Update from the Canadian Children’s Book Centre

April 22, 2020

Dear Friends,

With the current Covid-19 global pandemic, a lot has changed for Canadians over the course of the last several weeks. Our industry has seen the cancellation of book fairs, literary festivals and author tours. Bookstores and public libraries have been shuttered.

The CCBC recognizes these changes have prevented publishers and creators from being able to promote their spring and summer 2020 titles. Here is what we are doing to support you:

  • The CCBC had planned to launch Bibliovideo, our new YouTube channel devoted to Canadian books for kids and teens, in early May. However, our Bibliovideo team are currently working hard to launch Bibliovideo ahead of schedule to provide support to Canadian publishers and creators. Please encourage your creators and readers to visit the Channel and subscribe.

  • Content is being created to promote those authors and illustrators who would have gone out on tour for Canadian Children’s Book Week in May. It will be launched on Bibliovideo during Book Week, from May 4-9 and promoted via social media.
  • The CCBC coordinated, with these same authors, participation in VoiceEd podcasts hosted by Stephen Hurley to promote their current books in lieu of the Book Week tour.
  • In addition, we have coordinated participation in VoiceEd for nine other Canadian authors of books for young people.
  • The CCBC is actively seeking funding to produce more content on Bibliovideo in the coming months to continue to promote new spring and summer titles.
  • Our publications are going ahead, enabling the promotion of new titles through Best Books for Kids & Teens and Canadian Children’s Book News.
  • The CCBC has created a resource page on our website where parents, teachers and librarians can access online resources that highlight Canadian books for young readers.
  • The CCBC Book Awards are progressing as per usual.
  • The TD Grade One Book Giveaway Program is also progressing as per usual. Watch for our announcement later this week.

In the coming days and weeks, the CCBC will strive to do what we have always done: promote the amazing books created and published by Canadians. Our office is closed but we are working remotely. This means we have the capacity to amplify and promote your messages with you to support your authors and your titles. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or any member of the team if you have any ideas about how we can work with you to do more in this extraordinary time. Stay well.

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Rose Vespa
Executive Director
Canadian Children’s Book Centre