Saskatchewan Arts Board

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED FOR 2010 CANADIAN CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTRE AWARDS

For Immediate Release: Toronto (July 15, 2010) ― The Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2010 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, Prix TD de littérature canadienne pour l’enfance et la jeunesse, Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award, Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction and Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People.

The winners of the English-language awards will be announced at an invitation-only gala event at The Carlu in Toronto on November 9, 2010. The winners of the Prix TD de literature canadienne pour l’enfance et la jeunesse will be announced at an invitation-only gala event at the Canadian Centre for Architecture in Montreal on November 2, 2010. Overall, $110,000 in prize monies will be awarded.

This year’s nominated titles will captivate the hearts and imaginations of children and adults everywhere. Among the finalists are stories introducing readers to dragons, pirates and a delicious bug; a cozy, neighbourhood grocery store; an endearing pig and bunny who both struggle with self-acceptance; holocaust survivors and their engrossing personal stories; a small town haunted by the paranormal; a young Sherlock Holmes on the streets on Victorian London; and a bratty bully and the sister-duo who put her in her place.

The books on these shortlists exemplify some of the best work by Canadian authors and illustrators. The Canadian Children’s Book Centre is proud to share these titles with you.

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TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award ($25,000)
Sponsored by TD Bank Financial Group

Dragon Seer
Written by Janet McNaughton (St. John’s, NL)
HarperCollins Publishers
for ages 11 and up

“A beautifully written, magical fantasy that brings ancient history to life… this Celtic fantasy is imbued with a mythological history mixing Vikings, dragons and dragon seers… with well-drawn characters and page-turning plot, McNaughton delivers a gem rarer than a shining dragon’s egg.”

Home Free
Written by Sharon Jennings (Toronto, ON)
Second Story Press
for ages 10 – 13

“Home Free is a fantastic contribution to Canadian children’s literature… Jennings convincingly creates an authentic child’s point of view and perceptions in this dramatic coming-of-age narrative imbued with the power of language, words, and emotions.”

The Hunchback Assignments
Written by Arthur Slade (Saskatoon, SK)
HarperCollins Publishers
for ages 11 and up

“Slade sets this first novel of a fantasy series in the genre of steampunk, a darkly disturbing Victorian parallel universe with a focus on mechanical invention, steam power, and underworld politics and cabals… The novel’s characters are grotesque and dramatic… the tone is grippingly suspenseful.”

A Thousand Years of Pirates
Written and illustrated by William Gilkerson (Mahone Bay, NS)
Tundra Books
for ages 10 – 14

“A beautifully illustrated treasure trove of information… Chronicles the history of piracy from the time of the Vikings to the present day… This clear and compelling cross-over [history] for all ages includes not only biographical and dramatic narratives, but also the rarely-told sordid and sad details of piracy.”

Watching Jimmy
Written by Nancy Hartry (Toronto, ON)
Tundra Books
for ages 11 – 13

“Watching Jimmy is a masterful exploration of the impact a young girl’s voice can have when she is supported by adult allies… A suspenseful novel of loyalty, determination and compassion… Hartry creates a memorable portrayal of the secret subculture of childhood… A profound and powerful story.”

JURY MEMBERS: Nancy Cohen, Children's Librarian, Moncton Public Library; Dr. Dave Jenkinson, Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba; Josiane Polidori, Head, Children's Literature, Library and Archives Canada; Judith Saltman, Associate Professor, School of Library, Archival and Information Studies, and Chair, Master of Arts in Children’s Literature Program, University of British Columbia; Dr. Michelle Superle, Part-time Instructor, Children's Studies Program, York University and Vice President of IBBY Canada.