May 2024 Newsletter
News from the Canadian Children's Book Centre & Friends
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Please join the Canadian Children’s Book Centre on May 30, 2024 at 4:00pm EDT for a special webinar featuring Dr. Lori McKee, a specialist in Literacies Education, in conversation with Professor Emerita Bev Brenna, as they explore ideas for growing readers. The two will address questions arising from an educator survey conducted by the CCBC, and share resources and strategies for supporting readers of all ages. Register today!
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Thank you to our Silent Auction donors and participants. Our virtual silent auction took place from April 20-28 and grossed $3,028 in profits! Congratulations to all our auction winners! We would like to thank everyone who participated by bidding on items, and an extra-special thank you to our donors:
Ann Birdgenaw, Art Gallery of Ontario, Bev Katz Rosenbaum, Bird Kingdom, Butchart Gardens, Calypso Waterpark, Canadian Museum of History, Canadian Opera Company, Canadian War Museum, Centaur Theatre, Confederation Centre of the Arts, Ella Minnow, Enchanted Whispers Art, Geordie Theatre, Grandview Lanes, Groundwood Books, KANVAS, Katherine Battersby, Kingston School of Art, Kitty Stampede Co., Linda Granfield, Lynette Richards, Lys’Art Jewellery, Manitoba Young People’s Theatre, Merle Harris, Midtown Press, Mobile Escapes, Nimbus Publishing, One King West Hotel & Residence, Orca Book Publishers, Ottawa Children’s Theatre, Royal Ontario Museum, Shannon Barnes, SPAO: Photographic Arts Centre, Theo Heras, Tinlids, Tradewind Books, Woozles, Young People’s Theatre.
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The Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Thursday, June 6, 2024 from 1-2:30 pm EDT. Join us for a year in review, our current programming for 2024 and meet our incoming board members. This year’s AGM will feature special guest Dr. Beverley Brenna, lead consultant on the CCBC’s Growing Literacy project. Learn more here.
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The Canadian Children’s Book Centre Adds New Prize to Its Established Awards Program: The Richard Allen Chase Memorial Award
The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is excited to take over the administration of the Richard Allen Chase Memorial Award (RACMA). This award, named in memory of the late Richard Chase, a former teacher-librarian from Lethbridge, Alberta, is awarded annually with a cash prize of $2,500 to a Canadian children’s title written for an elementary school-aged audience in Grades 4-6 (Ages 9-11) exemplifying Richard’s guiding principles of compassion, kindness, humanity, environmentalism, inclusivity, and connection to the land. The prize will be awarded this fall at the CCBC Book Awards in Toronto. Read the full press release.
![Blue background. Text reads Hans Christian Andersen Award. 2024 Illustrator Winner. Sydney Smith. The IBBY logo appears at the bottom, along with the Hans Christian Andersen award seal. A photo of Sydney Smith is included.](https://media.bookcentre.ca/HCA_2024_winner_9dba8853f8.png)
Illustrator Sydney Smith wins the 2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award
Illustrator Sydney Smith has won the 2024 Hans Christian Andersen Award—the first time a Canadian has won the prestigious prize in its nearly 70-year history. Bestowed biennially to an author and an illustrator, the Hans Christian Andersen Awards are internationally recognized as the highest honour for creators of children’s and youth literature. Read the press release from IBBY Canada.
![On a two-tone grey background with chevron pattern. Centred is the BOP logo. The text reads "BOP Bologna Prize Best Children's Publishers of the Year."](https://media.bookcentre.ca/2024_BOP_IG_c7047c99fb.png)
Greystone Kids wins the 2024 Bologna Prize for the Best Children's Publishers of the Year (North America)
The winners of the 2024 Bologna Prize for the Best Children’s Publishers of the Year (BOP) were announced April 8th on the opening day of the Bologna Children's Book Fair. Awarded annually to highlight excellent publishing houses from all over the world, Canadian publisher Greystone Kids took home the honour for North America. Also shortlisted in the North American category was Montreal-based publisher Drawn & Quarterly. To see the complete list of winners, visit bolognachildrensbookfair.com.
![Watercolour background. Text reads Congratulations Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award. The IBBY Canada logo appears in the top right corner. The cover images of the winner and honour book is included.](https://media.bookcentre.ca/2023_Cleaver_Winner_FB_and_X_EN_e8e91b1c91.png)
IBBY Canada has announced that Todd Stewart has won the 2023 Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award for Skating Wild on an Inland Sea, written by Jean E. Pendziwol and published by Groundwood Books. The jury also selected two honour books from the list of 10 finalists: Mnoomin maan’gowing / The Gift of Mnoomin, illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley and written by Brittany Luby (Groundwood Books) and A Tulip in Winter: A Story About Folk Artist Maud Lewis, illustrated by Lauren Soloy and written by Kathy Stinson (Greystone Kids).
CALL FOR ENTRIES | CANSCAIP's Writing for Children Competition
CANSCAIP’s annual Writing for Children Competition is Canada’s largest competition for unpublished children’s writers. Registration for the competition is open. The deadline for entries is May 31, 2024. Learn more here.
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Celebrate Spring with Beautiful Art
Spring is here 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.
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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.
![Newsletter header image, featuring animated people of all different ages and abilities. Text reads: Right to Read, Accessible Books for Everyone!](https://media.bookcentre.ca/Accessible_Books_Newsletter_Image_TW_648dd4bd27.png)
Disability Representation: Exploring the IBBY Collection for Young People with Disabilities
By Spencer Miller
Historically, children's literature often ignored the experiences of children with disabilities, leaving them out of the story. Or, even worse, disability was presented in a horrific, tragic, or over-the-top inspirational kind of way.
Thankfully today, there are more and more books to choose from that positively and accurately represent the many different forms of disability and the many different experiences of differently disabled kids.
So where do you find books with outstanding representation?
For over a decade, IBBY, the International Board on Books for Young People, has been building and adding to a collection of books that feature outstanding disability representation for kids. Every two years the IBBY National Sections selects new books to add to the collection from around the world.
Currently, the collection holds over 4,000 titles in 50 different languages. The entire collection is housed at the Toronto Public Library’s North York Central Library Branch's children's department. You can also search the catalogue online.
Head to our Bibliovideo YouTube channel to learn more about the IBBY Collection in the video, Disability Representation: Exploring the IBBY Collection For Young People with Disabilities.
Find which Canadian titles from the IBBY collection are available in alternative formats by searching for The IBBY Collection tag on the CCBC's Accessible Books Bank.
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada for this project.
May Book List: Asian Heritage Month
In honour of Asian Heritage Month, our book list features Canadian books for all ages that explore the diverse culture and history of Asian communities in Canada. These books are perfect for caregivers, librarians and teachers to share with young readers.
Picture Books
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100 Chapatis
Written by Derek Mascarenhas
Illustrated by Shantala Robinson
Owlkids Books, 2023
978-1-77147-563-1
IL: Ages 4-7 RL: Grades 2-3
A boy makes one hundred chapatis with his grandfather while they wait for news of his new baby sibling’s arrival. A debut picture book with texture-rich illustrations and simple evocative text, 100 Chapatis is a gentle lesson in patience that makes for a wonderful read-aloud.
![](https://media.bookcentre.ca/9781772603439_cover_wide_960_dc43fb4c77.jpg)
Everyone is Welcome
Written by Phuong Truong
Illustrated by Christine Wei
Second Story Press, 2023
978-1-77260-343-9
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 2-3
Everyone is Welcome is a book to begin a conversation about the reality of anti-Asian hate. It is also a celebration of Asian families and culture—particularly the wonderful spaces of North America's Asian markets.
![](https://media.bookcentre.ca/9781773217567_cover_wide_960_2aa36733e5.jpg)
Mira and Baku
Written by Sara Truuvert
Illustrated by Michelle Theodore
Annick Press, 2023
978-1-77321-756-7
IL: Ages 4-7 RL: Grades 2-3
With the help of a magical friend, a young girl searches for her missing father in this poignant story set during Japanese-Canadian incarceration in World War II. Lushly illustrated by up-and-coming illustrator Michelle Theodore, this tender, moving picture book by debut author Sara Truuvert explores the profound impacts of family separation and the different forms comfort can take for a child processing loss.
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The Words We Share
Written and illustrated by Jack Wong
Annick Press, 2023
978-1-77321-797-0
IL: Ages 4-7 RL: Grades 2-3
A gorgeously illustrated picture book from Boston Globe–Horn Book and Governor General’s Literary Award-winning creator Jack Wong that is at once a much-needed exploration of the unique pressures children of immigrants often face, a meditation on the dignity of all people regardless of their differences, and a reminder of the power of empathy.
Junior & Intermediate Fiction
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Dragon on the Loose
Written by Marty Chan
Illustrated by Grace Chen
Orca Book Publishers, 2024
978-1-4598-3423-1
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 2-3
When 11-year-old Hailey and her friend Kyle make a wish on a Chinese lion statue, they accidentally bring a dragon to life. Scared at first, the kids soon realize that Zhu the dragon means them no harm, and they show the dragon around their city. It's all fun and games until Animal Control gets wind of a wild creature on the loose. The kids have to find a way to send their new friend back home before she’s taken away.
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The Journey of the Ancestor's Gifts
(The Nguyen Kids, Book 4)
Written by Linda Trinh
Illustrated by Clayton Nguyen
Annick Press, 2023
978-1-77321-812-0
IL: Ages 6-9 RL: Grades 2-3
The Nguyen kids are back for the fourth book—this one told in alternating perspectives—in this charming early chapter book series. An exploration of Vietnamese culture and identity through the eyes of the Nguyen siblings, with elements of the supernatural, spirituality, and social justice woven in.
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Mehndi Boy
Written by Zain Bandali
Illustrated by Jani Balakumar
Annick Press, 2023
ISBN 978-1-77321-792-5
IL: Ages 6-9 RL: Grades 2-3
Tehzeeb, an artistic, fashion-loving boy, unlocks a new talent and learns to stand up for it. Jani Balakumar’s expressive, vibrant illustrations bring Tehzeeb’s designs—and his community—to life. This charming, affirming story by debut author Zain Bandali will have you celebrating creativity, artistic expression, and being unapologetically yourself.
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Obaasan's Boots
Written by Lara Jean Okihiro & Janis Bridger
Illustrated by Yuka Yamaguchi
Second Story Press, 2023
978-1-77260-348-4
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-5
Cousins Lou and Charlotte don’t know a lot about their grandmother’s life. When their Obaasan invites them to spend the day in her garden, she also invites them into their family’s secrets. Grandma shares her experience as a Japanese Canadian during WWII, revealing the painful story of Japanese internment.
Young Adult Novels
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Catfish Rolling
Written by Clara Kumagai
Penguin Teen Canada, 2023
978-1-77488-276-4
IL: Ages 14 and up RL: Grades 9-10
There's a catfish under Japan, and when it rolls, the land rises and falls. At least, that's what Sora was told after she lost her mother to an earthquake so powerful that it cracked time itself. Sora and her father are some of the few who still live near the most powerful of these "zones"—the places where time has been irrevocably sped up, or slowed down. A debut young adult coming-of-age book with magic realism elements, perfect for fans of Studio Ghibli films.
![](https://media.bookcentre.ca/9781773218427_cover_wide_960_d2fb884e14.jpg)
Crash Landing
Written by Li Charmaine Anne
Annick Press, 2023
978-1-77321-842-7
IL: Ages 14 and up RL: Grades 9-10
This YA debut is a searing ode to queer identity, growing up in an immigrant community, and carving a place for yourself in the world with the help of your friends. Jay Wong is spending the last languid days of summer 2010 trying to land a kickflip and begging for something (anything!) to make her senior year different—to finally give her some stories worth telling. When she meets Ash Chan, it seems like she’s getting what she asked for. Ash is confident, intensely independent, and hell on a skateboard—nothing like anyone Jay knows and exactly how she wishes she could be.
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The Space Between Here & Now
Written by Sarah Suk
Quill Tree Books, 2023
978-0-06-325513-5
IL: Ages 13 and up RL: Grades 8-9
This gripping, atmospheric YA novel follows a teen with a mysterious condition that transports her to the past when she smells certain scents linked to specific memories. From acclaimed author Sarah Suk comes an aching, powerful exploration of memory, grief, and the painful silences we must overcome to discover our truest selves.
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What a Desi Girl Wants
Written by Sabina Khan
Scholastic Press, 2023
978-1-33874-933-5
IL: Ages 12 and up RL: Grades 7-8
Mehar hasn’t been back to India since she and her mother moved away when she was only four. Hasn’t visited her father, her grandmother, her family, or the home where she grew up. Why would she? Her father made it clear that she’s not his priority when he chose not to come to the US with them. But when her father announces his engagement to socialite Naz, Mehar reluctantly agrees to return for the wedding. Maybe she and her father can heal their broken relationship. And after all, her father is Indian royalty, and his home is a palace—the wedding is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime affair.
Non-Fiction
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111 Trees: How One Village Celebrates the Birth of Every Girl
(CitizenKid)
Written by Rina Singh
Illustrated by Marianne Ferrer
Kids Can Press, 2020
978-1-5253-0120-9
IL: Ages 6-10 RL: Grades 2-3
In a small village in India, a boy grows up to make a huge difference in his community by planting trees to celebrate the birth of every girl. Based on a true story, this book celebrates environmental sustainability, community activism and ecofeminism.
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Kimiko Murakami: A Japanese-Canadian Pioneer
Written by Haley Healey
Illustrated by Kimiko Fraser
Heritage House Publishing, 2023
978-1-77203-431-8
IL: Ages 6-8 RL: Grades 2-3
The inspiring and true life story of Kimiko Murakami, a Japanese-Canadian pioneer and internment camp survivor, beautifully illustrated for a young audience. This picture book follows the life story of a brave and determined woman whose life embodied the ganbaru spirit, which means to keep going during hard times and never give up.
![](https://media.bookcentre.ca/9781459835054_cover_wide_960_ab20a60ff8.jpg)
The Longest Shot: How Larry Kwong Changed the Face of Hockey
Written by Chad Soon & George Chiang
Illustrated by Ami Qi
Orca Book Publishers, 2024
978-1-4598-3503-0
IL: Ages 9-12 RL: Grades 4-5
Larry Kwong became the first player of Asian descent in the NHL when he played one shift with the New York Rangers in 1948. Even though Larry's achievement happened more than 70 years ago, his contribution to hockey is only now being recognized. He broke hockey's colour barrier and fought racism and discrimination at every step of his career. From his humble beginnings on the outdoor rinks in Vernon, British Columbia's Chinatown to playing at Madison Square Garden and in the NHL, this inspiring hero has a timeless story for young readers.
![](https://media.bookcentre.ca/9781459404434_cover_wide_960_a78757104e.jpg)
Righting Canada's Wrongs: The Chinese Head Tax and Anti-Chinese Immigration Policies in the Twentieth Century
(Righting Canada's Wrongs)
Written by Arlene Chan
James Lorimer, 2014
978-1-4594-0443-4
IL: Ages 13 and up RL: Grades 8-9
Through historical photographs, documents, and first-person narratives from Chinese Canadians who experienced the Head Tax or who were children of Head Tax payers, this book offers a full account of the injustice of this period in Canadian history. It documents how this official racism was confronted and finally acknowledged.
Creator's Corner: Sydney Smith
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The Hans Christian Andersen Awards are bestowed every other year by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). Recognizing lifelong achievement, it is given to an author and an illustrator whose complete works have made a lasting contribution to children’s literature and is considered to be the highest international distinction given to authors and illustrators of children’s books.
The winners of the 2024 award were announced in April at the 61st annual Bologna Children’s Book Fair, including Sydney Smith, a Nova Scotian illustrator, and the first-ever Canadian to win the award.
We had the pleasure of catching up with Sydney to ask him about the experience.
You've been illustrating picture books for over a decade. How would you describe your journey with illustration?
It feels like more than a century since the first book but also like I’ve just started my journey. I learn and relearn things every day. And then forget what it is I do and how I do it. The illustrator’s education is done in public. Every book is another step along the journey and sometimes it’s difficult to look back and see some of the misses.
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What first drew your interest in illustrating for children?
When I was in school I was interested in making art through the lens of a young person. Narrative imagery that felt emotionally charged. It wasn’t for children but it was using the childhood experience to represent the human experience. I think there is still a lot of that happening but in the context of picture books instead of fine art.
How did you receive the news that you won the Hans Christian Andersen Award?
I received a quick phone call minutes before the IBBY announcement from the Bologna Book Fair. I was brushing my children’s teeth, and getting them ready for school. After that I don’t remember much.
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What was your first thought after learning you had won the award ?
My mind was a mess. It bounced from “Someone made a mistake” to “How am I ever going to follow this up?” Eventually, I was able to accept that it was real but I still feel slightly uneasy and distracted. All that said, I am incredibly grateful and I hope it wasn’t a mix-up.
You are the first ever Canadian to win the award. What does this mean to you?
It is surprisingly touching to be the first Canadian but I know this is just the beginning. There is an incredible force of illustrators and authors from Canada right now, many of whom I have looked to for inspiration and guidance. It is the biggest honour to be part of the community.
What should readers look for from you next?
There are a few books on their way. I have finished a Christmas book collaboration with Mac Barnett. I’m working on a book about a storm by Brian Floca. And then there is a local story of a family from long ago, written by Katie Beaton.
I am writing something for myself as well, something that feels good and not heart rending, for a change. Or maybe there is a little bit of rending.
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![ext reads Jewish Heritage Month. Cover images included are Bagels from Benny, Chik Chat Shabbat, Ten Old Men and a Mouse, We Belong Here, Something from Nothing, Sitting Shiva, Bone Button Borscht and Rachel Captures the Moon.](https://media.bookcentre.ca/Jewish_Heritage_Month_515d600aa9.jpg)
Are you looking for ways to celebrate Canadian Jewish Heritage Month in your classroom, library or at home? Our curated list is perfect for school, library or home use. Learn more here.
Picture Book Gallery Profile: Debbie Ridpath Ohi
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This month's Picture Book Galley profile is Debbie Ridpath Ohi, a Toronto-based children's book author and illustrator whose books include Where Are My Books?, Sam & Eva (a Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award finalist), and the upcoming I Want To Read ALL The Books with Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. Her illustrations also appear in books by Judy Blume, Michael Ian Black, Linda Sue Park, and others. With author, educator, and book blogger Andrea L. Mack, Debbie posts the 3 in 3 (with Tea) series about Canadian children’s books in the classroom. Debbie lives with her husband in Toronto, Canada. You can find out more about Debbie at DebbieOhi.com.
Your first full-time job was a computer programmer/analyst. Did any of your skills as a programmer translate to your work as an illustrator?
Absolutely! Programming helped teach me a lot of problem solving and logical thinking, skills that come in useful when I’m trying to conceptualize visual solutions when brainstorming how to enhance and contribute to a story narrative. In my first job, I learned project management skills that came in handy when I started illustrating, such as knowing how to manage deadlines and client expectations, plus helping me learn better communication skills. Like programming projects, illustrating a children’s book is a collaborative team effort.
You’ve been illustrating for over a decade and are still constantly experimenting, and trying new styles and techniques. How do you continue to find new ways to be creative?
No matter how busy things get in my life, I find it super-important to always carve out time for creative play as well as learning and practising new skills. In addition to experimenting with different styles and techniques on my own, I’ve started having fun with creative collaboration. My friend Claudia Osmond (TorKidLit founder and fellow Canadian children’s book creator) has been playing with alcohol inks, so we’ve been doing some art collabs—it’s been SO fun.
I also find that READING almost always helps get my creativity flowing! I love browsing the CCBC website for children’s book recommendations.
![](https://media.bookcentre.ca/9781481416306_cover_wide_960_8f0a0be8f9.jpg)
You’ve illustrated picture books (some you’ve written!), comics, chapter books, book covers, and more. How does your approach change from project to project?
In some ways, my approach stays the same. I do a lot of brainstorming first, thinking and reading, and taking notes, and doing more thinking. I try to start with the bigger picture first, whether it’s very rough thumbnail sketches to help me figure out arc and pacing, or deciding how I want the end reader to feel. Though it’s hard sometimes, I resist the urge to dive into the weeds right away.
![](https://media.bookcentre.ca/Ethan_Im_Bored_Letter_Brighter_Final_v9flat_2000_27aabda3a4.jpg)
In previous interviews, you’ve shared how important it is to talk directly with young readers. What is something that a young reader has said to you that influenced your work?
A young reader Evan sent me a drawing of the talking Potato from I’M BORED, a picture book written by Michael Ian Black and my very first book illustration project. The handwritten letter reads: “Dear Debbie, I love your book because it reminds me about myself sometimes and when it’s about me it makes me want to read more. from Ethan.”
I have that letter pinned up in my home studio, right beside the door. Whenever I find myself being pulled down by the business side of the industry, I reread that letter to remind myself of what’s really important.
You are a longtime member of the Canadian children’s book community and have made meaningful connections with artists, authors, publishers, and readers across the country. What advice do you have for aspiring introverted illustrators who dread the idea of “networking?”
I was terrified at first, too! Start with small steps. Choose smaller or niche events rather than a big conference. Don’t just meet the “big names” or industry people like agents, editors, and art directors. Look for kindred spirits. Chances are good there are others feeling just as nervous as you.
My biggest piece of advice is to not give in to the common misconception that networking is about using people or “schmoozing.” The key is to think “What can I give” rather than “What can I get.” This will help change your mindset to a more positive approach, and help you build more meaningful connections.
Consider joining the Canadian Society Of Children’s Authors, Illustrators, and Performers (CANSCAIP) and the Society Of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. The latter has chapters in SCBWI Canada East and SCBWI Canada West. My first big break came about because of the SCBWI.
Especially if you’re introverted or are nervous about face-to-face networking, I strongly recommend learning how to use social media. Don’t try to be everywhere. Choose 1-2 platforms you enjoy the most. Also think about your goals. Are you a creator hoping to connect with agents, editors, and art directors? Looking for opportunities to exchange info and advice with your peer group? These days, the children’s book community is scattered across many platforms.
My current favourites are Bluesky and Substack. On Bluesky, feel free to browse my Canadian Kidlit/YA feed, which picks up hashtags like #IReadCanadian #CanKidLit and #CanYALit; it’s a great way to find fellow Canadian children’s book creators. For those interested, I’ve created a list of tips that includes other ways to connect on Bluesky. If you do make it over to Bluesky, please say hi! I’ll add you to my list of Canadian Kidlit/YA Creators and Book Boosters.
Experts' Picks
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I'm Afraid, Said the Leaf
Written by Danielle Daniel
Illustrated by Matt James
Tundra Books, 2024
978-1-77488-070-8
IL: Ages 3-7 RL: Grades 1-2
When a scared yellow leaf falls to the ground, it receives words of reassurance from its tree: “You’re not alone.” In a soothing, rhythmic call-and-response pattern, other creatures are also given help to thrive. A thirsty skunk is able to drink from a stream; a shivering horse is warmed by the sun; a lost lone wolf is guided by the stars. In Governor General’s Literary Award-winning illustrator Matt James’ panoramic scenes, a child watches all of the interactions and playfully participates. A harmonious interconnectedness is brilliantly on display. This poetic picture book delivers a potent message about interdependence and the importance of supporting and caring for our natural world and each other.
— Linda Ludke, Collections Management Librarian, London Public Library
![](https://media.bookcentre.ca/9781774882498_cover_wide_960_bc1e76667f.jpg)
The Lightning Circle
Written by Vikki VanSickle
Illustrated by Laura K. Watson
Tundra Books, 2024
978-1-77488-249-8
IL: Ages 12-16 RL: Grades 7-8
Working at a summer camp for teen girls in the mountains of West Virginia is exactly what Nora needs to help heal her newly-broken heart. But as her young charges begin to arrive she begins to wonder how she will ever be able to provide the leadership that these girls need? The beauty of the landscape, the special bonds that form and the timeless magic of summer camp weave their way into her very heart and enable her to see things with fresh eyes. In spare and carefully-crafted verse, VanSickle perfectly captures the very essence of this experience, incorporating all of the traditional elements of summer camp: pranks and homesickness and teen drama; crafts and campfire confessions; secrets shared and friendships forged. Laura Watson's delicate line drawings add to the nostalgic, wistful tone.
—Lisa Doucet, Co-Manager, Woozles Children’s Bookstore
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