Toronto, ON – April 29, 2014 – The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is thrilled to announce the start of the 2014 TD Canadian Children’s Book Week, the largest celebration of Canadian books for young people in Canada. This year, TD Canadian Children’s Book Week celebrates the theme Read to Remember from May 3 – May 10, 2014 to honour the 100th anniversary of the start of World War I.

Throughout the week, 31 authors, illustrators and storytellers will be visiting schools, libraries, bookstores and community centres across the country to talk about the pleasures of reading, writing and illustrating books for children and teens. In addition, they will be reading excerpts from their books, as well as meeting the families and children who have supported their work.

Patricia Storms, touring author in 2014, says, “As a kid the library was my best friend—a safe place where I could immerse myself in stories and beautiful illustrations. I’m thankful that I can create books for young minds and that TD Canadian Children’s Book Week celebrates and fosters reading and creativity.”

For more than 35 years, TD Canadian Children’s Book Week has highlighted the importance of reading and introduced Canadian children and youth to their favourite authors, poets, storytellers and illustrators. This year, over 25,000 children are expected to participate in events all across the country.

“Each year this program gets better and better, with more children and youth participating,” said Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair, TD Bank Group. “Reading is the foundation for learning and future success and we are thrilled and proud to support TD Canadian Children’s Book Week, where some of Canada’s best authors, illustrators and storytellers meet with and inspire children to get involved and spread the joy of reading.”

Dedicated to raising awareness of the many Canadian children’s books available, the Canadian Children’s Book Centre helps educators and parents select the best for their young readers. They have also selected this year’s list of touring authors, illustrators and storytellers.

“TD Canadian Children’s Book Week is the perfect opportunity to connect more young people with books,” says Charlotte Teeple, Executive Director of the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. “With communities all across Canada participating, it’s a great way to encourage children to explore the treasures found when spending time with a good book.”

For more information about TD Canadian Children’s Book Week and to see a full tour schedule, please visit www.bookweek.ca.

May 3 – 10, 2014 | Tour Roster

Alberta Jill Bryant, author Kathy Stinson, author British Columbia Interior Susan Mitchell, illustrator Lower Mainland Karen Krossing, author Vancouver Island Richard Scarsbrook, author Manitoba Helaine Becker, author Kathy Kacer, author New Brunswick Clara Dugas, storyteller Newfoundland Sharon McKay, author Labrador Stephanie McLellan, author Northwest Territories Matt James, illustrator Nova Scotia Catherine Austen, author Nunavut Claire Eamer, author

Ontario Karen Bass, author Anita Daher, author Georgia Graham, author & illustrator Danica Lorer, storyteller David Poulsen, author Larry Verstraete, author Patricia Warnock, storyteller Prince Edward Island Beverley Brenna, author Quebec (English-language tour) Sean Cassidy, author & illustrator Sarah Harvey, author Kyo Maclear, author Marsha Skrypuch, author Ian Wallace, author & illustrator Quebec (French- language tour) Michel Noël, author Jean-Luc Trudel, illustrator Saskatchewan James Leck, author Patricia Storms, author & illustrator Yukon Monique Polak, author

About The Canadian Children’s Book Centre: The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is a national, not-for-profit organization founded in 1976. We are dedicated to encouraging, promoting and supporting the reading, writing and illustrating of Canadian books for young readers. Our programs, publications, and resources help teachers, librarians, booksellers and parents select the very best for young readers. For more information, please visit www.bookcentre.ca.

TD Community Giving: TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates and where its clients and employees live and work. In 2013, TD donated over $74.7 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people and the environment. For further information, please visit www.td.com/corporate-responsibility.

For more information, please contact:

Camilia Kahrizi
Marketing and Website Coordinator
Canadian Children’s Book Centre
416-975-0010 ext. 221
camilia@bookcentre.ca