FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Toronto (June 19, 2024)—The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is pleased to announce the selection for the 2024 TD Grade One Book Giveaway. Violet Shrink, written by Christine Baldacchino, illustrated by Carmen Mok and published by Groundwood Books, will be distributed to approximately 500,000 Grade 1 students across Canada this fall. Translated into French by Mireille Messier, francophone Canadians and French immersion students will receive copies of the French translation, Violette Cent-Soucis.
Through the generous support of TD Bank Group, the CCBC is thrilled to deliver—for the twenty-fifth year—the gift of a Canadian picture book to every Grade 1 student across Canada. Books are taken home by each child to keep and to read and re-read with their caregivers. The impact of the TD Grade One Book Giveaway is undeniable, with 12.5 million books given to Grade 1 students across Canada since 2000. In a survey after last year’s giveaway, 96% of Grade 1 educators felt that this program allows students to feel included and demonstrates that books and reading are important!
“The TD Grade One Book Giveaway fosters a community of readers across the country and builds excitement for books and reading,” says Stephanie Wells, Executive Director of the CCBC. “One of the tangible benefits of the program is that all children are included, some receiving their very own book for the first time. In recognition of the importance of sharing books together at home, this year we are also including tips on reading aloud and sharing stories for parents and caregivers.”
Violet Shrink is a powerful story of a young girl navigating the complexities of social anxiety and of finding her voice to advocate for her needs. Violet Shrink doesn’t like parties. Large gatherings with lots of noise make her tummy ache and her hands sweat. While Violet likes to spend time alone, her whole family loves parties with loud music, games and dancing. As the Shrink family reunion approaches, can Violet muster up the courage to share her feelings with her dad?
"I couldn’t be more thrilled that Violet Shrink is this year’s selection for the TD Grade One Book Giveaway program,” says author Christine Baldacchino. “Growing up, I spent a lot of my time much the same way Violet does—listening to music, creating art, writing stories, and getting to experience the stories of others through reading. I’m honoured that Violet Shrink has been granted such an incredible opportunity to play even the smallest role in helping to foster a child’s love of reading, and all the other wonderful things such a love can yield."
“I am delighted and honoured that Grade 1 kids across Canada will receive a copy of Violet Shrink this fall,” says Carmen Mok. As an illustrator who creates art alone every day, I understand the anxiety and nervousness that come with social settings. I hope this book provides introverted and shy children with the opportunity to see themselves, embrace who they are, and find the courage to express their true feelings."
“Groundwood has long published books that help children see themselves and their strengths reflected in the stories they read,” shares Karen Li, Publisher of Groundwood Books. “Whether they are Violet Shrink or they know a shrinking violet, kids who read this funny, heartfelt story will be able to navigate the world with more ease and understanding—and with a book they get to take home for keeps! We deeply appreciate TD's support and the CCBC for the TD Grade One Book Giveaway program and for choosing to shine a light on Violet Shrink this year.”
"TD has a longstanding commitment to supporting early learning initiatives that help set up children earlier for success by inspiring them to read," says Alicia Rose, Associate Vice President, Social Impact (Canada), TD Bank Group. "Violet Shrink tells a meaningful story about a young girl navigating feelings of social anxiety and how to uniquely express those feelings in a healthy way. Through our corporate citizenship platform, the TD Ready Commitment, we're proud to play a part in sharing this book with families across Canada to promote reading while also elevating impactful and relevant stories to support children's mental health and wellness."
In addition to books in both official languages, editions will also be available in accessible formats to ensure all Grade 1 children, including those with print disabilities, are able to take home a book and foster their love of reading. For the third year, the CCBC is collaborating with CNIB Beyond Print to produce print braille editions to ensure that the book is accessible to children with print disabilities. We would also like to extend a big thank you to Kobo for distributing the eBook editions free of charge to support this program.
To download the PDF of this press release, click here.
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, visit bookcentre.ca.
About Groundwood Books
Groundwood Books was founded in 1978 with a mandate to publish children’s books of the highest possible quality for all ages, which has grown to include fiction, picture books, graphic novels and nonfiction. Our award-winning, critically acclaimed list is known for being ahead of the curve, justice oriented, and unafraid of tackling stories that may be considered difficult or controversial—but always centered on a child’s point of view. We believe that books can be important without sacrificing warmth, beauty, playfulness and humor. To learn more, visit groundwoodbooks.com.
About CNIB Beyond Print
CNIB Beyond Print is one of Canada’s oldest and most experienced producers of accessible materials and alternative formats, with over a century of lived experience through CNIB. We create accessible audio, EPUBs, and braille versions of books, magazines, and information for the Centre for Equitable Library Access, publishers, and other organizations. We invest our proceeds into CNIB to create innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness. To learn more, visit cnib-beyondprint.ca.
About Rakuten Kobo Inc.
Rakuten Kobo Inc. is the world’s digital bookseller created by and for book lovers. Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten Group, Inc. and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo’s millions of worldwide users can read anytime, anywhere, and on any device. With a mission to make reading lives better for all, Rakuten Kobo connects readers to stories using thoughtful and personalized curation of eBooks and audiobooks, and the best dedicated eReaders and apps for reading. With the singular focus of making reading lives the best they can be, Kobo’s open platform allows people to fit reading into more moments in their busy lives. To learn more about Rakuten Kobo, visit kobo.com.