Can't get enough of Harry Pottery? The magic continues...
Seventy years before Harry Potter read the book, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them at Hogwarts, Newt Scamander was living in New York's secret community of witches and wizards...
The book, 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' by J. K. Rowling is now available in movie format, rated PG-13. May the magic continue! |
FINALISTS Announced for the 2016 Canadian Children’s Book Centre Awards!
Source: For more information about these awards, please visit www.bookcentre.ca/programs/awards/
The Wolf-Birds written and illustrated by Willow Dawson (Toronto, ON) Owlkids Books for ages 6-9
“A realistic look at life for ravens and wolves and a great introduction to children about the reality of nature… This book is beautifully written in sparse text with earthy, primitive, and yet elegant illustrations… Active verbs move the story along and circular patterns in the illustrations remind the reader of the circle of life.”
A Year of Borrowed Men Written by Michelle Barker (Vancouver, BC) Illustrated by Renné Benoit (St. Thomas, ON) Pajama Press for ages 7-10
“A compassionate war memoir of a young German farm child… This exquisitely illustrated eight year old’s memory of World War II is a timely reminder that kindness and understanding win against fear and mistrust of “the other”… Universal themes of friendship, caring, power, and freedom are unfolding in this tale told from the point of view of young girl… Soft watercolour illustrations by Benoit are a perfect match.”
Clover’s Luck (Magical Animal Adoption Agency) Written by Kallie George (Vancouver, BC) HarperCollins Publishers for ages 6-9
“Clover’s Luck is a delightfully warm, imaginative and buoyant tale of a girl who discovers confidence in herself during several days of looking after a magical animal adoption agency on her own… A wonderful adventure filled with so much magic it bursts from the page and surrounds you… George crafts a world that is a joy to inhabit from start to finish… Enchanting and engaging, this book has you smiling all the way through.”
That Squeak Written by Carolyn Beck (Toronto, ON) Illustrated by François Thisdale (Carignan, QC) Fitzhenry & Whiteside for ages 8-11
“Ethereal watercolour paintings heighten the emotion in this story of loss and new friendship, centring on an offer of help to fix a bicycle and shared, stolen bike rides… First person narrative and atmospheric illustrations perfectly capture teenage angst, misjudgment, acceptance and eventually, deep friendship… Detailed illustrations by Thisdale contribute new and deeper meanings to the poetic prose of Beck.”
Missing Nimâmâ Written by Melanie Florence (Toronto, ON) Illustrated by François Thisdale (Carignan, QC) Clockwise Press for ages 10 and up
“Sympathetic text married to exquisite illustrations… The story follows an orphaned First Nation child through the major incidents of her life, nurtured and beloved by her grandmother and watched over by the spirit of her mother… There’s a soft sadness, together with a vibrant hopefulness in the illustrations… Florence’s words and Thisdale’s illustrations fuse to create a powerful emotional impact.”
The Nest Written by Kenneth Oppel (Toronto, ON) HarperCollins Publishers for ages 11-14
“A creepy but thought provoking story full of tension… Artfully crafted through words and illustrations, this suspenseful story of terrible choices and courageous actions takes place as a family cares for a baby clinging to life in its first days… Taut storytelling, interspersed with haunting illustrations in a page turning realistic, verging on fantastical suspense novel… Destined to become a classic.”
In a Cloud of Dust Written by Alma Fullerton (Midland, ON) Illustrated by Brian Deines (Toronto, ON) Pajama Press for ages 4-8
“An uplifting story about how compassion and one small thing (like a bicycle) can make a huge difference in someone’s life… Narrated in simple poetic language… Fullerton allows us a glimpse into the life of children from another place, who may have different struggles, but who like all children, love to feel the wind blowing as they ride their bikes… Deines’ artwork conveys a vivid depiction of Fullerton’s words, as well as creates a strong sense of character and setting for the reader.”
InvisiBill Written by Maureen Fergus (Winnipeg, MB) Illustrated by Dušan Petričić (Toronto, ON/Zemun, Serbia) Tundra Books for ages 5-9
“Readers of all ages will relate to this hilarious story about a family dinner where everyone is too busy to pass the potatoes… Petričić’s marvellous illustrations move us along and perfectly complement Ferguson’s narrative… Both laugh-out-loud funny and touching, this is a gem of a book… A great read aloud and reminder to pay attention to each other.”
The Art of the Possible: An Everyday Guide to Politics Written by Edward Keenan (Toronto, ON) Illustrated by Julie McLaughlin (Vancouver, BC) Owlkids Books for ages 10-14
“In this entertaining and informative text, Keenan brings the concepts of civic engagement and political involvement to a level that kids can understand… This book will be in heavy rotation with classes doing projects on government, social justice and the political process.”
A Beginner’s Guide to Immortality: From Alchemy to Avatars Written by Maria Birmingham (Brampton, ON) Illustrated by Josh Holinaty (Toronto, ON) Owlkids Books for ages 11 and up
Quirky, fun and thoroughly engaging, Birmingham’s book is a surprisingly thorough look at the many ways humans have tried to prolong their lives indefinitely throughout the ages… Half serious, half jest, this fascinating book with edgy illustrations will draw in both young scientists and mystics with a playful mix of science and folklore.”
Child Soldier: When Boys and Girls Are Used in War (CitizenKid) Written by Jessica Dee Humphreys (Toronto, ON) and Michel Chikwanine (Toronto, ON) Illustrated by Claudia Dávila (Toronto, ON) Kids Can Press for ages 11 and up
“Chikwanine’s heartbreaking story of his experience as a child strikes the perfect balance for young readers, exposing the harsh reality of life in a war-torn country while shielding them from the most egregious violence… The book’s success comes in no small part thanks to the graphic-novel format, expertly rendered by Dávila.”
Foodprints: The Story of What We Eat Written by Paula Ayer (Vancouver, BC) Annick Press for ages 12 and up
“Smart, entertaining, informative and topical… This book engages the huge topic of food in our society in a historically sweeping yet light-handed way… Ayer goes beyond the basic messaging of healthy eating to teach kids about the history of food production… The topics within are presented clearly, with enough detail to satisfy a teen hungry for knowledge.”
Avis Dolphin Written by Frieda Wishinsky (Toronto, ON) Illustrated by Willow Dawson (Toronto, ON) Groundwood Books for ages 9-12
“Avis Dolphin achieves a difficult goal, blending historical realism with emotional honesty to deliver the story of the Lusitania in a way that young readers will be able to comprehend… The sinking of the ship and its aftermath is paralleled by a folktale story-within-the-story presented in graphic novel form… Dawson’s gorgeous illustrations of the fantastic folktale embedded in the story give another layer to this already well-executed travel adventure.”
The Blackthorn Key (Blackthorn Key) Written by Kevin Sands (Toronto, ON) Aladdin for ages 9-14
“The Blackthorn Key is the splendidly written, thrill-a-minute account of orphan-apprentice Christopher Rowe’s adventures in the dark and dangerous world of 17th century London… Filled with clever characters and unexpected twists, this mystery will have the reader on the edge of their seat as they try to solve the series of clever and unexpected puzzles throughout this piece.”
The Case of the Missing Moonstone (The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency) Written by Jordan Stratford (Salt Spring Island, BC) Alfred A. Knopf for ages 8-11
“Filled with humour, action and suspense… The Case of the Missing Moonstone brings together two brilliant historical figures — Ada Byron and Mary Godwin — to create a quirky and charming tale of science and mystery… Stratford skillfully develops his characters and writes a light-hearted mystery that will keep young readers engaged… Young audiences will be enthralled.”
Masterminds written by Gordon Korman (Great Neck, NY) HarperCollins Publishers for ages 9-12
“The setting of Masterminds is in itself, masterful… Korman brings together elements of classic science fiction with the modern suspense thriller to create a piece that will leave the reader craving more… Written from numerous points-of-view, Korman enables the reader to develop empathy for each character on a more personal level… The premise for the novel is brilliant and the cliffhanger ending leaves us wanting more… Kids will not be able to put this book down once they’ve picked it up.”