Contents
News from the Canadian Children's Book Centre & Friends
Take our Strategic Planning Survey
This fall, the CCBC Board and staff will develop a new three-year strategic plan—and we would love to have your voice included in the process!
Please participate in the Canadian Children’s Book Centre's 2024 Strategic Survey today and help guide how we deliver on our mission to bring Canadian books and young readers together to foster a lifelong love of reading. Your response will help us build a stronger, brighter future for Canadian children’s books. Click here to take the survey.
Watch the Growing Literacy Webinar
Our Growing Literacy webinar was a success thanks to special guests Dr. Lori McKee and Professor Emerita Bev Brenna. The two addressed questions arising from an educator survey conducted by the CCBC, and shared resources and strategies for supporting readers of all ages. A recording of the webinar is available. Click here to watch now!
Spring 2024 Book Awards Round Up
The IODE Jean Throop Book Award, the Manitoba Young Readers' Choice Awards, the Doug Wright Awards, the Chocolate Lily Book Awards, the Willow Awards, the Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award, the Red Cedar Book Awards, the Forest of Reading, and many more—there has been a lot of awards activity and announcements this spring in the Canadian kidlit world. Find all the awards news in one place in our Spring 2024 Book Awards Round-Up.
Writer-in-Residence Opportunity in summer 2025 at the McLoughlin Gardens
Each year the McLoughlin Gardens hosts an established Canadian author as writer-in-residence for a four to six-week period. Writers receive an honorarium and have full use of the cottage and adjacent studio. In past years, writers have come by invitation. This year, the McLoughlin Gardens has issued a call for Canadian children’s authors to apply. To review the application information, click here. Application deadline is September 15, 2024.
Celebrate Summer with Beautiful Art
Summer is coming and why not celebrate with a beautiful piece of art? Visit the Picture Book Gallery today to find one-of-a-kind art, perfect for gifts, library spaces, corporate use and more.
In November 2021, we launched the Picture Book Gallery as a way to generate funds for Canadian Children’s Book Week, which connects Canadian creators with children and teens across Canada. The Picture Book Gallery supports our annual tour that allows 28,000 young Canadians to participate in over 400 readings and workshops in a single week. Illustrators set their own prices, with 60% of the value of their art sold donated to Book Week. This event is a great opportunity for illustrators to showcase their work to a wider audience, all while generously contributing to a love of reading in children across Canada.
Stock Up on CCBC Illustrated Greeting Cards!
Support the CCBC today by purchasing our pack of eight greeting cards featuring art from past Canadian Children's Book Week posters. Each pack includes art by Barbara Reid, Julie Flett, Ian Wallace, Wallace Edwards, Bill Slavin, Elly MacKay, Gabrielle Grimard and Eugenie Fernandes.
On June 22nd, we will be attending the Pride Festival in Airdrie, Alberta. If you live in the area, come visit our table and learn all about 2SLGBTQIA+ books for kids and teens. We will be handing out copies of our Pride Reading Guide full of book recommendations perfect for summer reading fun. Happy Pride and happy reading!
Accessible Books: My experience as the CCBC's Accessible Books Intern
By Mohammed Ali
My time with the CCBC has been filled with discoveries, overcoming challenges, networking, and expanding my overall knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of accessible books. As someone with a reading disability, my reading experiences have evolved around accessible books of many formats. When I was informed of this internship opening at the CCBC, I was intrigued. I knew that I had a lot to bring to the table and felt that being an advocate for accessible books was where I wanted to go. Accessible books for me are not only a tool but a way of life.
I brought a deep knowledge of accessibility, which was tremendously helpful to the CCBC. The great Bibliovideo team was both extremely helpful and insightful, allowing me to expand my knowledge beyond what I already knew. Additionally, this internship provided me with important networking opportunities. I attended the Accessible Publishing Summit, organized by NNELS, the National Network for Equitable Library Service, in 2023 and 2024. Here I was able to connect with industry leaders, experts, and advocates who are all working towards a common goal of mainstreaming accessible books in a big way. I learned these goals will not be attainable unless we have large-scale advocacy, outreach, and adequate policy changes to increase the amount of accessible books available to all individuals with a reading disability. Accessible books are a tool of equity and equality and will help children feel more confident and empowered growing up.
Interning at the CCBC and working with the Bibliovideo team has allowed me to play a small part in this work. I feel lucky and honoured to hold this position and look forward to working alongside the amazing Bibliovideo team into the future.
Learn more about the CCBC's Accessible Books project.
Find which Canadian titles available in alternative formats by searching the CCBC's Accessible Books Bank.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada for this project.
June Book List: Indigenous History Month
In honour of Indigenous History Month, our book list features Indigenous books for all ages that explore the unique cultures, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Métis and Inuit. These books share pieces of the stories, achievements and resilience of Indigenous Peoples and are perfect for caregivers, librarians and teachers to share with young readers.
Picture Books
Written by Jenny Kay DupuisIllustrated by Eva Campbell
HighWater Press, 2023
978-1-77492-055-8
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 2-3
In this beautifully illustrated book, children learn about the tradition of Anishinaabe beadwork, strawberry teachings, and gender discrimination in the Indian Act.
Mnoomin maan'gowing / The Gift of Mnoomin
Written by Darcy Whitecrow and Heather M. O'Connor
Second Story Press, 2022
978-1-77260-238-8
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 2-3
The Secret Pocket
Written by Peggy JanickiIllustrated by Carrielynn VictorOrca Book Publishers, 2023978-1-4598-3372-2
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 2-3
Junior & Intermediate Fiction
Young Adult Novels
Into the Bright Open: A Secret Garden Remix (Remixed Classics)
This Place: 150 Years Retold
Edited by HighWater PressNon-Fiction
Written by Christian Allaire
Sky Wolf's Call: The Gift of Indigenous Knowledge
Written by Eldon Yellowhorn and Kathy Lowinger
Written by Carey Newman and Kirstie Hudson
Creator's Corner: Li Charmaine Anne
Li Charmaine Anne is a writer residing on the unceded territories of the of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tseil-Waututh) Peoples. Holding a BFA from the University of British Columbia in Creative Writing and English Literature, her writing can be found in Canadian literary journals and online. In addition to fiction and creative non-fiction, she is also a content marketer at Pianote, an online piano lessons platform. Outside of literature, her inspirations include skateboarding, snowboarding, music, birds, and the Pacific Northwest, where she grew up. Her work is informed by her lived experience as a queer person of colour and a second-generation settler of Han Chinese (Hong Kong) descent. She believes that by sharing our stories and listening to others, we create a more just world. Her debut young adult novel, Crash Landing, is now available from Annick Press.
We had the pleasure of catching up with Char to ask her more about Crash Landing.
YA books like Crash Landing—exploring the intersection of queer and immigrant identity—didn’t exist when you were growing up. What’s been your journey as a writer and how does it feel to see your debut go out into the world?
When I was a kid, the only books I saw that featured Asian characters were historical fiction or serious, issue-driven books. There were few books about the second-generation, diaspora experience, and I felt there was an absence of “fun.” What I would have wanted was a book about everyday life and the trials and tribulations of being a modern teenager—with a character that just so happens to be Asian.
I’ve been writing novels since before I was a teenager and I first started writing one about a girl skater when I was around 16. Between then and Crash Landing getting acquired, I wrote several different stories about a girl skater named Ash (one of them was about snowboarding instead!).
I wrote Crash Landing during the pandemic and made a deal with myself to get it as close to publishing as I could. I was walking down the laneway behind my house when I saw in my head two girls meeting there for the first time on their skateboards. That’s the first scene in Crash Landing.
I’m stoked to see my book in the world. I was in L.A. recently and saw my book on the shelf of an indie bookstore right next to the iconic Venice Beach Skatepark. That was surreal!
In Crash Landing, 17-year-olds Jay and Ash bond as they skateboard around Vancouver. What does the city of Vancouver mean to you and why was it the perfect setting for this story?
I was born in Toronto, but I’ve lived in Vancouver since I was three. I am 100% a stereotypical West Coaster. I love hiking, camping, canoeing, skateboarding, snowboarding, and eating sushi and pho!
Metro Vancouver is on the Pacific Rim. It has an Asian population so big, in some areas you’ll wonder if you’re in North America at all because you’re surrounded by Asian stores. Cantonese-speaking people (my people) have lived here for generations and have done a lot to shape the city. As a second-generation member of the diaspora, I’m grateful that I got to grow up eating traditional food, shopping for traditional groceries, and listening to Cantonese radio with my parents in the car.
Of course, racism and xenophobia are serious issues here. But that’s all the reason to set a story about Asian diaspora identity in Vancouver, where Asian Vancouverites deal with these challenges every day.
Crash Landing feels distinctly rooted in time. Why did you decide to set the story in 2010? How did that change your writing?
Well, the simple answer is that I was a teenager in 2010! So I remember what it was like.
The longer answer: I think 2010 was a transitional time. Facebook and YouTube were getting big (Instagram would come later). We were transitioning from the wild west Internet of the early aughts to the more sophisticated, social media-driven age we are in now.
I got really into board sports during that time, all thanks to YouTube. I remember watching “sponsor me” videos other kids had uploaded, and binge-watching snowboarding, skateboarding, and longboarding videos late into the night. I remember fantasizing about nailing those tricks one day. It was an aspirational time, and I can only imagine those same videos being equally inspiring to Jay and Ash.
Like learning to skateboard, growing up involves trying new things, taking risks, falling and learning to get back on your feet. What lessons have you learned from skateboarding and did they make it into the book?
Writing this book inspired me to get back into skateboarding and oh man, it’s been life-changing.
Skaters will tell you that skateboarding is mostly mental. It’s about conquering fear and having the courage to keep trying despite what seems like zero progress. But it’s also about community and self-expression. I’ve met so many awesome people through skating, and my mental health has improved dramatically since returning to skating.
I hope that community aspect made it into Crash Landing. Jay is initially intimidated by the boys at the skate park, but upon meeting Ash’s friends, realizes they are super supportive and get her stoked. That’s been my experience, too.
If you visit a skatepark, you’ll often see people tapping or banging their boards against the ground. That’s our way of applauding a job well done, and I’ve even been applauded for slamming because skaters respect a good try!
There are queer and immigrant youth who have never seen their identities reflected on the page who now will, thanks to Crash Landing. What message do you have for teens who pick up your book?
Your immigrant parents come from a completely different time, culture, and context. So of course they will have different perspectives from you. Some parents (like Jay’s) are flawed but have your best interests at heart. Other parents (like Ash’s) are toxic and require some hard boundaries.
Figuring out which one of these is your parents, drawing boundaries, and growing up with such dissimilar adults is tough. Sometimes, it can be a lifelong project. But I promise you: you’re not the only one dealing with this.
Friends are one of life’s most important things. Especially if your home life isn’t great, friends can become chosen family—a lifeline. Try to make friends with folks from all walks of life. I often say that I’ve met many Ashes—people who have walked into my life and completely upended my perspective. They’ve humbled and inspired me.
To learn more about Li Charmaine Anne, visit licharmaineanne.ca.
Picture Book Gallery Profile: François Thisdale
This month's Picture Book Galley profile is François Thisdale. François Thisdale’s work blends traditional drawing and painting with digital imagery using collage, acrylic, watercolour, iPad and computer manipulation. He is the illustrator of Missing Nimâmâ, which won the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award in 2016 and The Stamp Collector, which is an International Board on Books for Young People’s Honour List selection. He has also won a Notable Book for a Global Society Award, and the Crystal Kite Award. François’ books have been finalists for the Governor General's Literary Award, the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award, and the Willow Awards. François lives in Carignan, Quebec. You can find out more about François at thisdale.com.
You have been illustrating children’s stories for decades. What has been the most rewarding part of your illustration journey?
Seeing a child read my book is probably the most rewarding part of my job. Also, having the chance to work with many talented authors. To realize that I am where I would have dreamed to be artistically 35 years ago—I’m proud of this accomplishment. I still have a couple of decades of fun ahead!
You often incorporate photo images into your illustrations, blending real images with traditional drawing and painting. How do you know when something from real life belongs in an illustration?
Through process of trial and error. I try something and feel if it works, or not. If it’s not working, I continue to search for a solution. It’s a question of feelings, emotions. Nothing is clearly defined. Usually, I know what kind of photo I need by instinct.
Riding my bike daily is also a good source of inspiration. I can take pictures during a ride, finding a suitable subjects that accommodate my illustrations. I can remember the joy I had on a bike ride when I found the perfect maple tree to create the final scene of The Yellow Leaves Are Coming.
You have a passion for travelling and are known to bring a sketchbook along your journeys. How do the places you visit inspire your illustrations?
I sketch places I visit for the pleasure of discovering new subjects. Some only for the fun of keeping souvenirs. This habit probably comes from my love of Eugène Delacroix’s sketchbooks from Morrocco.
I started this habit 40 years ago in Europe and my collection of sketchbooks is impressive now! Does it inspire my illustrations? Yes, for sure. Sometimes I think about doing a picture book with only pencil and watercolour like when I’m travelling.
Basically, travel helps to open your mind to real life. While travelling, I also take many pictures with my phone. I dig into these pictures later on when I need specific landscapes and architecture in my illustrations.
Music is another creative pursuit of yours. What have you learned from composing music that has translated to your work as an illustrator?
Composing music and creating illustrations are similar. When you compose music, a track canbe muted, inverted, modified—with reverb for example—and it can entirely change the mood of a piece. The same thing happens with an illustration. It’s creating through multiple layers—painting, photos, collage. Then adding and removing layers, editing a detail, changing a colour, enlarging or reducing a piece, adding a filter—all this can lead to a different feeling.
In illustration and music, exploration is at the centre of creation. Strangely, I think composing music with a multi-tracker during the 90s is what led me to use Photoshop in my illustrations later on.
You have referred to illustrating as communicating only with images. What do you try to communicate to young readers through your artwork?
In my mind, my work consists of creating a dance between words and images. My illustrations are there to tell the story in my own “words,” differently from the text. My goal is to help kids travel through the book and develop their imagination as well, like crossing a bridge that leads to the story.
Experts' Picks
A Witch's Guide to Burning
Written and illustrated by Aminder DhaliwalDrawn & Quarterly, 2024
978-1-77046-699-9
IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8
In Chamomile Valley, witches are overworked and can’t keep up with the villagers’ demands. Always putting others first and placing themselves in servitude to the community, they give it their magical all, but it is never enough. Witches are burned out. And then they get burned at the stake! Singe is a half-burned young witch with amnesia who is revived and sets out to discover who she really is. But it is hard to heal when the demons of Disgust, Doubt, and Despair are in hot pursuit. Eisner-nominated cartoonist and animator Aminder Dhaliwal’s unique storytelling sizzles with kinetic energy, blending together illustrated prose, black-and-white comics, potions, and recipes. This perceptive and positively bewitching graphic novel is on point and on fire.
— Linda Ludke, Collections Management Librarian, London Public Library
Resourceful and determined to one day create a better life for herself, Jess is a young woman whose life has been filled with adversity. Although her father loves her and tries his best to meet her needs, his alcoholism gets the better of him and leaves them constantly living in poverty. Jess is ashamed and frustrated. But she works hard and when she secures a summer cleaning job for a wealthy family and makes new friends, things start to look up for her. Yet in spite of the hopeful things in her life, she can't help but get caught up in her musings about this new family and the mystery of their teen daughter, Quinn. As she wonders about Quinn, she begins to imagine what it would be like if she and Quinn became friends. Soon, however, Jess's imaginings threaten to destroy the real-life relationships she has been so carefully nurturing. Lieberman has created a quietly beautiful story with a protagonist whose resilience and strength are touching and inspiring. Jess's love of plants and gardens, her complicated relationship with her father and her maturity in the face of difficult life circumstances make her a unique character that readers will root for.
— Lisa Doucet, Co-Manager, Woozles Children’s Bookstore