Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable

Monday, January 16, 2012 Meeting Cancelled

2012-01-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

Due to the snow warning for Victoria I have had to cancel our meeting tonight, Monday, January 16, 2012. I apologize for the inconvenience. I hope to reschedule for January 30.

Next Meeting: Monday, January 16, 2012

2011-12-21T15:21:00.000-08:00

Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable Meeting

Monday, January 16, 2012

Nellie McClung Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library (Cedar Hill & McKenzie).

Doors open at 7:00 pm; come and browse the Tall Tales Books table.

Everyone welcome! Cost: $5.00 at the door, Students $4.00, $25.00/year.

Karen Rivers, who writes for young adults, will tell us how she found her "dream job", as a writer. Her most recent novels are What is Real, the XYZ Trilogy, and Barely Hanging On.

Next Meeting Monday, December 5, 2011

2011-11-20T14:10:00.001-08:00

Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable Meeting

Christmas Fundraiser!

Monday, December 5, 2011, 7:30 pm

Nellie McClung Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library (Cedar Hill & McKenzie).

Doors open at 7:00 pm; come and browse the Cadboro Bay Books and Tall Tales Books tables.

Everyone welcome! Fundraiser cost: Members $5.00, Adults $10.00, Students, $9 at the door, $25.00/year.

Are you looking for that perfect Christmas gift? Children’sLibrarians from the Greater Victoria Public Library will tell us about theirfavourite children’s books. Enjoy storytelling by librarian Maureen Koch,mulled cider and cookies. Books will be for sale by Cadboro Bay Books and TallTales Books. Doors open at 7:00 pm.

Announcing: A Contest for Teachers, Librarians, Parents, or anyone interested in winning a free author visit to a local school or library!

For the low price of $5.00 you can purchase a raffle ticket for the chance to have award winning author Julie Lawson visit a Victoria classroom or library of your choice between January - June 2012. Tickets will be on sale at the December 5 Roundtable Meeting, and also may be purchased on this Blogspot under Pay Pal until December 2. The draw will take place at the December 5 meeting.

Julie has generously donated this visit as a fundraiser for the Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable, so please encourage your friends, colleagues, teachers, librarians and grandparents to buy a ticket!

**Conditions: The reading is to take place before the end of the 2011-2012 school year, at a time agreed upon between the winner and the author. The reading will be 45-60 minutes in length, with an audience not larger than 60 people.

Next Meeting: Monday, November 14, 2011

2011-10-28T21:31:00.000-07:00

Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable Meeting

Monday, November 14, 2011, 7:30 pm

Nellie McClung Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library (Cedar Hill & McKenzie).

Doors open at 7:00 pm; come and browse the Cadboro Bay Books table.

Everyone welcome! Cost: $5.00 at the door, Students $4.00, $25.00/year.

Michael Kusugak, an award winning author and storyteller from Repulse Bay, Nunavut writes fiction for children. His body of work ranges from his most recent book “The Littlest Sled Dog”, to his first book “A Promise is a Promise”, co-authored with Robert Munsch. He grew up living in igloos, traveling by dogsled, catching his food to eat and listening to his grandmother's stories. Michael will weave these experiences into his storytelling.Check out Times Colonist article

Next Meeting: Monday, October 24, 2011

2011-10-04T14:55:00.000-07:00

Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable Meeting

Monday, October 24, 2011, 7:30 pm

Nellie McClung Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library (Cedar Hill & McKenzie).

Doors open at 7:00 pm; come and browse the Cadboro Bay Books table.

Everyone welcome! Cost: $5.00 at the door, Students $4.00, $25.00/year.

Claire Eamer, a professional writer, reporter and editor from Whitehorse, has written non-fiction books for children, including Lizards in the Sky: Animals Where you Least Expect Them, and Super Crocs & Monster Wings. She has also published short stories for young adults, and is a regular contributor to the children’s science magazine, YesMag. Claire will tell us how she turned her passion for science and history into writing for children.

Also at this meeting: Sneak Preview!
Dayle Sutherland and Melanie Jeffs from Orca Books will present Orca's New 2011 Fall Book List.

Julie Lawson Draw

2011-09-23T17:03:00.000-07:00

Announcing: A Contest for Teachers, Librarians, Parents, or anyone interested in winning a free author visit to a local school or library!

For the low price of $5.00 you can purchase a raffle ticket for the chance to have award winning author Julie Lawson visit a Victoria classroom or library of your choice between January - June 2012. Tickets will be on sale at the October 24, November 14 and December 5 Roundtable Meetings, and also may be purchased on this Blogspot under Pay Pal until December 2. The draw will take place at the December 5 meeting.

Julie has generously donated this visit as a fundraiser for the Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable, so please encourage your friends, colleagues, teachers, librarians and grandparents to buy a ticket!

**Conditions: The reading is to take place before the end of the 2011-2012 school year, at a time agreed upon between the winner and the author. The reading will be 45-60 minutes in length, with an audience not larger than 60 people.

Next Meeting: Monday, September 19, 2011

2011-08-16T14:47:00.000-07:00

Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable Meeting

Monday, September 19, 2011, 7:30 pm

Nellie McClung Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library (Cedar Hill & McKenzie).

Doors open at 7:00 pm; come and browse the Tall Tales Books table.

Everyone welcome! Cost: $5.00 at the door, Students $4.00, $25.00/year.

Guest Speaker: John Nedwidek

John Nedwidek is a designer, illustrator and first-time author from Victoria. He wears socks almost every day, and he's not very serious. John will read his children's book "Ducks Don't Wear Socks" and other tales including "Cheese Louise" and "I Thought I Was 10" and talk about how he creates his stories. He will also show sketches and illustrations, talk about how the Duck book came to be and his efforts to get a second book on the shelves.

Next Meeting: Monday, May 9, 2011

2011-04-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

Please note: This will be our last meeting until September.

Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable Meeting

Monday, May 9, 2011, 7:30 pm

Nellie McClung Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library (Cedar Hill & McKenzie).

Doors open at 7:00 pm; come and browse the Tall Tales Books table.

Everyone welcome! Cost: $5.00 at the door, Students $4.00, $25.00/year.

Guest Speaker: Robin Muller

Robin Muller is an award winning author who has been writing and illustrating since 1982. Robin will talk about the process of writing and illustrating a book and show examples of his work. He will be focusing on The Nightwood which just came out with Tundra Books, Thirteen Ghosts of Hallowe’en, Moon and Star, Badger's New House, and The Magic Paintbrush for which he won the Governor General’s Award.

Also at this meeting:

Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award – 2011 Winner and Honour Books

Joy Huebert, Branch Head of the Bruce Hutchison Library and Award Committee member, will tell us about the top ten books and how they were chosen.

Next Meeting: Monday, April 11, 2011

2011-02-25T17:08:00.000-08:00

Please note: There is no meeting in March.

Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable Meeting

Monday, April 11, 2011, 7:30 pm

Nellie McClung Branch, Greater Victoria Public Library (Cedar Hill & McKenzie).

Doors open at 7:00 pm; come and browse the Tall Tales Books table.

Everyone welcome! Cost: $5.00 at the door, Students $4.00, $25.00/year.

Guest Speaker: Julie Lawson

Award winning author Julie Lawson will speak on “Fact or Fiction: How to Write a Gripping Tale, While Still Remaining True to the Facts”. Julie has published over twenty books for young people, including White Jade Tiger, which won the prestigious Shelia Egoff Award, historical novels about the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Klondike Gold Rush, and picture books.

Next Meeting: Monday, February 21, 2011

2011-02-04T19:47:00.000-08:00

Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable Meeting
Monday, February 21, 2011, 7:30 pm
Nellie McClung Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library,
(Cedar Hill & McKenzie).
Doors Open at 7:00 pm, come and browse the Cadboro Bay Books table.
Everyone welcome! Cost: $5.00 at the door, Students $4.00, $25.00/year

Guest Speaker: Author Ann Walsh
Ann Walsh is well-known for her novels set in Barkerville during the Gold Rush in B.C. She will talk about her wide range of titles, such as Forestry A-Z, Horse Power, The Doctor’s Apprentice, and Your Time, My Time.

Thursday, January 20, 2011: Documentary Screening at UVic

2011-01-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

Here's an upcoming event that is sure to be of interest:

Library of the Early Mind: A grown-up look at children’s literature
A documentary film by Edward J. Delaney and Steven Withrow

The film is presented by the Faculty of Education in celebration of opening of the Centre for Outreach Education (CORE).

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Sylvia Pantaleo, an assistant professor in the faculty whose research focuses on children’s literature in elementary and middle school classrooms. Panel discussants include Valery Wyatt, writer and editor; Kristi Bridgeman, illustrator; Tracey Kendrick, head of Youth Services for Victoria Public Library; and Sheryl McFarlane, writer. The event is free and open to the public; seating will be first come, first seated.

This new documentary by filmmakers Edward J. Delaney and Steven Withrow is an exploration of the art and impact of children’s literature on our kids, our culture, and ourselves.

From the first stories we hear told to us to those childhood heroes that stay with us a lifetime, the impact on our culture runs deeper than what we might expect. The film features nearly 40 prominent authors and illustrators talking about their work, its genesis and its impact. The number of books in print by the authors in the film exceeds 240 million.

The intended audience is ages 13 and up.

Thursday, January 20th, 2011
7 - 9 pm
David Lam Auditorium, MacLaurin Building
University of Victoria

Your donation of a gently used book for local children’s organizations will be appreciated.

For more information contact: Kristina Copestake 250-721-7862 or kcopesta@uvic.ca
www.libraryoftheearlymind.com

Next Meeting: Monday, January 24, 2011

2011-01-05T13:03:00.000-08:00

Welcome back! Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season! The next meeting of the Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable is Monday, January 24, 2011, at 7:30 pm at the Nellie McClung Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library, (Cedar Hill & McKenzie).

Doors Open at 7:00 pm, come and browse the Tall Tales Books table. Everyone welcome! Cost: $5.00 at the door, Students $4.00, $25.00/year

This month, we welcome guest storyteller, Shoshana Litman.

Shoshana is a Maggidah, which is a Jewish storyteller, inspirational speaker, & teacher (for more information, visit Shoshana's website at http://www.maggidah.com/). She will enthrall us with stories of the Jewish tradition and other cultures. Shoshana is also an author and a poet, with a degree in Environmental Science. She lives in Victoria with her family.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Next Meeting: Monday, December 6, 2010

2010-11-22T10:18:00.000-08:00

The next meeting of the Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable is happening on Monday, December 6, 2010, 7:30 pm at the Nellie McClung Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library, (Cedar Hill & McKenzie). Doors Open at 7:00 pm, come and browse the Cadboro Bay Books table.
As always, everyone is welcome! Cost: $5.00 at the door, Students $4.00, $25.00/year

Our guest speaker will be Caroll Simpson.

Caroll is visiting us from her remote fishing lodge, Ookpik Wilderness Lodge, in the northern interior of B.C. She spends the off-season writing, painting and observing animals and nature. She is the author/illustrator of The First Beaver (2008) and The First Mosquito (2010), and will tell us about the creation of these original First Peoples of the Pacific Northwest creation stories.

Hope to see you there!

Next Meeting: Monday, November 8, 2010 at 7:30pm

2010-10-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! The next meeting of the Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable will take place on Monday, November 8, 2010 at 7:30pm at the Nellie McClung Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library, (Cedar Hill & McKenzie).

Doors Open at 7:00 pm, come early and browse the Cadboro Bay Books table.

Everyone welcome! Cost: $5.00 at the door, Students $4.00, $25.00/year

Guest Speakers: Kim LaFave and Gary Kent

Meet award-winning children's illustrator Kim LaFave and former fisherman Gary Kent as they talk about their new book, Fishing with Gubby. Based on true events and partly told in graphic novel style, the story follows Gubby as he journeys up BC’s west coast, and recounts his adventures during a summer of commercial salmon fishing.

Look forward to seeing you there!

Next Meeting: Monday, October 18, 2010

2010-09-30T11:21:00.000-07:00

The next meeting of the Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable will take place on Monday, October 18th at 7:30pm at the Nellie McClung Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library (McKenzie and Cedar Hill).

Our speaker will be Tara Saracuse.

Tara Saracuse is a graduate of the Creative Writing program at the University of Victoria. Island Kids, the third book in the Courageous Kids series, is Tara’s first book—and she hopes it is the first of many. Tara lives on a small hobby farm in North Saanich with her two lovely cats and her partner, Steve.

2010-09-30T11:15:00.000-07:00

The Writers' Union of Canada generously funded our guest speaker Frank B. Edwards.

We're Back! Next Meeting September 20, 2010

2010-09-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

After a summer hiatus, the Victoria Children's Roundtable is back in action. Our next meeting takes place on Monday, September 20, 2010 at 7:30pm at Nellie McClung Library, 3950 Cedar Hill Rd. (near McKenzie) in the program room. Access is from the parking lot off Garnet St.

Our first presenter of the season is Frank B. Edwards.

Frank B. Edwards is co-founder of Bungalo Books and well-known author of 40 books, such as Mortimer Mooner Stopped taking a Bath.
He will talk about his latest books, including a biography of Robert Munsch, as well as the writing process.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

May Meeting Info

2010-05-03T22:25:00.000-07:00

Our last meeting of the season will take place on Monday, May 17, 2010, 7:30 pm at the Nellie McClung Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library, (Cedar Hill & McKenzie).

Doors Open at 7:00 pm, come and browse the Cadboro Bay Books table.

Everyone welcome! Cost: $5.00 at the door, Students $4.00, $25.00/year. Monthly meetings will resume in September.

Our presenter for May is Carolyn Hart.

Carolyn Hart is a mother of two boys, a teacher, a children’s book reviewer and the B.C. Regional Officer for the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. She makes presentations about early literacy and outstanding children’s books to parent groups and professional organizations throughout British Columbia.

Carolyn will speak on Cultural Diversity in Children’s Picture Books.

This workshop will introduce numerous new picture books that celebrate our cultural diversity. As well, we will look at activities and games that match the themes of the featured books. When we make wise choices with the books we read to children, we can help diminish stereotyping and help youngsters develop respect for human diversity and curiosity about our world.

See you on May 17th!

No Roundtable Meeting In March

2010-03-09T21:53:00.000-08:00

The Victoria Childrens' Literature Roundtable will be joining the children of Victoria in their extended Spring Break this year, but we will return on April 26th, 2010 with another stellar presenter: Jeremy Tankard.

Jeremy Tankard is the author and illustrator of several books, including the best-selling, and the critically acclaimed, Grumpy Bird (Scholastic Press, 2007). Grumpy Bird has been nominated for many awards including the Blue Spruce Award 2008, The Shining Willow Award 2008, and the Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award 2008—a truly outstanding achievement for a first book. His most recent book, Boo Hoo Bird (Scholastic Press, 2009), received a starred review in Quill and Quire in January 2009.

Jeremy’s illustrations have appeared in many major magazines and newspapers including Time, Fortune, the New York Times, the Globe and Mail and the Boston Globe. He has been recognized by American Illustration magazine, the Society of Illustrators in New York City, and the American Association of Educational Publishers. His work has been exhibited in New York, Toronto and Calgary.

Join in the fun: Monday, April 26, 2010, 7:30 pm at the Nellie McClung Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library,(Cedar Hill & McKenzie).

For More Information: 250-598-3694

Doors Open at 7:00 pm, come and browse the Cadboro Bay Books table.
Everyone welcome! Cost: $5.00 at the door, Students $4.00, $25.00/year

Contest Time!

2010-02-21T22:17:00.000-08:00

How would you like to win a $75 gift certificate to Cadboro Bay Books this spring? To be eligible, all you need to do is have a current membership to the VCLR and bring a friend to one of our monthly meetings. Bring a friend to three meetings and your name will be entered three times!

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Next Roundatable Meeting: Monday, February 15, 2010

2010-02-03T23:11:00.000-08:00

Our next meeting is happening on Monday, February 15, 2010, 7:30 pm at Nellie McClung Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library, (Cedar Hill & McKenzie). Doors Open at 7:00 pm, come and browse the Cadboro Bay Books table.

Everyone welcome! Cost: $5.00 at the door, Students $4.00, $25.00/year

February's meeting features Sarah Harvey. Harvey caught the bookselling bug at fifteen when she got a part-time job at Ivy's Bookshop. She went back to university in her thirties, when her children were three and ten. After graduating with a degree in English she worked as the trade book buyer at the University of Victoria Bookstore for fifteen years. She currently works as a children's book editor.

She started writing reviews for the Globe and Mail in 1988 and had book columns in both the Times Colonist and Monday Magazine. In 1999, she became friends with author Carol Shields who invited her to submit an essay, entitled "Mother, Interrupted," to Dropped Threads 2, published in 2001. Carol also suggested that she consider writing children's books; now Sarah is the author of four books for children: Puppies on Board, The West is Calling, Bull’s Eye, and The Lit Report.

“Playing with Story” workshop with Margaret Read MacDonald

2009-12-15T23:23:00.000-08:00

Learn several lively audience-participation folktales and leave ready-to-tell. Plan a story time for the week following the workshop so you can put your new tales to use! The workshop will also include a brief discussion of the art of the folktale picture book and the path a folktale takes from traditional teller to published book. Bibliographies for more telling resources will be provided.

Dr. Margaret Read MacDonald is an internationally renowned and respected storyteller, folklorist, children’s librarian, and author of numerous essential story-telling books. Her workshops empower the beginning teller, quickly turning novices into eager tellers. For more information, visit: www.margaretreadmacdonald.com

Saturday, January 16, 2010 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Central Library, Greater Victoria Public Library (735 Broughton Street, Victoria, BC) Cost: IslandLink Member Libraries – no charge. All others: BCLA members - $30.00 per person, non-BCLA members - $40.00 per person.
Registration deadline: December 31, 2009

For more information, please call Katherine Anderson at 250-383-9409 or email kanderson@islandlink.bclibrary.ca

Sponsored by IslandLink Library Federation, British Columbia Library Association and Greater Victoria Public Library

Next Roundtable Meeting: Monday, January 18, 2010

2009-12-15T23:08:00.000-08:00

Our next meeting will take place on Monday, January 18, 2010 at 7:30pm at the Nellie McClung Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library. Our speaker will be Mike Deas.

Mike Deas is an Illustrator living and working in Victoria, British Columbia. Currently he is illustrating the graphic novel series Graphic Guide Adventures by Author Liam O’Donnell. His love for comics comes from an early age reading and drawing while growing up on Saltspring Island, British Columbia.   Capilano Collage’s Commercial Animation Program in Vancouver helped Mike fine tune his drawing skills and imagination. Work as a concept artist, texture artist and art director in the video game industry took Mike to England and California. For More information visit him at www.deasillustration.com.

Great Books for the Children on Your List

2009-12-11T21:45:00.000-08:00

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 Seasons by 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

December Roundtable Meeting

2009-11-22T21:03:00.000-08:00

Please join us for our next Roundtable Meeting on Monday, December 7, 2009 at 7:30pm. Our presenter will be Penny Draper.

Penny is an author, a bookseller, and a storyteller who lives in Victoria, BC. Originally from Toronto, she received a degree in Literature from Trinity College, University of Toronto and on the side, attended the Storytellers’ School of Toronto. For many years, Penny shared tales as a professional storyteller at schools, libraries, conferences, festivals, and on radio and television. She has told stories in an Arabian harem and from inside a bear’s belly – but that is a story in itself.

Penny Draper’s first juvenile fiction novel,Terror at Turtle Mountain was a finalist for the Silver Birch Young Reader’s Choice Award in Ontario, as well as the Diamond Willow Award, the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People and Book of the Year for the ForeWord Magazine Awards in the USA. It is part of Coteau Books for Kids Disaster Strikes! Series. The series also includes Penny’s second book, Peril at Pier Nine, and her latest, Graveyard of the Sea.

Penny will show slides and tell us about her research for the Disaster Strikes! series. She is also going to treat us to some storytelling.

In the Spirit of the Holidays...

There will be Christmas goodies to enjoy and please don't forget to bring gently used children's books to donate to a literacy project of our choice.

November 16, 2009 Roundtable Meeting: Adrienne Kress

2009-11-04T23:32:00.000-08:00

Our next Roundtable Meeting is taking place on Monday, November 16, 2009 at 7:30pm and will feature Adrienne Kress.

Adrienne Kress is a writer and actress born and raised in Toronto, Canada. It was only natural that Adrienne, the daughter of two high school English teachers, should fall in love with both creating and performing the written word. Adrienne wrote her first novel, Alex and the Ironic Gentleman, while living in the UK.

Although Alex is Adrienne’s first book, it was snapped up almost immediately by publishers around the world. It earned a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly, and Adrienne was featured in the New York Post’s “Post Potter Picks” column (August 18, 2007) as one of six authors who have a chance to fill the void left by J.K. Rowling.

Timothy and the Dragon’s Gate was released in January 2009. It is both a sequel to Alex and the Ironic Gentleman and a stand-alone novel. The protagonist, Timothy, has his adventure at the same tome as the Alex has hers, meeting up with her halfway through the novel. It is being published by 5 publishers in 4 languages (so far) and has garnered rave reviews from Quill and Quire and Publisher’s Weekly.

Her short story “The Portal” is a part of the Wow! 365 anthology published by Scholastic, UK.

2009-2010 Red Cedar Book Award Nominees

2009-10-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

Red Cedar Information Nominees 2009-2010

Arctic Adventures: Tales from the Lives of Inuit Artists by Raquel Rivera, ill.by Jirina Marton

Breakout Dinosaurs: Canada’s Coolest, Scariest Ancient Creatures—Return! by Hugh Brewster and the curators of the Royal Ontario Museum, ill.by Alan Barnard

Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose: the Story of a Painting by Hugh Brewster

Cowboys and Coffin Makers: One Hundred 19^th Century Jobs You Might Have Feared or Fancied by Laurie Coulter, ill.by Martha Newbigging

Factory Girl by Barbara Greenwood

How Soccer Works by Keltie Thomas, ill. by Stephen MacEachern

The Kids Book of Canada at War by Elizabeth MacLeod, ill. by John Mantha

Kids Who Rule: the Remarkable Lives of Five Child Monarchs by Charis Cotter

Mirror with a Memory : a Nation’s Story in Photographs by Janice Weaver

The Siege: Under Attack in Renaissance Europe by Stephen Shapiro, ill.by John Mantha

The Strongest Man in the World: Louis Cyr by Nicolas Debon

Sweet!: the Delicious Story of Candy by Ann Love and Jane Drake, ill. by Claudia Davila

This is My Planet: the Kids Guide to Global Warming by Jan Thornhill

Red Cedar Fiction Nominees 2009-2010

Alex and the Ironic Gentleman by Adrienne Kress

A Perfect, Gentle Knight by Kit Pearson

The Castaways by Iain Lawrence

Darkwing by Kenneth Oppel

Dear Jo by Christina Kilbourne

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

Eye of the Crow by Shane Peacock

Hamish X and the Hollow Mountain by- Seán Cullen

Honey Cake by Joan Betty Stuchner and illustrated by Cynthia Nugent

If I Die Before I Wake by Jean Little

Sacred Leaf by Deborah Ellis

Safe as Houses by Eric Walters

Schooled by Gordon Korman

The Secret of Grim Hill by Linda DeMeulemeester

Thora and the Green Sea-Unicorn by Gillian Johnson

Our thanks to the Red Cedar Fiction selection committee:

Pam McLeod, Victoria Miles, Joy Gugeler, Randi Robin and Tammy Fielden.

For more information, check out the Red Cedar Website

October Roundtable Meeting:

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Monday, October 19, 7:30 pm at the Nellie McClung Library

Under the Reading Tree

Can you imagine life without any books to read? Find out how reading can break the cycle of poverty and effect positive changes in East Africa. Victoria author Lisa Lynam will present a slide show about her experiences in Uganda, where she worked with the Canadian organization "Under the Reading Tree" whose mission is to bring literacy to poverty-stricken communities.

Lisa is an athlete and has written a book called Triathalon for Women: a Mind-Body-Spirit Approach for Female Athletes (New York: Meyer & Meyer Sport, c2007).

Next Roundtable Presentation: September 28, 2009

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with Hazel Hutchins

We are pleased to announce our first Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable meeting of the fall will take place on Monday, September 28, 2009 and will feature the very talented Hazel Hutchins.

Hazel is the author of over forty books for children spanning a kaleidoscope of age groups and interests. Most recent titles include the award-winning picture book Mattland, the fact-filled middle reader novel TJ and the Quiz Kids, and the more serious YA title After. Her lively presentations encourage young readers and writers across Canada to delight in the magic of story on all levels. Hazel makes her home in Canmore, Alberta.

You can learn more about Hazel on her website. See you at the meeting!

May 25, 2009: Chris Tougas

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Our last meeting of the year is on Monday, May 25th at 7:30 pm, at the Nellie McClung Library at Cedar Hill Rd. & McKenzie Ave. (back entrance, library is closed). Chris Tougas, a writer-illustrator with nine children's books to his name, will be speaking.

For the last 10 years Chris has worked as both a concept developer and character designer for film, television and new media companies such as Disney, Warner Brothers, Universal, Sesame Workshop, Bardel Entertainment, Animation Lab, Nelvana, Fox and many others.

Chris's recent work with Canadian companies has received wide recognition. Concept and design direction for location-based game development company, Blister Entertainment's, Mobile Pooch helped earn the runner up spot for the Navtec Global Challenge. Design work and commercial direction for the Alberta Chiropractic Association's television campaign earned an Ace advertising award and most recently, designs for Hotrocket Studio's C.I.E. project contributed toward winning first place in the 2007 Kidscreen International Pitch-It competition in New York City. Chris brings highly valued expertise in character and concept development; skills that are acutely tuned to merchandising and other business development triggers.

Chris' recent book Mechanimals has been nominated for the BC Chocolate Lilly and the Saskatchewan Willow award. It was runner up for best illustrated book by the Canadian Library Association and won the Alcuin Award for excellence in book design and the City of Victoria's Bolen Book award.

Chris has several new picture books in development. You can check out his blog at http://christougas.blogspot.com/

Next Meeting: April 20, 2009

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Our next meeting is fast approaching. On Monday, April 20, at 7:30 pm, at the Nellie McClung Library at Cedar Hill Rd. & McKenzie Ave. (back entrance, library is closed), we will hear Diane Swanson, a very prolific writer of children's non-fiction, speak.

Diane Swanson is a full-time author who gets her inspiration from the natural world. Swanson encourages young writers to "Write what really excites you. No matter what your subject is, if you let your excitement shine through your words, you'll grab your readers' interest." Creating engaging and factual books for children is definitely what excites Diane Swanson.

For more info about Diane and her books, please visit http://www.authorviews.com/authors/swanson.php

Our last meeting is Monday, May 25 and will be a presentation by Mark Tougas, author and illustrator of Mechanimals, winner of the first Bolen Book Prize last November, 2008. More information to follow.

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Kristin Butcher-Monday, February 23, 2009

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Looking into the Prism—Three Sides to Every Story

It takes inspiration, perspiration, and a healthy knowledge of the craft of writing to shape a story. But it's the writer's personal experiences that breathe life into it, and it's the reader's personal experiences that unearth its soul.

Join Kristin Butcher as she examines the reflective qualities of the writing process—where stories come from, what makes them credible, poignant, and memorable, and most importantly, what makes them unique.

Please join us on Monday, February 23rd, 7:30 pm at the Nellie McClung branch of GVPL to hear Kristin and be sure to visit kristinbutcher.com and learn all about this fantastic author.

Next Presentation: Monday, January 19, 2009 at 7pm

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We have two excellent presenters lined up for our next meeting. Check out their bios below:

Robin Stevenson spent 10 years working as a counselor and social worker before beginning a new career as an author. Robin’s first YA novel, Out of Order, was published in the fall of 2007 and was a Canadian Children's Book Centre Best Books starred selection. She has since published four more novels: a sports adventure novel called Dead in the Water, a juvenile novel called Impossible Things, a YA reluctant reader called Big Guy, and her newest release, a teen novel called A Thousand Shades of Blue. A sixth novel for teens, Inferno, will be published in the spring of 2009. Robin grew up in England and Ontario, and now lives in Victoria, BC.

Author Website: www.robinstevenson.com

Michelle Mulder loves writing about kids who seize life’s opportunities. Her early readers, Maggie and the Chocolate War, and Yeny and the Children for Peace, are based on true stories of children who banded together to improve their world. Originally a freelance travel writer, Michelle began writing for children in 2006 with the release of the first picture book of the Theodore Too series. She has since published two more picture books (both in the Theodore Too series) and two early readers. Orca Publishers will be releasing her third early reader, After Peaches, in Fall 2009.

Author website: www.michellemulder.com

Happy New Year!

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It's a new year for the Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable with lots of exciting events on the horizon. Here's a sneak peek at some of our upcoming speakers:

January 19, 2009: Robin Stevenson & Michelle Mulder - new voices in Canadian Children's Literature

February 23, 2009: Kirstin Butcher- talks about her books

May 25, 2009: Chris Tougas - Mechanimal, winner of first Bolen Book prize for children

Check back soon for more info!

Award Winners

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TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award

On November 6, the $20,000 prize for the most distinguished English book of the year was awarded to Christopher Paul Curtis for Elijah of Buxton.

Nominees for the prestigious award were:
Carnation, Lily, Lily, Rose: The Story of a Painting by Hugh Brewster, with paintings by John Singer Sargent
Darkwing by Kenneth Oppel
Eye of the Crow: The Boy Sherlock Holmes, His First Case by Shane Peacock
Please, Louise! Written by Frieda Wishinsky, illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay
________________________________________________________________
Also awarded on November 6 in Toronto:

Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction
At Vimy Ridge: Canada’s Greatest World War I Victory by Hugh Brewster

Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award
Please, Louise! Written by Frieda Wishinsky, illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay

Prix TD de littérature canadienne pour l’enfance et la jeunesse
Un cadeau pour Sophie by Gilles Vigneault, illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch.
_____________________________________________________________________________
And in Victoria…

Bolen Books Children’s Book Prize

On October 16, Chris Tougas was awarded $5,000 and named the winner of the 1st Bolen Books prize for his picture book, Mechanimals.

The titles shortlisted:
Corps of the Bare-Boned Plane by Polly Horvath
A Perfect Gentle Knight by Kit Pearson

Upcoming Roundtable Events

2008-11-06T09:28:00.000-08:00

Canadian Children's Book Week Touring Author Eric Zweig is coming November 17, 2008

Our November meeting features Canadian author Eric Zweig.

Eric Zweig is the author of numerous sports books for young readers. His titles include Hockey Trivia for Kids, Long Shot; How the Winnipeg Falcons won the First Olympic Hockey Gold and Star Power: the Legend and Lore of Cyclone Taylor.

By the age of 10, Eric was already a budding sports fanatic who was filling his school news books with game reports instead of current events. He has been writing professionally about sports and sports history since graduating from Trent University in 1985 with a degree in Political Studies. His articles have been printed in numerous Canadian publications including The Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Sun, The Ottawa Citizen, The Calgary Herald and The Beaver. He has also been a writer/producer with CBC Radio Sports and TSN SportsRadio.

Programs are held at Nellie McClung Library, 3950 Cedar Hill Rd. (near McKenzie) in the program room. Access is from the parking lot off Garnet St. & start at 7:30.

Drop-ins welcome. $5/$4 students

Storytelling with Peg Hasted and Jennifer Ferris on December 1, 2008

Our December meeting will feature the storytelling talents of Peg Hasted and Jennifer Ferris.

Peg Hasted is an early childhood educator who has worked with young children for over 17 years. Her well-crafted stories delight listeners of all ages at schools, libraries, festivals and community events. A recipient of the Alice Kane Award (for storytelling research/development) Peg took her tales to Ontario in 2005 as part of the TD Canadian Children’s Book Week Tour. She also gives workshops, offers individual and group coaching, and can help link the art of storytelling to classroom curriculum.

Victoria storyteller, Jennifer Ferris, has been active for 15 years in schools, at community events and festivals. As an Education Assistant she has had an opportunity to share her stories with all grades from K to 12, tailoring the story to the curriculum, to situation and just for fun. She has organized storytelling clubs in elementary school, working with students in different aspects of story and has provided many storytelling opportunities for her young tellers including a storytelling venue at the Commonwealth Games. In high school, Jennifer works with students with Autism and brain injury using story to teach as, a calming tool, to allow students to tell the stories of their lives and as an opportunity for students to perform for peers and in the larger community. Her interest and connection to the history of Vancouver Island has provided many storytelling opportunities. Jennifer’s family arrived in Victoria in 1858 in time for the gold rush on the Fraser River and, later, in the Caribou. Family stories, given to her by her grandmother, and her own research have helped Jennifer to develop a number of stories on that period. Jennifer’s Chinese daughter in law, a new Canadian and also a storyteller, has encouraged her to write stories of the Chinese experience of those early years of Vancouver Island. In addition to her own stories, she also entertains audiences with world myths and tales of magic and transformation from around the world. She gives workshops to adults and children and she is very interested in promoting storytelling in the family.

Finalists for the 2008 Governor General's Literary Awards Announced

On October 21, 2008, the Canada Council for the Arts announced the finalists for the 2008 Governor General’s Literary Awards. The finalists include authors from ages 28 to 77, several previous finalists and three first-time finalists who are journalists. The awards are in the categories of fiction, non‑fiction, poetry, drama, children’s literature (text and illustration) and translation.

Click for all the details

2008-09-21T21:57:00.000-07:00

Margriet Ruurs Featured Speaker in September

Join us on September 22nd to hear award winning author, Margriet Ruurs.

Margriet writes children's and educational materials. She has a Master's Degree in Education from Simon Fraser University and has studied the use of technology in teaching reading and writing to children. "I love to use my imagination and to dream up stories" says this creator of many books for children.

Margriet particularly enjoys speaking with school children, teaching them writing and suggesting good books. She has written more than 20 books and had two of her picture books included in the Read Now BC literacy initiative that provides a picture book for every kindergarten student in the province. Her titles include: Animal Alphabet, Big Little Dog, Emma and the Coyote, Emma at the Fair, Emma’s Cold Day, Emma’s Eggs, In My Backyard, Logan’s Lake, Me and Martha Black, Ms Bee’s Magical Bookcase, A Mountain Alphabet, My Librarian is a Camel, No Dogs Allowed, On the Write Track, A Pacific Alphabet, The Power of Poems, Spectacular Spiders,Virtual Maniac, Wake Up, Henry Rooster! When We Go Camping, Wild Babies.

Books will be available for sale during the evening.

Our program begins at 7:30 pm, but come early so you have lots of time to browse.

*Note that our meetings will now be held a the Nellie McClung Branch of the Greater Victoria Public Library (3950 Cedar Hill Rd.)

Winners of the 2008 BC Book Prizes

BCLA’s Sheila A. Egoff Literature Prize
The Corps of the Bare-Boned Plane by Polly Horvath

Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize
A Sea Wishing Day
by Robert Heidbreder, illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton

More Children’s Literary Winners …

Chocolate Lily Award
The Chocolate Lily is a book award for British Columbia authors and illustrators, chosen by children. Every year, children in grades K to 8 from across the province are invited to read books from the nominated list of BC picture books and chapter books/novels, and vote for their favourite.
Stanley’s Wild Ride by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Bill Slavin (2008 Picture Book)
Chasing the Moon by Penny Chamberlain (2008 Chapter Book/Novel)

Arthur Ellis Best Juvenile Crime
The Arthur Ellis Awards are chosen annually by the Crime Writers of Canada.
Eye of the Crow by Shane Peacock

Upcoming Events

Word on the Street – Sunday, September 28, Library Square, Vancouver

Sylvia Panaleo - October 20th, *Nellie McClung Branch Library* (Cedar Hill & McKenzie), for our Roundtable meeting next month –meeting begins at 7:30 pm, but doors open at 7 pm to browse for books.
Sylvia is an Associate Professor in UVic’s Faculty of Education and her topic will be “Multiplicity of the Post Modern Picture Book”. The Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable will be hosting

Shaun Tan at their Illustrator’s Breakfast – October 25th at Vancouver’s University Golf Club (Registration flyer available in [PDF] or [DOC] format).

TD Canadian Children’s Book Week – Nov 15-22
As part of Canadiann Children’s Book Week, the Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable is hoping to host popular sports author Eric Zweig for our meeting on November 17th. Zweig is a hockey aficionado and has written several books on the topic: Hockey Trivia for Kids and Hockey Trivia for Kids 2; Crazy Canucks: the Uphill Battle of Canada's Downhill Ski Team; Star Power: the Legend and Lore of Cyclone Taylor; Long Shot; How the Winnipeg Falcons won the First Olympic Hockey Gold; A Century of Hockey Heroes; Goals; Saves

During November, grade 1 students across Canada will be receiving a copy of Too Many Books by Giles Tibo and illustrated by Bruno St-Aubin

Great Reads

Red Glass by Laura Resau
The author of What the Moon Saw has written another superb book that is largely set in a remote area of Mexico. Living near the Mexican border in Arizona, Sophie's family rescue 6 yr old Pedro after his parents have died of dehydration while trying to cross the border. Reluctant to adopt Pedro without the consent of his Mexican relatives, Sophie ends up making a challenging and life-changing road trip to Mexico with a recently acquainted Serbian aunt, her aunt's Guatemalan boyfriend, and his son. There is romance, adventure and suspense in this book that ends up taking Sophie all the way to Guatemala. Reviewed by Jennifer Rowan.

Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt
Late 1960’s suburban Long Island is the setting for Holling Hoodhood’s grade seven year. While the rest of his class spends Wednesday afternoons at Catholic lessons or the Jewish synagogue, Holling and his seemingly strict and uptight teacher, Mrs Baker, study Shakespeare. In this beautifully written coming-of-age story, readers are transported to a time when Vietnam was in the news, middle class kids were free from over scheduled lives and teachers weren’t scared to get involved in their student’s lives. Newbery Honor Book, 2008. Reviewed by Jennifer Rowan.

Teens at the Greater Victoria Public Library

We are just wrapping up another great Teen Summer Reading Club at GVPL. 89 Victoria teenagers participated in the online book club where they posted book reviews, participated in discussions about books and reading, and chatted to Canadian authors. Throughout the summer, teens attended programs at various Greater Victoria Public Library locations, including a writing workshop with local author Robin Stevenson, a workshop on drawing and writing graphic novels, and a Teen Council of youth contributed their point of view to library services.
The online Teen Summer Reading Club is part of Canada’s Teen Reading Club (www.teensrc.ca), a library-based initiative that includes almost 3,000 teenagers in seven provinces and two territories (so far!). TeenSRC is run by the British Columbia Library Association with the generous support of the British Columbia Ministry of Education, and the Greater Victoria Public Library. It was developed by library folks for teens interested in reading and connecting with other teen readers across the country.

This summer, Teen SRC included the opportunity to chat online with some of Canada’s leading authors for youth: Martha Brooks, Carrie Mac, Shyam Selvadurai, Polly Horvath, Susan Juby, Arthur Slade and Ann Walsh. Teens all over Canada could log on and interact with these writers. The writers gave lots of great information about how to become a writer, and the teens enjoyed an opportunity to “meet” a real author.

Teen Summer Reading Club appears as TRC, Teens’ Reading Club, throughout the school year. Please email info@teensrc.ca if you would like more information about the program and how to promote it with the book-loving teens you know!

Submitted by Kirsten Andersen, GVPL

Canadian YA Fiction: Honouring Diversity

Teachers working to encourage diversity will find a range of award-winning Canadian YA fiction that encourages teens to look more critically at homophobia in the high school.

Well-constructed, fast-moving sports stories offer good entry points for sports and action-oriented readers. In Diane Wieler’s Bad Boy, the protocols and practices of hockey structure the narrative, but the conflict hinges on A.J.’s appalled discovery that his best friend is gay. A.J.’s homophobic shock and confusion are played out in violence, on and off the ice, before the narrative is resolved.

Susan Juby’s (yes, she of the hilarious Alice trilogy) Another Kind of Cowboy, with its details of training for competitive dressage, will appeal to equine enthusiasts. It is a given that Alex is gay (“Real cowboys dreamed of girls with big hair and tight jeans…His dreams ran more to other cowboys”), but Alex’s real obsession is with his dressage ambitions. The adults in this well-plotted novel, are mainly, (as in the Alice books), feckless and foolish, which will delight the teen reader.

Sometimes gay parents are central. Martha Brooks’ Travelling On Into the Light follows an angry teen’s rapprochement with her gay father. Initially determined to dislike, sulk, and punish, the daughter finds herself won over by the new partner. And by the end, “ I was struck, all of a sudden, by my father’s courage. There is no other word for it.”

Nancy Belgue’s Soames On the Range provides a more lighthearted if sardonic tale. Cisco, the sensible 15-year-old son of flower-child parents, is odd-man-out when his father, the school guidance counselor, announces he is gay and moves in with his new partner.
In Glen Huser’s Stitches, Travis’ courage, talent, humour, and integrity illuminate the lives of his dysfunctional trailer park family and of his best friend, Chantelle, an equally talented girl with physical disabilities. But Travis’ gifts do not protect him from bullying that escalates to almost lethal levels in the unforgivingly macho school culture.

Sixteen-year-old Dylan, the likeable narrator of Beth Goobie’s Hello Groin has friends, a large affectionate family, and a faithful and attractive boyfriend. But her body’s insistent message is that it is her best friend who attracts her. This sensitive, courageous, forthright book conveys the sexual pressures on adolescents who find themselves outside accepted gender norms of the high school world.

Paul Yee’s short stories, each with a different first-person narrator, include the cultural and parental tensions, the struggles with language, sexuality, and sexual orientation experienced by Chinese-Canadian teens. And Shyam Selvadurai sets Swimming in the Monsoon Sea in the Sri Lanka of his youth. Fourteen-year-old Amrith longs to appear in his school’s production of Othello. When he falls in love with his visiting Canadian cousin, the theme of disastrous jealously links art and life, and highlights “the capacities for racism, homophobia, sexism, and other injustices and hatreds present at all levels within a society.”
Written by Wendy Donawa, PhD

Did you know…
Effective October 2008, International School Library Day will be replaced with International School Library Month. Teacher-librarians will then be encouraged to select a day in October that works best for them.

Contests
Esso Imperial Oil Foundation will once again be sponsoring a writing contest for students in Grades 2-6. In honour of the 100th anniversary of Anne of Green Gables, children are encouraged to submit an original story or poem, written during the current school year, for a chance to win a $200 gift certificate to the bookstore of their choice. Deadline is Dec. 15, 2008. For a copy of the flyer and entry form, check out the website at http://www.bookweek.ca/writingcontest.html

Do you love stories?
The Victoria Storytellers Guild meets at 7:15 pm monthly at 1831 Fern Street.
All storytellers, would-be storytellers and listeners are welcome.
Suggested donation: $3.00
www.victoriastorytellers.org/calendar.html

Susan Juby - Coming to a Library Near You!

The Greater Victoria Public Library (GVPL) and Vancouver Island Regional Library (VIRL) are pleased to announce Susan Juby as their Writer in Residence for 2008/2009. This is a first Writer in Residence for these library systems and a wonderful opportunity for aspiring writers to learn more about the craft of writing.

Juby is an award-winning local writer recognized as one of the rising stars of Canadian young-adult writing. Her "Alice" trilogy: Alice, I Think, Miss Smithers, Alice MacLeod, Realist at Last are known around the world.

Juby started a degree in English Literature at the University of Toronto and finished it at the University of British Columbia. She is an experienced writing teacher, and has most recently been teaching novel writing workshops at the University of British Columbia, UBC Writing Centre.

She will begin her term in September 2008 when the Vancouver Island Regional Library will host her for a three-month residency. In January 2009 she will begin her three-month residency at the Greater Victoria Public Library.

The Writer in Residence is a community resource and literacy advocate. Juby will act as a mentor to writers in the community, reviewing manuscripts and providing criticism and advice about publishing. The program is supported through grant funding from the Canada Council for the Arts and additional funding from the Friends of the Library (VIRL and GVPL) and the Leon and Thea Koerner Foundation.

We are always looking for news and reviews relating to children’s books and publishing. If you would like to submit an interview, review, or article, please send your query to:
Jennifer Rowan: jenarowan@yahoo.ca

Authors, publishers, and publicists should send review copies and media releases to:
Editor - Roundtable News,340 Chester Ave,Victoria, BC V8V 4B6
For Roundt

Reminder: Monday, September 22 is our next meeting!

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Margriet Ruurs at the Nellie McClung Library, 7:30pm

Margriet is a seasoned presenter, former school board trustee, and the author of nearly two dozen books for children. She hosts a writing column in the International Reading Association's quarterly journal, and is the editor for KIDSWWWRITE, a web magazine that publishes writing by children.

Margriet, who currently lives in Oregon, will be available to visit schools September 22, 23. Don't miss your opportunity to have Margriet visit your school. Please contact her at margriet@margrietruurs.com.

Drop-ins Welcome! ($5 non-members/ $4 students)

Short-List for the 2008 Information Book Award

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The Children’s Literature Roundtables of Canada Proudly Announces…..

THE 2008 INFORMATION BOOK AWARD FINALISTS (NON-FICTION PUBLISHED IN 2007; LISTED ALPHABETICALLY)

Birds of Prey: An Introduction
by Robert Bateman with Nancy Kovacs. Scholastic/Madison Press.

Bugs Up Close
by Diane Swanson. Photographed by Paul Davidson. Kids Can Press.

Carnation, Lily, Lily Rose: The Story of a Painting
by Hugh Brewster. Kids Can Press.

How Soccer Works
by Keltie Thomas. Illustrated by Stephen MacEachern. Maple Tree Press.

One Well: The Story of Water on Earth
by Rochelle Strauss. Illustrated by Rosemary Woods. Kids Can Press.

This Is My Planet: The Kids’ Guide to Global Warming
by Jan Thornhill. Maple Tree Press.

ROUNDTABLES ACROSS CANADA WILL CONSIDER THESE FINALISTS AT THEIR FALL MEETINGS & VOTE FOR THEIR TOP THREE CHOICES IN EARLY NOVEMBER. THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON NOVEMBER 12 IN VANCOUVER. PRESENTATION OF THE AWARD WILL TAKE PLACE IN FEBRUARY 2009 AT THE VANCOUVER CHILDREN’S LITERATURE ROUNDTABLE SERENDIPITY CONFERENCE.

Further Information:
Lois Brymer, National Chair, Information Book Award Committee, jmbrymer@axion.net OR
Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable: http://www.library.ubc.ca/edlib/table

Author Margriet Ruurs to kick off our 2008/09 Season in September

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Summer is officially here, despite the cool temperatures. While the summer means kicking back with a cool drink and a good book for some of our Roundtable members, its a busy busy busy time for your steering committee. This is the time of the year when we evaluate the response to last year's programs, put together a budget for the upcoming year, and plan next season's program. Contacting, potential speakers, juggling their schedule along with the schedule of our venue, and applying for Canada Council grants are part of the summer work ahead. I am pleased to announce though that we have confirmation from our September speaker; Margriet Ruurs will be our season opener on Monday September 22. Margriet is a seasoned presenter, former school board trustee, and the author of nearly two dozen books for children. She hosts a writing column in the International Reading Association's quarterly journal, and is the editor for KIDSWWWRITE, a web magazine that publishes writing by children. Watch for more details. Margriet, who currently lives in Oregon, will be available to visit schools September 22, 23. Don't miss your opportunity to have Margriet visit your school. Please contact her at margriet@margrietruurs.com.

Can. Lit Award Round-up

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Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize

WINNER:

The Corps of the Bare-Boned Plane
Written by Polly Horvath
Published by Groundwood Books (2007)

Like her National Book Award-winning The Canning Season, The Corps of the Bare-Boned Plane is filled with plot twists and extraordinarily strange characters. It is also a moving meditation on loss and finding family in the most unlikely places. Following the death of their parents, two cousins are sent to live with their distant, scholarly uncle and his eccentric house staff. Told in four characters’ voices, the novel is a layered account of one bad year from multiple points of view linking humour and pain. Polly Horvath has written many award-winning books for children and young adults, including The Trolls and Everything on a Waffle, which won the Sheila Egoff Prize in 2002. She lives in Victoria.

Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize
Supported by Kate Walker and Company

WINNER:

A Sea-Wishing Day
Written by Robert Heidbreder
Illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton
Published by Kids Can Press (2007)

On a hot summer day, a wish transforms an urban backyard into a place of breezy high-seas adventure. As our bold Captain and Skipper ride the salty waves, they encounter a beastly sea monster, buried treasure, a scurvy pirate crew, lovely mermaids and more. The creative pair who brought you the acclaimed I Wished for a Unicorn offer up another celebration of the boundless distances a childhood wish can travel. A retired elementary school teacher, Robert Heidbreder has been enchanting children with his joyful poems and rhymes for more than two decades. His 2005 book, Drumheller Dinosaur Dance, won the BC Chocolate Lily Young Readers’ Choice Award. Kady MacDonald Denton is an author and illustrator of books for children and lives in Peterborough, Ontario

Hackmatack Children's Choice Book Award 2008 (NB)

English Fiction

No Safe Harbour: The Halifax Explosion Diary of Charlotte Blackburn
Written by Julie Lawson
Published by Scholastic Canada

English Non-Fiction

Hiding Edith
Written by Kathy Kacer
Published by Second Story Press

2008 Manitoba Book Awards Winners Announced

The Younger category of this award was deferred to 2009.

McNally Robinson Book for Young People Award—Older Category

WINNER:

Sandbag Shuffle
Written by Kevin Marc Fournier
Published by Thistledown Press (2007)

Results are in for the Red Cedar and Stellar Awards

Red Cedar information book winner:
Bill Slavin for Transformed: How Everyday Things are Made (Kids Can Press)

Red Cedar fiction winner:
Pamela Porter for The Crazy Man (Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press)

Stellar Award winner:
Diane Tullson, Red Sea (Orca Books)

Finalists for the Arthur Ellis Best Juvenile Crime Award (announced June 5)
Racing for Diamonds Written by Anita Daher Published by Orca Book Publishers
Spider’s Song Written by Anita Daher Publlished by Puffin Canada/Penguin Group (Canada)
I.D. Written by Vicki Grant Published by Orca Book Publishers
Eye of the Crow Written by Shane Peacock Published by Tundra Books
The Night Wanderer Written by Drew Hayden Taylor Published by Annick Press

Martha Brooks wins Vicky Metcalf Award
Martha Brooks of Winnipeg received the Vicky Metcalf Award for Children's Literature. Sponsored by the George Cedric Metcalf Charitable Foundation, this award, which carries a $15,000 prize, is awarded to a writer of children's literature for a body of work.
Jury comments: “Her novels and short stories push the boundaries of the young adult genre in terms of character, situation, and theme, the result of which is works notable for their depth and resonance.”
Jury members: Nora Flynn (St. John’s), Jean Little (Guelph, Ontario) and Susan Perren (Toronto).

The shortlisted titles for the 2008 Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award are: Announced May 20.
Ben's Bunny Trouble Illustrated by Daniel Wakeman & Dirk van Stralen (Orca Book Publishers)
Birds of Prey: An Introduction Illustrated by Robert Bateman with Nancy Kovacs (Scholastic/Madison Press)
ChesterIllustrated and written by Mélanie Watt (Kids Can Press)
Grumpy Bird Illustrated and written by Jeremy Tankard(Scholastic Press)
I am Raven Illustrated by Andy EversonWritten by David Bouchard (MTW Publishers)
Lickety-Split Illustrated by Dušan Petričić Written by Robert Heidbreder (Kids Can Press)
Marja's Skis Illustrated by Jirina Marton Written by Jean E. Pendziwol (Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press)
Mechanimals Illustrated and written by Chris Tougas (Orca Book Publishers)
My New Shirt Illustrated by Dušan Petričić Written by Cary Fagan
(Tundra Books)
Painted Circus Illustrated and written by Wallace Edwards (Kids Can Press)
Pink Illustrated by Luc Melanson Written by Nan Gregory Groundwood Books/House of Anansi Press)

CLA Announces 2008 Young Adult Book Award Shortlist (13-18)
The Space Between Written by Don Aker (HarperCollins)

Mistik Lake Written by Martha Brooks (Groundwood Books)
For Now Written by Gayle Friesen (Kids Can Press)
The Corps of the Bare-Boned Plane Written by Polly Horvath (Groundwood Books)
How It Happened in Peach Hill Written by Marthe Jocelyn(Tundra Books)
Another Kind of Cowboy Written by Susan Juby(HarperCollins)
Retribution Written by Carrie Mac (Penguin)
Eye of the Crow Written by Shane Peacock(Tundra Books)
Into the Ravine Written by Richard Scrimger Tundra Books)
Better than Blonde Written by Teresa Toten (Penguin)

Dean Griffiths May 12,08

2008-04-23T15:43:00.000-07:00

Dean Griffiths was born and raised in Duncan, on Vancouver Island. His mother claims that when Dean was a toddler he wouldn’t eat his meals until she read him a story. During his elementary school years he was more interested in drama than
drawing. That all changed when, at the age of 12, he bought a copy of Ironman # 135. Halfway through the comic book, he knew that he wanted to be
a comic book artist. For the next few years Dean spent every spare minute drawing, creating his own comics and filling them with his own characters.
He credits the book How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way by Stan Lee and John
Buscema as his main instruction in life drawing during this time.
Dean struggled in school and even failed art in grade ten. Thankfully,
during his last two years of high school Dean found a mentor in his
principal, Jerry Brewer. Mr. Brewer was an accomplished artist himself, and
he encouraged Dean to keep drawing.

In 1986 Dean moved to Vancouver where he worked for a computer graphics company for two years before finding himself back on Vancouver Island. In 1995 Dean dropped off some samples of his work at Orca Book Publishers in Victoria. He was immediately called back and soon after signed on to illustrate his first children's book, The Patchwork House, written by Sally Fitz-Gibbon. He has been happily illustrating children’s books ever since.

Ali & Lora's Must Have Books for Spring 08

2008-04-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

Kate Walker & Company’s Best of Spring 2008; a list of must have books from Ali Hewitt and Lorna MacDonald

Art’s Supplies; Mechanimals by Chris Tougas (Orca Books)

Buttercup’s Lovely Day by Carolyn Beck (Orca Books)

Forestry A-Z by Ann Walsh & Kathleen Cook Waldron (Orca Books)

Emily Carr’s Attic by Diane Leger (Orca Books)

Jeffrey & Sloth by Kari-Lynn Winters (Orca Books)

Siwiti by Alexandra Morton (Orca Books)

Chester; Scaredy Squirrel; Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend; Scaredy Squirrel at the Beach by Melanie Watt (Kids Can Press)

Stanley’s Party; Stanley’s Wild Ride; Stanley at Sea by Linda Bailey (Kids Can Press)

Looking Closely Through the Forest; Looking Closely Along the Shore by Frank Serafini (Kids Can Press)

Bugs up Close by Diane Swanson (Kids Can Press)

One Hen by Katie Smith Milway (Kids Can Press)

Lily and the Paperman by Rebecca Upjohn (Second Story Press)

Maggie and the Chocolate War by Michelle Mulder (Second Story Press)

Lord of the Forest by Caroline Pitcher (Frances Lincoln)

Freckleface Strawberry by Julianne Moore (Bloomsbury USA)

Claire and the Bakery Thief by Janice Poon (Kids Can Press)

Elf the Eagle by Ron Smith (Oolichan Books)

Jake the Baker by PK Page (Oolichan Books)

Yellow Blues by Sean Moore (Raincoast Books)

Paleo Bugs by Timothy Bradley (Chronicle Books)

T is for Tugboat (Chronicle Books)

Like a Windy Day; The Sun is My Favorite Star; The Earth and I by Frank Asch (Harcourt Trade Publishers)

A Puppy is for Loving by Mary Labatt (Orca Books)

Klutzhood by Chris McMahon (Orca Books)

Wild Ride by Liam O’Donnell (Orca Books)

Orphan Ahwak by Raquel Rivera (Orca Books)

Still There, Clare; Not Fair, Clare; Double-Dare Clare by Yvonne Prinz (Raincoast Books)

Canadian Flyer Series by Frieda Wishinsky (Maple Tree Press)

Laugheteria by Douglas Florian (Harcourt Trade Publishers)

Time of the Thunderbird by Diane Silvey (Dundurn Press)

Reading the Bones by Gina McMurchy-Barber (Dundurn Press)

All-Season Edie by Annabel Lyon (Orca Books)

Impossible Things; Dead in the Water; Big Guy by Robin Stevenson (Orca Books)

Fouling Out by Gregory Walters (Orca Books)

Tweaked by Katherine Holubitsky (Orca Boks)

Gotcha by Shelley Hrdlitschka (Orca Books)

Pauline, BTW Series by Edeet Ravel (Raincoast Books)

XYZ Series by Karen Rivers (Raincoast Books)

Perfect Cut by Julie Burtinshaw (Raincoast Books)

She Loves You by Rhonda Batchelor (Dundurn Press)

April 7 Program Reminder

2008-04-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

Don't miss our next program on April 7 with Ali Hewitt & Lorna MacDonald who will share the best kids books of the season. See below for more details.

April 7 Program

2008-03-15T19:23:00.001-07:00

The Victoria Children’s Literature Roundtable is proud to present Best Kids Book Buys with book sales experts Ali Hewitt and Lorna MacDonald on April 7 at 7:30 at Spectrum Community School library, 957 Burnside Rd. $5.00 drop-in, $4.00/students, members free.

We Victorian’s love our booksellers. We rely on them to know our taste and to recommend the next great book for us to read. But who do booksellers love? Who keeps them in “the next great book” loop? Sales reps do according to a bookseller’s blog on Publisher’s Weekly. Lorna MacDonald & Ali Hewitt, two sales reps from Kate Walker’s Books, will give us the inside scoop on some great new titles from more than two dozen presses including publishers from Canada, the U.S., and Britain. Teachers, librarians, and parents won’t want to miss this informative evening.

Lorna MacDonald began her book career with Munro’s back in the days before it moved from its original Yates St. location. She earned her degree in Anthropology & History from the University of Manitoba and has worked for the BC Provincial Museum and for the provincial government in the Human Rights Department. After a stint with Sono Nis Press as a promotions manager, she moved to Stanton & MacDougall, which became later became Kate Walker & Co. Lorna is a favourite of Vancouver Island book sellers.

Ali Hewitt is the newest member of the Kate Walker & Co. team. She graduated from Carlton U. with an honors degree in history. Always a booklover, she began her career in the book business at Cadboro Bay Book Co. She completed the Summer Publishing Institute at Simon Fraser University, has presented “The Best in Kids Books” to Victoria Roundtable members on several occasions, and hosted a highly regarded kid’s book review blog. She is currently working out of Kate Walker’s Vancouver office.

Volunteer Opportunity

2008-03-07T13:40:00.000-08:00

Yep, it's that time again; planning time for 2008 Canadian Children's Book Week. I was the Vancouver Island Book Week tour coordinator last year but will be traveling this fall. If you love kid's books, want to meet some great teachers,l ibrarians & children's book creators, & have some free time, this volunteer job is for you! See the job description below for more details.

Book Week Coordinator Needed for Vancouver Island

Canadian Children’s Book Week is Canada’s largest celebration of reading and Canadian children’s books in schools and libraries, organized by the Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC). The first Book Week tour was held in 1977 and since then over 300 Canadian authors, illustrators and storytellers have toured throughout the country.

We have an exciting tour planned for 2008 in honour of the 100th anniversary of L.M. Montgomery’s Canadian classic, Anne of Green Gables. The Canadian Children's Book Centre will celebrate classic Canadian children’s books during Canadian Children's Book Week. Thirty authors, illustrators and storytellers will travel across the country visiting schools, libraries, bookstores and community centres from November 15 to 22, 2008.

The CCBC is looking for a Book Week Coordinator for the BC Vancouver Island tour. In the past, Vancouver Island has hosted a variety of author and illustrators including Ron Broda, Monique Polak, Ian Wallace, Ted Staunton, Ting-xing Ye, and William Brownridge.

This is a volunteer position; however, a $250.00 honorarium and complimentary membership to the CCBC will be provided.

The Book Week Coordinator will coordinate the author/illustrator tour of Vancouver Island by:
- Contacting and selecting host schools, libraries, bookstores and community centres (based on applications that are submitted).
- Acting as a liaison for authors and illustrators; arranging tour itineraries; booking travel and accommodations within budget available; meeting and escorting authors; driving or arranging volunteers to drive authors to locations when feasible/necessary.
- Actively promoting Book Week by contacting regional and local media.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Cora Lee, the CCBC’s British Columbia Regional Officer at bc@bookcentre.ca or 604 506-2693. If you know of anyone who may be interested, please forward this information to them.

A Perfect Gentle Knight with Kit Pearson

2008-01-27T10:55:00.000-08:00

The Roundtable is proud to present A Perfect Gentle Knight with award winning author Kit Pearson. As one of Canada's most accomplished writers for young people, Kit says "I think I have the best job in the world." And who could argue. Kit has been sharing the stories and characters she creates since her first book was published in 1986. Curiosity and a love of story are the creative sparks that ignite Pearson's fiction. If you're curious about her creative process or if you are looking for a perfect way to spend an evening, join us on February 11 at 7:30 at the Spectrum Community School library.

January 14th with author Linda Bailey

2008-01-08T15:50:00.000-08:00

Do plan to attend our first program of 2008 on January 14th when we will be welcoming author Linda Bailey. The program will begin at 7:30, but be sure to come early to browse the book table provided by Cadboro Bay Books.

The author of more than twenty books, Linda was born and grew up in Winnipeg. She traveled around the world, worked in England and Australia, and fortunately for us, settled in Vancouver where she earned a B.A. and an M.Ed. at the University of British Columbia. Linda describes herself as "an ex-college teacher, an ex-editor, an ex-travel agent."

Currently, she is the much loved author of the Stanley picture books (illustrated by Bill Slavin) as well as the Stevie Diamond mystery series, the Good Times Travel Agency books and more. Many of her books have now traveled around the world — just like her. Linda plans to share her passion for story structure and her keen interest in character archetypes, especially as they relate to her stories.

2007 Information Book Award Announced

2007-11-21T09:51:00.000-08:00

The Children’s Literature Roundtables of Canada proudly announces,

THE 2007 INFORMATION BOOK AWARD
WINNER
I Found a Dead Bird: The Kids’ Guide to the Cycle of Life and Death
by Jan Thornhill. Maple Tree Press

HONOUR BOOK
At Vimy Ridge: Canada’s Greatest World War I Victory
by Hugh Brewster. Scholastic Canada

The 2007 Information Book Award prize of $500 will be presented on February 23, 2008, at the Vancouver Children’s Literature Roundtable Serendipity Conference. Accolades and heartiest congratulations to Winner Jan Thornhill (Maple Tree Press) and to Honour Book recipient Hugh Brewster (Scholastic Canada). And… a round of applause for the other exceptional and worthy short-listed authors, illustrators and publishers: Deborah Hodge, John Mantha (illustrator) and Kids Can Press (The Kids Book of Canadian Immigration), Herb Shoveller and Kids Can Press (Ryan and Jimmy and the Well in Africa that Brought Them Together) and Val Ross and Tundra Books (You Can’t Read This: Forbidden Books, Lost Writing, Mistranslations and Codes).

Sincere thanks to everyone who participated in the voting process of this very special award that acknowledges excellence in Canadian non-fiction aimed at informing, inspiring and connecting young readers from coast to coast.

Lois Brymer, National Chair, Information Book Award Committee, jmbrymer@axion.net

Ron Broda and TD Canadian Children's Book Week

2007-11-07T16:54:00.000-08:00

Celebrate the Magic of Books during TD Canadian Children's Book Week from November 17-24
with Ron Broda one of Canada’s most renowned children's book illustrators and paper sculptors.

November 18, 2007
James Bay Community Centre Library
1-2 pm (for primary grades)
2:30-3:30pm (for intermediate grades)
*parents or guardians must attend with their children. (Free, but please reserve by phoning 598-5645 or emailing sheryl@sherylmcfarlane.ca)

November 19, 2007
7:30 pm
Spectrum Community School Library, 957 Burnside West
Entrance Free
Come early and browse the bookseller's table, and bring a friend!

illustrator
	biography... Ron Broda is a children's book illustrator and paper sculptor from Sarnia, Ontario. Born and raised in New Hamburg, Ontario, Ron was one of 11 children. He struggled as a student with ADD and learning disabilities, long before they had a name, or a method of accommodation. He shares these experiences, and how he overcame them, in several of his workshops and seminars. These very things that held Ron back as a student, have brought him great success as an illustrator and public speaker. Ron believes that children with learning differences should be encouraged to explore their unique talents and abilities. Ron has over 20 years of experience in advertising, art direction and commercial illustration. The medium of paper sculpture combines paper and water colour to create vivid illustrations with great detail and realism. They are labour intensive, and when photographed, have the ability to transform a 3-dimensional image onto the page of a book. Ron has used these skills for many ad campaigns and art pieces for such clients as Coca-Cola, Chrysler, and Xerox among others, and had the honour of being named "One of Canada's Top 5 Illustrators". Of the 12 books Ron has illustrated to date, his favorite book is The Little Crooked Christmas Tree. This book has since been made into a classic television production narrated by Christopher Plummer. Ron and his family enjoy watching it every Christmas on TV!
Ron enjoys visiting schools and libraries when he is not at work in his studio, and he is a strong supporter of delivering the curriculum through the arts. Many of his workshops can be specially designed by the teachers to make effective use out of the artistic talents of himself and those of the students. Ron is married with 3 children, one of whom shares his gifts of artistic talent AND unique learning style.
bibliography... In My Backyard (Tundra Books, 2007) *Why Animals Show Off* (Scholastic Canada, 2004) *Take a Closer Look* (Harcourt, 2004) *Butterflies* (Grosset & Dunlap, 2000) *Dinosaur (Digging Up A Giant)* (Scholastic Canada, 1999) *3D Paper Craft* (Scholastic Canada, 1997) *Have You Seen Bugs?* (Scholastic Canada, 1996) *Spider Lunch* (Grosset & Dunlap, 1995) *Waters* (Scholastic Canada, 1993) *Blue Jay Babies* (National Geographic, 1991) *Caterpillar Magic* (National Geographic, 1990) *The Little Crooked Christmas Tree* (Scholastic Canada, 1990)
awards... Dinosaur (Digging Up A Giant) Canadian Children's Book Centre Our Choice 2000 starred selection Bronze, 3Dimensional Art Directors and Illustrators Awards Show, Children's Book Category, 1999 Have You Seen Bugs? Ontario Library Association Canadian Materials Committee Best Bet, Non-Fiction Category, 1996 Bronze, 3Dimensional Art Directors and Illustrators Awards Show, Children's Book Inside Page Category, 1995 Bronze, 3Dimensional Art Directors and Illustrators Awards Show, Children's Book Complete Book Category, 1996 Shortlisted for the 1997 Canadian Library Association’s Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award Why Animals Show Off Recommended by the Canadian Toy Testing Council, 2004

praise for Ron Broda... Dear Ron, I am a grade 5 teacher at Jack Chambers P.S. who had the opportunity to listen to your presentation at our school today. I cannot tell you how timely your honest recounting of the difficulties and mis perceptions you faced as a child dealing with ADD were for so many children in my class, one in particular. I have a young man who for years has suffered from low self-esteem and this year was diagnosed with ADD. The diagnosis has done little to make him feel better about himself, but has certainly alerted family and teachers to his special needs. Although over the years everyone has told him that he is not "stupid" as he refers to himself, he has never believed it. I have a feeling that your words today finally hit home. Like you, he loves to draw and feels it is the only thing he is good at — and some days won't even give himself that credit. While he has difficulty with core subjects, particularly math and writing, he is incredibly talented at acting, drawing and communicating with people of all ages. I watched his face as you spoke today and could see the intensity with which he was listening. He came back to class after the lunch break and asked if instead of doing silent reading would he be able to.....draw. I hope you realize that your words are as moving and inspirational as your art. I commend you for spending time in schools, for sharing your experiences and for letting kids see that being a little different doesn't mean being a failure. Please continue to spread the word in the gentle and sincere way that you do. It means so much to so many.

For information about Book Week check out www.bookweek.ca.

Sono Nis Press panel

2007-10-18T09:45:00.000-07:00

Monday night's Sono Nis panel was a great success. Thanks to the three authors, Nikki Tate, Sylvia Olsen, and Julie White, publisher Diane Morris, and guests Ron Martin and Karen Brain who inspired their stories. And as always, thanks to Cadboro Bay Books for providing such a plethora of titles for us to peruse. Here are a few pictures of the evening.

The Power of Small

2007-10-03T11:02:00.001-07:00

Event Announcement: Sono Nis Press Panel: The Power of Small
October 15th at 7:30pm - Spectrum Community School Library, 957 West Burnside Road
Sponsored by the Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable - Members Free, Public $5.00/$4.00

A publisher that won’t sell to Chapters? Tours its authors? Pays decent advances? Refuses to print offshore? Doesn’t quibble about royalty rates? Keeps backlist books in print? Throws fabulous author dinners several times a year? Hosts visiting authors in a specially built guest suite? A thriving publisher located not in the heart of Toronto but on the side of a mountain in the Slocan Valley? When most Canadian publishers are crying doom and gloom, how is it possible for such a small press to exist in today’s tough business climate?

Come meet publisher Diane Morriss and three Sono Nis authors with new books out this fall and learn the secrets of Sono Nis’ success. Nikki Tate, Sylvia Olsen, and Julie White (author of the new novel High Fences) will share their experiences working with one of Canada’s smallest (but finest) publishing houses. Other guests will include Ron Martin (the inspiration and guide for Sylvia Olsen’s new picture book, Which Way Shall I Go?) and Karen Brain (the subject of Nikki Tate’s biography, Double Take: Karen Brain’s Olympic Journey). This panel presentation hosted by the Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable is a great opportunity to celebrate the release of three new titles, meet the authors and their muses, and the publisher who works so hard to create quality books.

The Press
Sono Nis Press - Diane Morriss
Sono Nis Press was established 39 years ago by J. Michael Yates and began its life as a literary house specializing in poetry and fiction. Richard Morriss of Morriss Printing bought Sono Nis in 1976 and moved it to Victoria, B.C. He continued to publish poetry and added high-quality regional non-fiction to the mix. Many of those early non-fiction works have been reprinted many times and are still in print. When Richard Morriss passed away in 1994, his daughter Diane Morriss took over the company.

In 2002, publisher Diane Morriss and her husband, graphic designer Jim Brennan, moved Sono Nis from Victoria to Winlaw, a small community in the Kootenay mountains of southeastern British Columbia. Sono Nis' new office building and warehouse are situated on a picturesque thirty-three-acre mountainside retreat overlooking the Slocan Valley.

In 2007, Sono Nis celebrates 39 years of publishing: 39 years, more than 300 titles, 300 authors, and a fabulous string of Canadian poetry and history prize nominations and awards including the Pat Lowther Memorial Award, Eaton's Book Prize, BC Book Prizes, Governor General Awards, Lieutenant Governor's Medal for History, CAA Award, BC History Prize and others. For more than three decades Sono Nis has been devoted to its talented authors and committed to marrying strong content to high production values. The press publishes an average of six books a year and has approximately 130 titles in print. After all these years, Diane Morriss remains enthusiastic about publishing, throwing herself heart and soul into each new project. Morriss is known for thinking outside the box and running her company with passion, enthusiasm, and innovation.

The Authors
Sylvia Olsen
Popular author, Sylvia Olsen is all about stories. "I love storytelling," Olsen says. "I tell stories about the things I know, the people I meet, and the faces I see every day." Born and brought up in Victoria, BC, Olsen married into the Tsartlip First Nation when she was seventeen and for more than thirty years she has lived and worked and raised her four children in the Tsartlip community. As a writer, she often finds herself exploring the in-between place where Native and non-Native people meet. Olsen currently works in the area of First Nations community management, with a focus on reserve housing.

Nikki Tate
Nikki Tate is the author of the best-selling StableMates series, the Tarragon Island novels, the Estorian Chronicles, and half a dozen other titles for young readers. Tate lives on a tiny farm on Vancouver Island, which she shares with several equine friends, goats, dogs, cats, and birds.

Julie White relies heavily on her family, friends, and coworkers to cover for her when she’s on a writing binge. Fortunately, her husband and daughters are willing to jump in and help out with chores on the family horse farm near Armstrong, BC. A dreamy, imaginative child, White began writing as soon as she could wield a pencil. Today she writes about the subjects she understands best; children and their horses and ponies, the world of horse shows and riding lessons, and the everyday challenges faced by children, family, and friends as they learn to muddle through life as best they can. White loves immersing herself in the lives of her characters and sometimes finds herself thinking that writing is more fun than real life.

The Books
Which Way Should I Go?
By Sylvia Olsen with Ron Martin
Illustrated by Kasia Charko
ISBN: 978-1-55039-161-9
$19.95, full colour hardcover

Illustrated by Kasia Charko, this charming picture book captures the close relationship between grandparent and grandchild and shares a profound message with a deft, light touch.

Joey is a happy Nuu-chah-nulth boy, eager to help and quick to see the bright side of things. But when he loses his beloved grandmother, the sun goes out in his world. Fortunately, she has left something of herself behind a song, which keeps knocking on Joey's heart, and a dance, which urges him to get up on his feet and choose again. Choosing was what their song was about, and Grandma's lessons prove strong indeed. Joey chooses to remember Grandma with joy and to take up his daily life again with a spring in his step.

Double Take: Karen Brain's Olympic Journey
by Nikki Tate
Suitable for ages 10+
978-1-55039-162-6
$12.95
Sono Nis Press
1-800-370-5228

Double Take is for young horse-lovers, biography fans, or anyone who loves an inspiring true story. From an early age, Canadian equestrian Karen Brain is determined to someday compete in the Olympics. Her first riding lessons aren't terribly encouraging, but Karen is determined. Soon jumping over obstacles becomes her specialty - literally and figuratively - as she struggles to get her own mount, the coaching she needs, and the funds to achieve her goals. Winning isn't a problem, though. Karen's hard work puts her at the top again and again. And then, one day, she falls. Her spine is shattered, and her doctors tell her she might never walk again, much less ride a horse. And jumping? Impossible.

Well, obstacles are this rider's specialty. How much so readers will discover as they follow her challenging but ultimately successful course from hospital bed to Paralympic triumph.

The story is expertly guided by the capable hands of Nikki Tate, author of many popular horse novels for young readers. Tate's characteristically energetic prose - plus many photos from the Brain family's own collection - beautifully convey Karen's zeal for her beloved horses and the work of riding them; her generous gratitude for the support of friends, family, and coaches; her joy and infectious enthusiasm; and, above all, her indomitable spirit.

High Fences by Julie White

ISBN: 978-1-55039-163-3
Suitable for ages 8+
Sono Nis Press
1-800-370-5228
$9.95
Fans of The Secret Pony will be delighted by this companion novel about Kirsty’s friend Faye. Readers new to Julie White are sure to become fans of the author’s perfectly evoked world of young riders – and its complicated friendships.

When Faye finds herself in the horrible position of having to sell her beloved pony, she struggles to accept the inevitable and rise above her feelings of frustration and resentment to help the same person who is causing her so much grief.

Moly Bang Breakfast in Vancouver

2007-10-03T10:55:00.000-07:00

If you're planning a trip to Vancouver the weekend after Thanksgiving, why not take in this fabulous illustrator breakfast.

For more information, visit the Vancouver Children's Literature website.

Canadian Book Centre Announces short-lists...

2007-09-18T23:11:00.000-07:00

The Canadian Children's Book Centre has just announced a wack of short-lists for Canadian Children's Book Awards. So exciting! You will definitely want to read them all!

TD CANADIAN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE AWARD ($20,000)
Sponsored by the TD Bank Financial Group

I Found a Dead Bird: The Kids’ Guide to the Cycle of Life & Death
Written by Jan Thornhill
Maple Tree Press

“Fascinating and one-of-a-kind… This book is groundbreaking… Complimented by wonderful photographs, this book covers a difficult subject in a beautiful way.”

Johnny Kellock Died Today
Written by Hadley Dyer
HarperCollins Canada

“This story moves like a meandering, enjoyable summer full of wit, humour and honesty… Dyer is a stylist, an exquisite writer.”

Odd Man Out
Written by Sarah Ellis
Groundwood Books

“Beautifully written… I re-read this book as soon as I finished… Ellis skillfully weaves together a story within a story and creates a place for the reader… A brilliant ending.”

Stanley’s Wild Ride
Written by Linda Bailey
Illustrated by Bill Slavin
Kids Can Press

“Bailey’s fabulous dogs paired with Slavin’s perfect illustrations make for a picture book that is successful on all levels… This book is laugh-out-loud funny… What a great ride!”

Rex Zero and the End of the World
Written by Tim Wynne-Jones
Groundwood Books
“A fabulous book about the new kid in town…I laughed, I cried… Brilliant and beautifully written… Wynne-Jones is a master writer at the top of his field.”

Jury members: Merle Harris, author and storyteller; Theo Heras, Children’s Literature Resource Collection Specialist, Lillian H. Smith Library, Toronto Public Library; Dr. Dave Jenkinson, professor, Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba; Norene Smiley, author; and Maya Munro Byers, owner, Livres Babar Books, Montreal.
. . . .

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

Factory Girl
Written by Barbara Greenwood
Kids Can Press

“A fresh take on this universal topic… The research is meticulous… Greenwood expertly weaves together fact and fiction… Poignant, personal and fabulous, this book draws you in.”

Fire! The Renewal of a Forest
Written and illustrated by Celia Godkin
Fitzhenry & Whiteside

“This book demonstrates a scientific point in an enlightening way by showing examples of how wildlife not only survive but thrive after a fire… The artwork is stunning… Godkin marries fine art and non-fiction like no other.”

Genocide
Written by Jane Springer
Groundwood Books

“Well-written, well-argued, well-researched…This book is part of an incredible series… Springer explores this compelling and relevant topic making it accessible to teens.”

I Found a Dead Bird: The Kids’ Guide to the Cycle of Life & Death
Written by Jan Thornhill
Maple Tree Press

“Exceptional, original and engaging… The topics covered in this book are so powerful and so unusually fascinating… If you had to pick one way to explain our struggle with life and death this book would be it.”

Ryan and Jimmy: And the Well in Africa That Brought Them Together
Written by Herb Shoveller
Kids Can Press
“Compelling, touching, true-to-life and inspirational… Written with empathy for a child’s point of view, this book manages to neither make its subjects seem like heroes nor trivialize their lives.”

JURY MEMBERS: Mary Anne Cree, Junior School Librarian, The Bishop Strachan School; Polly Fleck, Governor General’s Award-nominated poet and member of the Fleck family; Frieda Wishinsky, author; Sheila Koffman, owner, Another Story Bookshop, Toronto; and Todd Kyle, branch manager, Churchill Meadows Library, Mississauga Library System.
. . . .
MARILYN BAILLIE PICTURE BOOK AWARD ($10,000)
Sponsored by A. Charles Baillie
Abby's Birds
Written by Ellen Schwartz
Illustrated by Sima Elizabeth Shefrin
Tradewind Books

“Beautiful integration of visuals and text... This innovative picture book uses paper collage and origami to illustrate its theme about the relationships between youth and age.”

Augustine
Written and illustrated by Mélanie Watt
Kids Can Press
“Watt invites young readers to explore art through her amazing, playful and luminous illustrations… The anxieties and fears of moving and making new friends are sensitively captured in this gentle tale… Watt knows exactly what her audience wants.”

Fox Walked Alone
Written and illustrated by Barbara Reid
North Winds Press/Scholastic Canada

“A beautiful book with amazing artwork… With lovely rhythm and perfect poetry, Reid shares a unique version of the animals’ journey to Noah’s Ark... A timeless, visual feast.”

Scaredy Squirrel
Written and illustrated by Mélanie Watt
Kids Can Press

“Clever, exciting and groundbreaking, this book is a real delight... A great and interactive way to get kids reading… Kids will love this book!”

When You Were Small
Written by Sara O'Leary
Illustrated by Julie Morstad
Simply Read Books

“Beautifully illustrated and timeless… O’Leary takes the reader on a whimsical tour of the imagination and captures the essence of what it is like to be a child.”

Zoe and the Fawn
Written by Catherine Jameson
Illustrated by Julie Flett
Theytus Books

“A lovely and gentle picture book with a touching storyline that greatly appeals to younger readers… Beautifully integrates Native Okanagan (Syilx) words and expressions into the text.”

JURY MEMBERS: Jeffrey Canton, Faculty of Arts, York University and children’s book reviewer; Myra Junyk, literacy advocate and author; and Janis Nostbakken, writer, producer, broadcaster and founding editor of ChickaDEE magazine.
. . . .
GEOFFREY BILSON AWARD FOR HISTORICAL FICTION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ($1,000)
Sponsored by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Bilson Endowment Fund

Kanada
Written by Eva Wiseman
Tundra Books

“A poignant story that depicts the horrors of life inside the German concentration camps and the prejudice and persecution which the Jewish people experienced… Wiseman’s writing style is captivating and young people will be easily swept into the story.”

Meyers’ Rebellion
Written by Connie Brummel Crook
Fitzhenry & Whiteside

“Crook brings us an action-packed story full of historical details about real people… The characters are strong and independent, holding to their beliefs as they become involved in the 1837 Rebellion in Upper Canada.”

A Rebel’s Daughter: The 1837 Rebellion Diary of Arabella Stevenson
Written by Janet Lunn
Scholastic Canada

“Lunn tells a tale of the “fall from grace” of an upper society family during the 1837 Rebellion… The book is well-researched and gives authentic details of the political situation in Upper Canada at the time.”
Terror at Turtle Mountain
Written by Penny Draper
Coteau Books

“Draper has done a first rate job of describing a terror filled night at Turtle Mountain… The reader lives the Frank Slide through the experiences of the well-developed and likeable character of Nathalie Vaughan and by the seamless weaving in of several historical stories.”

Where Soldiers Lie
Written by John Wilson
Key Porter Books

“This is an absolutely terrific book… Never lagging with a credible hero and an exotic setting which should engage both female and male readers… The pacing is flawless.”

JURY MEMBERS: Albert Fowler, author and storyteller; Sharon McKay, author; Vicki Pennell, editor of Resource Links and IMPACT; and Gail de Vos (chair), storyteller and professor, School of Library and Information Studies, University of Alberta.
. . . .
ABOUT THE 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 13. 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. The winning book receives $20,000 and there is $10,000 to divide amongst the honour books. The publisher of the winning book receives $2,500 for promotional purposes.

ABOUT THE 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. Jim Fleck, who initiated the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction, is the son of Norma Fleck. The winning book receives $10,000.

ABOUT THE MARILYN BAILLIE PICTURE BOOK AWARD
The Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award honours excellence in the illustrated picture book format, for children aged 3 to 6. Charles Baillie, retired Chairman and CEO of the 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. The winning book receives $10,000.

ABOUT THE 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 $1,000 prize is awarded annually to the Canadian author of an outstanding work of historical fiction for young people. In 2005, an endowment fund was created to support this award. If you wish to contribute to this fund, please contact the CCBC.

ABOUT 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.

For more information, please contact:

Charlotte Teeple
Executive Director
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre
40 Orchard View Blvd., Suite 101
Toronto, Ontario M4R 1B9
Tel: 416.975.0010
Fax: 416.975.8970
charlotte@bookcentre.ca
www.bookcentre.ca

Kit Pearson and Ken Oppel are coming to Victoria

2007-09-18T13:08:00.000-07:00

A special event is coming to Victoria hosted by Munro's Books. Kit Pearson and Ken Oppel will be reading from new works on Friday October 12th at 7:30 at The Conference Centre. It will be very cool. I will be introducing Kit and Grenfell Featherstone, a freelance editor and one of Ken's former high school teachers, will be introducing Ken. You won't want to miss these two fabulous writers. Hurry Hurry Hurry, tickets won't last long and are available at:
MUNRO’S BOOKS
1108 Government Street, Victoria BC V8W 1Y2
www.munrobooks.com
phone (250) 382-2464 fax (250) 382-2832

Ken and Kit will be reading from their new books followed by a signing. Tickets are available at the store for $5.00 and can be used toward the purchase of Darkwing or A Perfect Gentle Knight (one ticket per book). Don’t delay as we expect this event to sell out quickly!

Information Book Award Short-List Announced

2007-07-12T17:44:00.000-07:00

The Children’s Literature Roundtables of Canada
Proudly Announces…..

THE 2007 INFORMATION BOOK AWARD FINALISTS
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER)

At Vimy Ridge: Canada’s Greatest World War I Victory
by Hugh Brewster. Scholastic Canada.

I Found a Dead Bird: The Kids’ Guide to the Cycle of Life and Death
by Jan Thornhill. Maple Tree Press.

The Kids Book of Canadian Immigration.
by Deborah Hodge. Illustrated by John Mantha.
Kids Can Press.

Ryan and Jimmy and the Well in Africa that Brought Them Together.
by Herb Shoveller. Kids Can Press.

You Can’t Read This: Forbidden Books, Lost Writing, Mistranslations and Codes.
by Val Ross. Tundra Books.

Roundtables across Canada will consider these finalists at their fall meetings and vote for their top three choices. Our vote will take place on Sunday September 16th between 2-4pm @ 2540 Trent St. Come for tea and vote for your favourites.

Can't make the tea? No problem, email your vote to sheryl@sherylmcfarlane.ca on or before September 16th. The announcement of the award will be made during Canadian Children’s Book Week in November.

Orca Book Panel on Writing and Illustrating

2007-05-08T16:56:00.000-07:00

If you missed the Vancouver Roundtable's Serendipity Conference this past weekend in Vanocuver, you missed the best in kid's lit conferences. Ten BC author's presented with, I think the highlight going to Linda Bailey who likened her literary journey to the that of riding a donkey. She compared her quest for the best story to reaching for but never quite grasping a carrot on a stick while on the back of said donkey as opposed to the limo carrying J.K. Rowlings was roaring by in. International stars were many but my all time favourite was the conversation between translator Anthea Bell and writer Cornelia Funke. Of course hearing illustrator Janet Stevens refer to her sister as Miss Prissypants was right up there but then you had to be there to hear how that story unfolded and how it relates to Janet's books. Not to worry though. You have plenty of time to sign up for next year, although our most esteemed Roundtable mentor and organizer extraordinaire, Ron Jobe may not be at the helm. The confence was also an opportunity to wish Ron the very best as he retires.

Meanwhile last night our own Victoria Roundtable welcomed a distinguished panel of writers, and illustrator and a writer/editor; all from Orca Books. Each member of the panel introduced themselves and spoke about their craft and or the business of writing before the floor was opened to questions. The information was fabulous for any who wanted to learn more about getting into writing or illustrating kids books. Here is a bit of information about each of our talented panel members.

Sylvia Olsen is a story teller. Since she was a child she loved to tell stories and she loved to listen to stories. So it follows naturally, you would think, that she should become an author. But it wasn’t stories in books that fascinated her it was stories told in person. It wasn’t until Sylvia was over forty years old that she thought about writing. Since then she gets up about 4:30 and writes until 6:30 or 7:00 am. By writing everyday she is learning the art of creating written stories. Sylvia has published 6 novels for young people including Yellow Line and White Girl, a picture book and an adult non-fiction title. She has another picture book due out this fall and at least one, maybe two more teen fictions coming out in 2008. Check out her website @ www.sylviaolsen.com/

After fifteen years as a bookseller at the University of Victoria Bookstore,
Sarah Harvey was thrilled to make the move to Orca, where she edits books for readers age eight and up, and plays Ping Pong with her boss, AndrewWooldridge. Sarah is the author of a picturebook, Puppies on Board. She hasa new book, Bull's Eye, part of the Orca Soundings series, coming out in Fall 2007 and a full length teen novel due in Fall 2008.

Frieda Wishinsky is the international award winning author of over forty trade and educational books. Her books have earned critical acclaim in magazines and newspapers around the world. EACH ONE SPECIAL was nominated for a 1999 Governor General's Award for text and JENNIFER JONES WON'T LEAVE ME ALONE won the 2004/5 UK Stockport, Portsmouth and Sheffield Children's Picture Book Awards. Frieda's books have been translated into many languages including French, Dutch, Danish, Spanish, Korean and Catalan.

Frieda enjoys sharing literature and the writing process . Her most recent titles are: BEWARE, PIRATES! and DANGER, DINOSUARS (Maple Tree Press) 2007), IT'S YOUR ROOM (Tundra Books, 2006), QUEEN OF THE TOILET BOWL (Orca Currents, 2005) and ALBERT EINSTEIN (DK, 2006). Find out more about Frieda @ www.canscaip.org/

Troy Wilson has written two picture books for Orca including Frosty is a Stupid Name and Perfect Man. He has also written three stories for Chickadee Magazine with his third Chickadee story to to appear in May's issue. Check out Troy's website @ www.troywilson.ca/

Jessica Milne is from the Comox Valley and grew up painting, drawing and taking photographs. Her active outdoor lifestyle has been a great influence and inspiration in her work. Throughout her childhood she was balancing her time between visual expression and riding horses, canoeing and skiing.

In Jessica’s work, she has found an interesting visual language that combines both fine art and illustration. Jessica completed a double diploma in Fine Art and Graphic Design at North Island College in Courtenay for which she received the Governor General’s Award for outstanding achievement. She went on to University of Victoria where she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with Honours in the fall of 2000. For the past few years Jessica has enjoyed teaching adult drawing and painting classes.

Drawing and painting are often interchangeable, reflecting similar ideas of emotion and mood through color and light. The personality of each character is expressed in a unique style with playful line and texture. Jessica’s landscapes can be seen as interesting backdrops for stories or stand on their own as aesthetic compositions. Regardless of the medium, she is on a journey of visual expression combing elements that are both illustrative and aesthetically pleasing. She has done three books with Orca including: Jeremy and the Enchanted Theatre, Jeremy and the Underworld and Jeremy and the Golden Fleece. Check out Jessica's website @ www.jessicamilne.com/

Freedom To Read Week February 25-March 3

2007-05-08T15:55:00.000-07:00

Ontario writer and community activist Deb Ellis joined us for Freedom to Read Week. Deb gave an impassioned speech about children in need of our assistance. She sees books like The Breadwinner, Three Wishes, and I am a Taxi as vehicles to inform and bring change. It is ironic that her books have been challenged in middle class schools because of the harsh realities they bring to the forefront. I have just returned from taking Deborah Ellis to her hotel after her last presentation during the Victoria leg of her western tour. I have spent the last several days listening to Deb address the effects of war, aids, poverty, and the drug trade on the lives of children with audiences that ranged from grade four students to senior citizens. The importance of the themes that Deb’s stories bring to the forefront are especially evident in the questions the young people in her audience ask; questions like how can kids live in prisons, why can’t kids who are sick get the medicine they need, and why can’t girls go to school in Afghanistan? Many will have read The Breadwinner, Pavanah's Journey and Mud City, but Deborah Ellis has written many other books. She is no one trick pony, despite this label she so often gives to herself. She is about shaking us out of our complacency and about empowering young people to demand more of our world and it's inhabitants. She is about social justice.

Not surprisingly, I was excited to hear that Deb has turned her compassionate yet critical storyteller’s eye on North American. Jakeman will be the title of her next novel. It's about kid whose mother goes to prison. It's about poverty and the feeling of being powerless, but it's also about alter-egos and about kids taking back their power. I can hardly wait to read it. Posted by readingkidsbook

25 Years Young

2007-05-08T15:41:00.000-07:00

The Victoria Children's Literature Roundtable has been around for 25 years. We celebrated by dressing up for tea and inviting 25 BC authors and illustrators to join us. Here are Ron Jobe (one of our founding members) and Donna Dippie (a longtime member) dressed in their fancy duds.