley’s My First Wipe Clean Letters. Unlike many alphabet books that start with ‘A’ and end with ‘Z,’ this book groups like letter shapes together and provides many opportunities for children to use a marker and work towards printing. Bravo!

My First Wipe Clean Letters at Amazon.ca