Robin Stevenson By Heather Camlot
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Volume 42 Number 1 Winter 2020
ISSN0708-594X
• Introducing Robin Stevenson
• Jan Thornhill
– The Claire Mackay Lecture
• Dharmali Patel
– Illustrator's Sketchbook
+ Congratulations, Noteworthy, President's Message,
Welcome, News Roundup, & Business Briefs
Logo variation by Vladyana Krykorka
Introducing...
Robin Stevenson
By Heather Camlot
“I would like to see every gay doctor come out, every
gay lawyer, every gay architect come out, stand up
and let the world know,” gay rights pioneer and first
openly gay politician in the United States Harvey
Milk said in 1977. “That would do more to end
prejudice overnight than anybody would imagine.”
It’s hard to imagine that four decades later,
prejudice is still alive and well—and living in North
America.
On October 1, Longfellow Elementary School in
Wheaton, Illinois, cancelled author Robin
Stevenson’s October 2 visit after a parent complained
that the book she would be talking about—Kid
Activists: True Tales of Childhood from Champions of
Change, (Quirk Books, 2019)—had a chapter about
Milk even though Robin’s presentation would only be A couple of weeks later, several hundred LGBTQ+
mentioning Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, community members and allies gathered in front of
James Baldwin, Delores Huerta and Canadian the Palmerston branch of the Toronto Public Library
environmental activist Autumn Peltier. to protest its space rental to anti-trans speaker
Meghan Murphy. A similar response occurred in underestimate kids and don’t give them enough
Vancouver last January. credit for being thoughtful and critical and capable.”
It was during the TPL backlash that I first met While Robin divides her writing time between
Robin. She was travelling to Toronto from Victoria, fiction and nonfiction, it’s the latter that has
B.C., to speak at CANSCAIP’s Packaging Your propelled her into the spotlight recently. Her choice
Imagination—her topic was Writing of topics reflects what she’s
LGBTQ+ Books for All Ages—and a TPL passionate about, what she wishes
visit had been set up for her. Robin she had had when she was growing
was unsure what to do—she didn’t up or when raising her now-teenage
want to disappoint the students son, and what she feels is relevant for
invited to attend, but she, as a kids and teens.
member of the LGBTQ+ community, Cases in point, her four 2019 titles:
stood by the TPL petition and the picture book Pride Colors (Orca
protest. Book Publishers), about
After several emails back and unconditional love and acceptance;
forth and consultations with library the young adult My Body My Choice:
friends, Robin opted to do the visit. The Fight for Abortion Rights (Orca), an
She tinkered with her prepared idea that came to her after Donald
American presentation—although Trump’s presidential inauguration;
she didn’t visit Longfellow, she did the picture book Ghost’s Journey: A
speak at 12 schools during her Refugee Story (Rebel Mountain Press),
California and Illinois book tour— through which she hopes to raise
and boosted the LGBTQ+ quotient. awareness about LGBTQ+ around the
She would use the TPL visit to world and its criminalization in
educate her young audience, support seventy countries; and the middle-
her community, and promote grade Kid Activists, about change-
empathy and understanding. makers as children and what drove
them to stand up and speak up.
“How many boys did Harvey Milk
like?” “When did Janet Mock change into a
I sat in on Robin’s visit to the Don girl?”
Mills branch. Over 100 Grade four and five students Tough subjects know no bounds, but Robin says it’s
packed the room and paid close attention to what the approach rather than the subjects themselves
Robin had to say. Squirming was at a minimum. that make them relevant to young readers.
When it was their turn to speak, the kids raised their Research is key—and exciting. “I love reading and
hands and asked questions ranging from the serious, immersing myself in a subject I’m curious about,”
to the curious, to the poignant, to the humorous. she says. “It’s a great way to spend your days,
“Having the opportunity to do visits and meet reading, watching documentaries, speaking to
with kids and teens is a pretty incredible thing for a people and learning about something you really care
writer,” Robin later said over lunch. “It reminds me about.”
of who I’m writing for. I think we so often
2 CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020
By the time she’s wrapping up, she usually has had no plans to publish or to change careers, writing
enough material for several books. She distills the was something she had always wanted to do.
information to determine what she wants to include And she was good at it. Friends encouraged her to
in the current project and then develops an outline. send out her manuscript about a girl with telekinetic
For Robin, the joys of writing nonfiction are the powers. Impossible Things was published by Orca just
connections she makes and how a few years later. By then, she was
much she discovers along the way. obsessed with writing and didn’t
The biggest downside is that the return to counselling.
book is out of date as soon as it’s
“How do you start fiction?”
written because the subject is
constantly evolving. Robin draws on her own life when it
Still, she’s inspired by the activists comes to fiction, from memories of
she’s met around the world and the her childhood and teen years to
incredible work they do in dangerous experiences she’s had as an adult.
situations. “It makes me feel more She’s also inspired by people who
committed to speaking up about have made her think about particular
human rights and privilege and issues, the ways she’s seen people in
safety, and doing that whichever way the world struggle and cope with
I can, big or small.” difficult circumstances, and the work
she did as a counsellor.
“What was your very first book?” Though she doesn’t write with a
While her non-fiction has taken on a theme in mind, resilience (Blood on
life of its own, Robin spent her first the Beach, Escape Velocity), dealing
decade as a writer crafting fiction. with secrets (Hummingbird Heart, The
She’s always been a huge reader; World Without Us), and anxiety
childhood favourites include Emily of (Record Breaker, The Summer We Saved
New Moon and Harriet the Spy—both the Bees) are ideas that tend to come
about girls who want to be writers— up repeatedly.
and A Wrinkle in Time, about three She starts with a character, usually
outsiders. Her mother used to bring enmeshed in a particular situation,
home huge cardboard boxes of books then does some unstructured writing
from library book sales. In fact, her parents still show about that character—discovering who they are,
up at her door with stacks of books. finding their voice, mining the idea to see what
Before her son was born, Robin had been a comes forward. She loves immersing herself in this
counsellor, mostly working with survivors of sexual new world, writing that first chapter, following the
assault. While on maternity leave, she found she had character around and seeing what happens. “Fiction
a lot more “mental space” even though her days were is playful,” she says. “It’s like having imaginary
busy. “I would walk around town with the stroller friends.”
and I kept a notebook underneath. I would sit down Part of the fun is seeing the characters take shape
and write whenever he went to sleep.” Though she along with the novel. “What I think I know about the
characters when I begin a book is quite different
CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020 3
from what I know about them when I finish a book. Celebration and the Struggle, will be released March
Often all I know when I start is a very vague and 2020.
hard-to-pin-down sense of who they are.” When she’s writing, particularly YA novels, Robin
Unlike with her nonfiction, Robin doesn’t create says she is definitely thinking about LGBTQ+ teens
an outline for her novels and acknowledges that early who want and need to see themselves reflected in the
drafts are disorganized and messy and that those books they’re reading, something she didn’t have as a
first pages will likely not survive. She admits that the teen. She’s thinking about kids who feel like
further along in a story she gets, the harder she outsiders in any way, who feel misunderstood in any
becomes on herself. “With just about way. “I want to write books that will
every novel, I think it’s utter garbage “What I think I know about make them feel more seen and more
by the middle and I don’t know how the characters when I begin understood.”
I’m going to make it work,” she says, a book is quite different from
“What happens if both people die in a
adding that every time she reaches what I know about them
duel?”
the halfway mark she promises when I finish a book. Often
herself she’ll make an outline for the all I know when I start is a Once the manuscript is done, then
next book. “But when it goes well, it’s very vague and hard-to-pin- comes the revision process—making
exhilarating.” down sense of who they are.” sure questions are answered, logic
prevails, loose ends are tied up and
“Isn't Alexander Hamilton in the stumping points are… What does happen if both
movie Hamilton?” people die in a duel?
Intention in stories, whether fiction or nonfiction, is Once upon a time, Robin dreaded revision, but
a weighty topic. As authors and illustrators, we want not anymore. She attributes the change to working
to educate, to give voice, to show children how the as an editor on other people’s manuscripts, which
world could be. We want to explain that Alexander helped her develop a better eye not only for their
Hamilton is in the musical “Hamilton” but long before books but her own as well.
that he was George Washington’s right-hand man When she finishes a first draft, she’ll fix the few
who helped win the Revolutionary War and create things she knows need fixing and then she’ll take a
the U.S. constitution—and why that makes him break from the manuscript to get some distance and
important. Important enough to be in Kid Activists, in perspective. This can range from a few days to a few
a hit musical play… and it seems in an upcoming months. She’ll then print out the manuscript, read
movie (educating goes both ways). the whole thing on paper, make notes and try to
“Sometimes I try to educate, more obviously in focus on bigger-picture issues.
my non-fiction of course, where it’s more direct. But, “With my first book, I made the mistake of
for example, my next teen novel, When You Get the rewriting the first chapter ten times before realizing
Chance (May 2020), co-written with Tom Ryan, there I needed to just delete the first four chapters,” she
are some references to queer history,” she explains. “I says. Twenty-five fiction and nonfiction books later,
wanted to include that because of all the young she now has a mental list of questions to ask herself
people I’ve met through the Pride book who have told when it comes to the second draft—a list that should
me that they didn’t know that history and they need be tacked up in every writer’s office:
to know it.” A follow-up to Pride: Celebrating Diversity
and Community (Orca, 2016), called Pride: The
4 CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020
• Does the pacing sag anywhere? Robin also spends a lot of her time volunteering
• Does the ending feel too rushed? with refugee sponsorship. “It’s brought really
amazing people into my life,” she says. “And there is a
• Are there characters who don’t contribute? lot of overlap between my writing, my friends and
• Are there two characters playing the same role? the refugee sponsor groups.” The overlap can be seen
• Are there places in the early part of the book in Ghost’s Journey, about gay couple Rainer and Eka
when I didn’t know the character yet? and their cat, Ghost, who flee the dangers of
Indonesia for the safety of Vancouver. All royalties go
• If so, is the voice off? to the Rainbow Railroad, which helps LGBTQI people
• What themes have developed in the story? escape violence and persecution, and Rainbow
• Which ones should be made clearer or expanded Refugee, which helps LGBTQ+ asylum seekers
upon? resettle in Canada.
• Are there underdeveloped relationships? “What time is it?”
• Are there subplots or threads that don’t go As Robin wraps up her presentation at the Don Mills
anywhere? branch, she asks the students what they think
activism is. The kids raise their hands and answer:
• Are there subplots or threads that don’t support
“protests,” “hunger strikes,” “setting an example.”
the story?
She then asks them what activists do. More hands,
She’ll try to address these issues, then she’ll read the more answers: “I see people picking up trash from
manuscript again with a closer look at detail, scenes, the sidewalks,” “encourage people to fight for climate
dialogue and language. She’ll tighten it all up and change.” For her final question, she asks what the
when she’s no longer sure what else she can do, she’ll kids can’t do until they’re 18. One student says
pass it on to a few friends for feedback. “Drink.” Instead of going any further, Robin jumps in
with “Vote.”
“Do you have a pet?”
She wants the students to understand that even
When she’s not writing, revising or visiting students, though they are young, their opinions and voices
Robin enjoys spending time with her son, partner, matter, that they can write letters, that anything they
parents and friends. Getting out on the water— can think of to make change is a type of activism.
sailing and paddle-boarding—is a favourite. In fact, “For me,” she tells them, “writing is what I do. If I’m
not long after she and her partner met, they quit really caring about an issue, one of the things I can
their jobs, bought a sailboat and sailed to the do is write about it.”
Bahamas and back. A Thousand Shades of Blue (Orca, Which brings us back to the controversies in the
2008) was based on that journey. Unsure what to do United States and in Canada. Six weeks after the
after they returned, the couple stayed in Hamilton, school cancellation, Robin was invited back to
Ontario, for just over half a year, then travelled to DuPage County, Illinois—where Wheaton is
Southeast Asia. Back in Canada once again, they located—by State Representative Terra Costa
decided to settle in Victoria to raise their family, Howard to “talk about her book and the need to let
which includes one fifteen-year-old, one dog and one ALL children know that they are valued for who they
cat. are and what they can become,” says the Facebook
event page.
CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020 5
And in that crowded basement room in Don Mills,
a student asks one last question that is perhaps most
telling of how important Robin’s work—in front of
and away from the computer—is to creating a more
accepting and understanding world.
“Is Kid Activists in every single library in Toronto?”
HEATHER CAMLOT is the
author of the forthcoming
nonfiction book What If
Soldiers Fought with
Pillows? (Owlkids Books)
and novel The Other Side
(Red Deer Press). Her debut
novel, Clutch, was named
among Kirkus’s Best
Middle-Grade Historical
Fiction of 2017 and is a 2018 Skipping Stones Honour
Award winner. She is the speaker coordinator for
CANSCAIP’s Packaging Your Imagination conference
as well as a journalist, editor and translator. For more
information, please visit her website at
heathercamlot.com.
6 CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020
Congratulations SHORTLISTED for the Norma Fleck
Non-Fiction Award
CANSCAIP Members! Rob Laidlaw for Bat Citizens: Defending the Ninjas of the
Night (Pajama Press)
Anne Dublin Bill Slavin and Erica Fyvie for Trash Resolution:
The Canadian Jewish Literary Award (Youth) for A Breaking the Waste Cycle (Kids Can Press)
Cage Without Bars (Second Story Press)
SHORTLISTED for the Lane Anderson Award
Sylvia McNicoll for Science
The Hamilton Arts Fiction Award for Body Swap
Etta Kaner for Wild Buildings and Bridges (Kids Can
(Dundurn Press)
Press)
Susin Nielsen
Bill Slavin and Erica Fyvie for Trash Resolution:
The Vicky Metcalf Award for Literature for Young
Breaking the Waste Cycle (Kids Can Press)
People
Heather Smith
The TD Award for Children’s Literature for Ebb &
Flow (Kids Can Press)
SHORTLISTED for the Governor General’s
Award for Children’s Illustrated Book
Cary Fagan for King Mouse (Tundra Books)
SHORTLISTED for the Marilyn Bailey
Picture Book Award
Shauntay Gray for Africville (Groundwood Books)
SHORTLISTED for the Geoffrey Bilson Award
for Historical Fiction
Kathy Kacer for The Sound of Freedom (Annick Press)
Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch for Don’t Tell the Enemy
(Scholastic Canada)
Beryl Young for Miles to Go (Wandering Fox)
SHORTLISTED for the John Spray Mystery Award
Kelley Armstrong for Aftermath (Penguin Teen)
Liam O'Donnell for Tank & Fizz (Orca Book
Publishers)
Kevin Sand for Call of the Wraith (Aladdin)
CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020 7
Noteworthy PICTURE BOOK
WINNER – Tina Hahn for Too Small?
FINALIST – Jane Blondie for The Tail of Hickory
READ CANADIAN: The first-ever national I Read Dickory
Canadian Day (www.ireadcanadian.com) will take FINALIST – Chang Hong for A Day With Dad
place on February 19, 2020. A new nationwide EARLY READER
initiative that celebrates the richness, diversity, and WINNER – Joan Dombrady for The Four (Famous)
breadth of Canadian literature, has been announced. Little Pigs
The I Read Canadian Day will empower families, FINALIST – Kathy Rondeau for Fearless Friend
schools, libraries, bookstores, and organizations to FINALIST – Suzanne Socken for The Whole World
host activities and events by reading Canadian books is a Story
for just fifteen minutes. For all the details on how
CHAPTER BOOK
this important and exciting event came to be, see the
WINNER – VJ Hamilton for Missing Red Herring
President’s Column on page 10.
FINALIST – Joan Dombrady for Gingerhaven
PROJECT 99A: In August of 2019, CANSCAIP author/ MIDDLE GRADE
illustrator & presenter Josephine Vaccaro-Chang WINNER – Lily Quan for The One and Only Rosie Chen
registered a not-for-profit organization called, FINALIST – Nancy Kay Clark for Adam’s Problem
“Project 99A”. In describing this new organization FINALIST – Jennifer Irwin for Death by Instagram
she says, “Our mission is to elevate global literacy by
YOUNG ADULT
collecting books and sharing them with those in
WINNER – Victoria Jones for Caleb’s Crossing
need. To date, the organization has shipped books to
Malawi, Florida, the British Virgin Islands, Trinidad FINALIST – Joan Dombrady for InterCHANGE
& Tobago, Cambodia and Newmarket, ON. FINALIST – Aaron Rabinowitz for Junior Slump
Interested in donating some books? Please visit The 2019 Writing for Children Competition received
www.Project99A.ca for a list of upcoming book more than 500 entries. The next Writing for Children
drives. Enthusiastic Literacy Ambassadors Competition opens in March 2020.
(volunteers) welcome. For additional information
contact: Josephine Vaccaro-Chang via e-mail at: CANSCAIP SASK HORIZONS REPORT
info@Project99A or by telephone at: 905-787-9656 • CANSCAIP Sask has been running a series of “Meet
Our Members” posts on their website. Members
2019 WRITING for CHILDREN Competition answer a set of questions and include photos of their
CANSCAIP is pleased to announce the winners and workspace and other things. Starting soon we’re
finalists of the 2019 Writing for Children going NATIONAL! If you would like to be part of our
Competition. Each of the winners receives $500. The “Meet Our (National) Members” series, check out
entries of the winners and finalists are sent to previous posts (skcanscaip.wordpress.com) and then
children’s publishers Annick Press, Kids Can Press email Dianne Young (canscaipsask@gmail.com) for
and Scholastic Canada for consideration. the list of questions and other details.
And the winners are:
8 CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020
• The extremely popular First Thousand Words Corporation and a lead sponsorship from
Editing Fundraiser is returning January 2020! Amazon.ca., its purpose is to make it easier for
Details are posted on the website readers to discover Canadian books in all genres,
(skcanscaip.wordpress.com). from bestselling authors to new talent, from
• SAVE THE DATE! The next CANSCAIP Prairie publishers large and small, from all regions of the
Horizons Conference will be May 21-23, 2021. The country.
organizing committee is already busy planning.
CREATIVE WRITING: If you are teaching a course in
— Submitted by Dianne Young
writing or illustration for the children’s market, we’d
LOGO VARIATION: Our front-page logo variation is love to send you a package of brochures about
by Vladyana Krykorka. You can see more of her CANSCAIP and about Packaging Your Imagination
illustrations in her classic titles Baseball Bats for to distribute to your students. Email our office
Christmas and A Promise Is A Promise as well as many (office@canscaip.org) to let Helena Aalto know how
more, all from Annick Press. many you may need.
ILLUSTRATORS: We are looking for more logo
USING SOCIAL MEDIA: From time to time
variations to dress up the NEWS. For inspiration,
CANSCAIP would like to help promote its Members
you can view our current ones at the logo site on our
and Friends and their work on our social media,
home page. If you are a full CANSCAIP member and
through #FollowFriday as well as other campaigns.
an illustrator and you would like to submit your
Do you know of a CANSCAIP Member or Friend
version for possible use, here are the specifics:
whose work (behind the scenes or public) you admire
Digital submission is preferred, so scan your art at
and feel deserves more recognition? Or are you a
300 dpi and email the file to office@canscaip.org.
Member or Friend who would appreciate a shout-
Make sure you put CANSCAIP Logo Submission in
out? If so, please fill out this form. Your info will not
the subject line. We’d love to have colourful, playful
be shared with any third parties. And be sure to
art. Those who find scanning a challenge can send
follow CANSCAIP on Twitter and Facebook.
paper art to the CANSCAIP office.
FOLLOW CANSCAIP: Looking for some new friends?
There is now a handy page on the CANSCAIP website
E
where the Twitter handles of our professional
members are listed (http://canscaip.org/
page-1862893). Let’s follow each other and help
promote each other’s work. And follow @CANSCAIP
too.
FINDING CANADIAN BOOKS: 49thShelf.com is a
website devoted to Canadian children’s books.
Produced by the Association of Canadian Publishers
together with the Canadian Publishers’ Council, and
with funding from the Department of Canadian
Heritage and the Ontario Media Development
CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020 9
From the to such programs as The Forest of Reading in
President ’s Desk
Ontario, and others suchlike across Canada, as well
as The Canadian Children’s Book Centre.
Eric Walters frequently calls me Don Quixote and
By Sharon Jennings makes fun of my insistence on tilting at windmills
(i.e. the powers that be). So I have to laugh that Eric
To discuss the importance of the inaugural I Read has taken on a windmill of gargantuan proportions.
Canadian Day on February 19th, 2020, I’ll begin with Passionate about Canadian books, their creators, and
two personal experiences. readers, Eric viewed with dismay the
My first book, Jeremiah and Mrs. falling sales for our books (down by
Ming, was published in 1990, and almost 50% over the last ten years),
illustrator Mireille LeVert was and the small percentage—15%—of
nominated for a Governor General’s Canadian books purchased. He
Award. I was in Montreal at that decided that something had to be
time, participating in a conference done, and done now. He came up
with our publisher Annick Press. with the idea of getting every
Anne Milyard and I walked by a student in our country to read a
bookstore and I expressed my Canadian book for 15 minutes on
surprise that the GG nominated Photo by Debbie Ridpath Ohi one particular day. But how to get
books were not on display in the anyone, let alone everyone, to take
window. Mireille lived in Montreal, so wouldn’t they this proposal seriously?
at least feature our book? Anne replied that Eric began his crusade by getting as many
publishers have to pay for window space and, as well, concerned players as possible, from across Canada,
for books that are displayed face out on shelves. into one room. In June of 2019, about 40 people—
Many years later and (I thought) much less naive, creators, publishers, librarians, bookstore owners
I did volunteer work for a Canadian philanthropist and managers, wholesalers, reviewers, organizations
promoting the need for middle-grade novels in (including The Writers’ Union of Canada), and
countries overseas. During one conversation, I educators—came together at the Book Centre to
mentioned how difficult it was for Canadian pitch ideas and raise concerns. That in itself was a
children’s creators to get much publicity in our stores momentous accomplishment!
and newspapers and thus make a living. His Eric, being rather wily, asked Martha McClew,
response stunned me. “Does a parent want to buy a who is the Director of Operations, Canada East,
Canadian book or the best book?” Terry Fox Foundation, to give a brief pep talk about
I’ll give you a moment to re-read that last her involvement with schools and the Terry Fox run.
sentence and let it sink in. Martha was instrumental in getting over ten
thousand schools to sign up to participate in the run.
I know that many of you have had similar “Dreaming Big” was the title of her speech to us, and
experiences, after which we engage with our I found myself thinking of President Obama’s “Yes
publishers, sign petitions, write letters to the editors we can.”
of various newspapers, grumble amongst our
colleagues, and cry into our beer. We also give thanks
10 CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020Eric tapped into his extensive network and by the up with ideas for creators and our books, without
day of the June meeting, already had dozens of consulting us. Somehow we get relegated to the
principals, teachers, and even school boards children’s table while the adults discuss weighty
enthusiastically embracing the project. Eric issues about our care and feeding. In particular,
approached his local MP Lloyd Longfield (who there were two items that were of utmost importance
thankfully was re-elected!) who agreed to give it his to Eric and me and needed our oversight: there
all to promote this day. A few of those present in June would not be one book chosen to be read Canada-
suggested that we go slow and plan for a day in 2021. wide, and authors and illustrators would not be
I almost laughed out loud at the expression on Eric’s expected to do a visit for free. Everyone on the
face. ‘Go slow’ and ‘Eric’ do not belong in the same steering committee stressed that this day should be
equation. fun and not require much work to participate.
At that June meeting, we also discussed how When this column appears, we will be a little over
bookstores and libraries might participate. It seemed two months away from I Read Canadian Day, and we
logical that such venues would celebrate the event for can all pitch in to make it a success. First, visit the
a week or more, as it didn’t make sense to organize website (www.ireadcanadian.com/day) and
displays for only one day. But schools could familiarize yourself with the content. And then
determine when (and even which day if the 19th spread the word. If you have a school or library visit
doesn’t work best) they would ask their teachers to lined up, ask if they know about IRC. Show them how
choose a book and read aloud, or give their students easy it is to sign up and get downloadable materials.
15 minutes to read quietly. Encourage your own kids’ schools to get involved.
The Steering Committee for I Read Canadian is Visit your local library and bookstore and ask if you
Rose Vespa, Executive Director of CCBC, Shelagh can help them participate. Nothing wrong with you
Patterson, Executive Director of the Ontario Library glad-handing patrons and customers as they peruse
Association, Meredith Tutching, Director of Forest of the shelves. And drop in to your government
Reading, Eric Walters, and myself, in my role as representatives and ask for their support.
President of CANSCAIP. I am very proud that The purpose of this event is to raise awareness of
CANSCAIP’s name and logo are on all promotional Canadian books for young people, and to celebrate
material and that we are involved on all levels. As I the richness, diversity, and breadth of our literature.
explained to the others, so often organizations come Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?
CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020 11Welcome!
original content for
Nickelodeon, Disney-
owned companies, and
by Monique Polak even an Emmy Award-
In this column we welcome our newest Members. winning puppeteer. Shari
is the author of a critically
NASIM ABAEIAN was born acclaimed YA novel, The
in Isfahan, Iran in 1980 Stellow Project (Skyscape),
and spent her childhood and two picture books,
in Genova, Italy, in an Maxwell’s Mountain
artistic ambiance full of (Charlesbridge Publishing), a Junior Library Guild
inspiration. In 2003, she Selection and Charlotte Zolotow Honour Book, and
earned a Bachelor’s Horris Grows Down (G.P. Putnam’s Sons). She lives in
degree in Visual Massachusetts with her husband, their two
Communication from the daughters, and their dogs, Lexi and Winnie.
American University of
Sharjah, UAE, and headed to the US to complete her OKSANNA CRAWLEY is
Master’s degree in Illustration at the Savannah the author and illustrator
College of Art and Design. After five years of teaching of the Super Hammy
art and design at Zayed University in Dubai, Nasim reading series of levelled
is finally in Toronto, living her Canadian artistic books, in English and
dream. Constantly looking for ideas and inspiration French, published by DC
to create narratives and stories to illustrate, she is Canada Education
currently a sessional faculty at OCAD in Toronto, a Publishing. After retiring
member of the Society of Children’s Books Writers from a 25-year career
and Illustrators, and works as a freelance illustrator teaching kindergarten,
and art Instructor at the Winged Canvas Art Hub English as a Second Language and Reading
and Richmond Hill School of Art in Ontario. Recovery, Oksanna decided to do something with all
Amongst the books she has illustrated are Prince of the the stuff she’d learned! She combined her love of
Seas (Kalimat, 2014) and the upcoming Namul Wants writing and art with her passion for helping children
To Be A Butterfly. learn to read and... bingo! Books! Oksanna has been
taking art lessons at Sheridan College and writing
SHARI BECKER was born in Montreal, Quebec, and lessons because we’re never too old to learn new
spent much of her childhood reading, drawing and tricks. She lives in Brampton, Ontario with her
staring off into space during class time, imagining wonderful family and would love to own a dog. When
her pencils and erasers were characters in a magical she was a little girl, she had a hamster named Hamlet
kingdom. Shari graduated from Concordia who became the inspiration for Super Hammy.
University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication
Studies and from New York University’s Gallatin
School with a Master of Arts in children’s
multimedia. She has created, written and conceived
12 CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020ALISON GEAR spent twenty years on Haida Gwaii, off MARLA LESAGE loves to
the north coast of British Columbia, where she tell stories—both real and
started writing children’s picture books. She was imagined—through
privileged to meet an innovative publisher, Tonya urban sketching,
Martin, of McKellar & Martin Publishing Group, Ltd., painting, illustration, and
who was interested in publishing voices that would writing. She works in
not otherwise be heard. The voices of children on watercolour and ink and
Haida Gwaii were exactly what Martin was looking is mostly self-taught. Her
for. Alison’s first professionally published book, B is art can be found in several
for Basketball, written in collaboration with students NB schools and in private
on Haida Gwaii, was the first children’s book about collections in Canada, the US, and Australia. Pirate
Indigenous basketball in the country, as well as being Year Round (Acorn Press, 2019) is her first picture
commemorative of a significant Indigenous annual book. She has also been published by Chicken Soup
event in northern BC—the All Native Basketball for the Soul and Skipping Stones Magazine.
Tournament. Her most recent picture book, Taan’s
Moons, honours traditional Haida knowledge of the GOLALEH MO is an
changing seasons, and was brought to life through illustrator and author of
felted illustrations which came entirely from the children’s books and
children’s imaginations. journals. She has
published 18 books for
STEPHANIE KAIN is a children’s writer and a children. All her books are
professor of English. She wrote the Emlyn and the published in Persian
Gremlin series so that kids with two moms would see (Farsi).She has recently
themselves represented in books in a natural and fun completed the
way. Steff holds a PhD in creative writing and illustrations for a new
teaches grown-up kids how to write great novels. She book called Alphabet Animal. She obtained her B.A. in
loves to talk about books, creative work, and making psychology from Azad University, and early
fun food. Contact her to come for a school visit at childhood education (ECE) from Seneca College.
steff.f.kneff@gmail.com.
SHANNON O'TOOLE is a
KURT KIRCHMEIER lives and writes in Saskatoon, Toronto-based illustrator,
Saskatchewan. His short stories and poems have painter and elementary
appeared in numerous magazines and anthologies school teacher. Her
including Abyss & Apex, Shimmer, Weird Tales, playful illustration work is
Tesseracts #15 and #22, and elsewhere. His debut inspired by the unique
middle grade novel The Absence of Sparrows (Little, and humorous characters
Brown Books for Young Readers) is now available in in her life. Books she has
bookstores and libraries. When Kurt isn’t reading or illustrated include Stop
writing, he enjoys being outside and photographing Reading This Book!
nature. He has a particular fondness for birds. (Common Deer Press, 2019) and the upcoming The
CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020 13Adventures of Grandmasaurus (Common Deer Press).
Aside from illustrating books for children, Shannon
has exhibited her artwork in galleries across Ontario.
When she is not drawing, Shannon can be found
curled up with her dog, Edgar watching old movies.
MARINA PINTO MILLER is
the author and illustrator
of Jonathan’s Number Party,
commissioned and
published in 2018 by
Eyeseeme, the largest
African American
bookstore in Missouri.
The book fills a gap by
representing children of
colour and children with disabilities. It’s described as
“life changing for readers with dyslexia and
dyscalculia; educational, engaging, inclusive and
endearing.” More to come! Marina has two other
completed, illustrated stories in an unpublished
series entitled The Beloved Equation. Since 1997, she
has integrated fine art, illustration, and creative
writing along with sound using her synesthesia, to
produce over 75 commissioned works, including
paintings of music and licensed designs, all done by
hand. Her doctoral dissertation, Reflecting on the
Grave and the Bones Within, was published in 2012
by Oxford Archeopress, British Archeological Report
2425. It is only 58 pages long. Marina’s writing style,
even as an academic, is distinguished by clarity and
brevity.
14 CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020NEWS ROUNDUP to schools from St. Lawrence to Bonavista, from St.
Bride’s to Bay de Verde and from Bell Island to
Random Island. Over the years Charis has presented
By Elizabeth MacLeod
to more than 5000 Newfoundland students,
Deadline for SPRING NEWS: February 20, 2020 encouraging the love of reading—and a healthy
We’d love to hear from you! Let us know about your new respect for ghosts! Charis lives in Western Bay, NL.
books, tours, awards, launches, etc. Email the details,
including your town and province, with the subject line: PATSY MACKINNON had four of her published
SPRING NEWS to NewsRoundup@canscaip.org. illustrations selected for the Writers’ Federation of
Nova Scotia “1000Words” Illustration Exhibition. It
ATLANTIC REGION took place from November 12 to December 1 at the
Welcome to new Friend: Jaime Horbul, Halifax. Teichert Gallery in Halifax. The illustrations were
from her books King of Keji and Evangeline (both
JAN COATES published three books in 2019. Say What Nimbus Publishing). Patsy lives in new Waterford,
You Mean (Mean What You Say) (Nevermore Press) is a NS.
middle-grade novel with themes including mental
health, homelessness and a fairy dogmother! Dancing QUEBEC
With Daisy (Running the Goat Books & Broadsides) is Welcome to new Friends: Mera Chatman, Montreal;
a tall-tale picture book illustrated by the amazing Maureen Marovitch, Lachine.
Josee Bisaillon. Jan wrote, illustrated and published
the picture book Karissa & Felix, which she hopes will JUDITH HENDERSON's
find its way into the hands of kids looking for hope three-book series “Big
after loss. Jan lives in Wolfville, NS. Words Small
Stories” (Kids Can Press)
CHARIS COTTER's novel has recently been green-lit
The Painting (Tundra as a children’s animated
Books) tied for top place television series. The
at the Hackmatack series of books includes
Children’s Choice Book The Missing Donut, The
Award in June. This is the Travelling Dustball and
second Atlantic Canadian Smell the Daisies and was illustrated by T.L. McBeth.
award for The Painting. In There will be 65 five-minute episodes and Judith will
2018 it won the Ann also be composing the theme song and underscore.
Connor Brimer Award for Production begins in 2020. Judith lives in
Children’s Literature at the 2018 Atlantic Book Westmount.
Awards. In October Charis set out once again to
spread goosebumps among Newfoundland children, ANDREW KATZ and Juliana Léveillé-Trudel were
on her eleventh Annual Ghost Tour of Newfoundland flab-“bear”-ghasted to learn that their debut picture
Schools. Since 2009 she has been taking her lively book, Comment attraper un ours qui aime lire (How to
book presentations and Newfoundland ghost stories Catch a Bear Who Loves to Read) (CrackBoom! Books)
CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020 15was nominated for Le Prix Peuplier, part of the 2020 Deer Press), won the
Forest of Reading Awards. The book is illustrated by Quebec Writer’s
Gemini Award-winning children’s animation Federation Prize for
director Joseph Sherman. Andrew and Juliana are Children’s and Young
looking forward to meeting kids who love to read at Adult Literature at the
the Forest of Reading Festival in Toronto in May Quebec Writer’s
2020 and they extend “bearnormous” Federation Gala and
congratulations to all the Forest of Reading Awards Ceremony in
nominees. Andrew lives in Montreal. Montreal on November 5.
The jury described Yipee’s
NATALYA KURTOG is pleased to announce that the Gold as “an exciting page turner, but more than that
Stupino Philharmonic in the Moscow Region will be it is a deeply layered story that explores colonialism,
giving New Year’s performances based on her book violence, gender, race, sex and friendship… Rivera
The Feast of Pilots (Governor of Perm). The show for deftly creates the physical worlds of [two] teens; we
children and adults is called It’s All about the Hat and understand life among the rivers and trails in the
will take place from January 5 to 7, 2020. Natalya is pine-covered hills… [as well as] the world of ranches,
also preparing a new book for children called Tales of horses, campfire suppers and cattle roundups. A
the Hare (International Foundation for Slavic Writing thoroughly researched, thought-provoking and
and Culture) in Arabic. Previously these fairy tales moving historical novel.” Raquel lives in Montreal.
were published in Russian and Italian. She not only
wrote these fairy tales, but also drew the more than ONTARIO (OUTSIDE TORONTO)
60 colourful illustrations and designed the book as
Welcome to new Friends: Jennifer Aire, Oakville;
well. Natalya lives in Montreal.
Steve Brown, Caledon; Anna Sofia Chi, Mississauga;
Marina Djokic, Ottawa; Caroline Gravel, Kanata;
ANNE RENAUD's book
Michael Hance, Oshawa; Donna Houghton,
entitled Emma’s Germs
Waterloo; Val Hummel, Elmira; Fariba Kalhor,
(Peanut Butter Press) has
Richmond Hill; Mo Markham, Kitchener; Michelle
been shortlisted for the
Martinez, Brampton; Lotus Menezes, Mississauga;
2020 Blue Spruce Award.
Stacey-Ann Morris, Ottawa; Alison Myers-Gomez,
Her book Fania’s Heart
Oakville; Marylynn Miller Oke, Whitby; Jane Parker,
(Second Story Press) will
Ottawa.
be part of the “Youth
Literature and the
KYLIE BURNS is pleased to announce that her latest
Holocaust” exhibit at the
non-fiction books were recently released. Tornado
Montreal Holocaust Museum until March 1. Anne
Readiness and Wildfire Readiness are part of a series
will be giving a reading of the book at the museum
called “Natural Disasters—Meeting the
on January 26, 2020. She lives in Westmount.
Challenge” (Crabtree Publishing Company). These
books examine the scientific study of natural
RAQUEL RIVERA is thrilled that her young-adult
disasters, including what causes them, how people
historic-adventure novel Yipee’s Gold Mountain (Red
are affected, new technologies for prediction and
16 CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020innovative strategies to prepare for such events in HEATHER KIRK's book Seeking Peace: The Quakers
the future. Designed with educators in mind, this (Borealis Press) was sold this year at Sharon Temple
series provides current information, case studies, National Historic Site in Sharon, Ontario, about 50
scientist and researcher bios and free downloadable kilometers north of Toronto. The book was also given
teacher’s guides online. Kylie lives in Uxbridge. as a gift to new teachers at Pickering College in
Newmarket, Ontario. Pickering was originally a
JOYCE GRANT is excited to announce that Gabby Quaker school. Quakerism is one of the longest
(Fitzhenry & Whiteside) is back—in paperback. nonviolent resistance movements in history. Heather
Quirky Gabby is putting together letters and creating lives in Barrie.
words to solve problems. The new book is illustrated
by Jan Dolby, has a striking, redesigned cover and is CASEY LYALL is excited to announce that her middle-
available everywhere! Gabby was an OLA Top 10 Best grade mystery novel Howard Wallace, P.I. has been
Bet, a CCBC Best Books for Kids and Teens and won optioned by The Mother Company, eOne and Drew
the Rainforest of Reading Award (in Montserrat). Barrymore’s Flower Films. The book’s sequels,
Joyce lives in Hamilton. Shadow of a Pug and Sabotage Stage Left (all Sterling
Children’s Books), are also a part of the deal. The
MARTHE JOCELYN reminds CANSCAIPers to save the production companies aim to turn the three books
date February 19 for celebrating “I Read Canadian into a half-hour comedy series. Casey lives outside of
Day”. She is having a launch party that day for her London.
new mystery The Body Under the Piano (Tundra
Books). It takes place at McNally Books on Bay Street JEAN MILLS published her
in Toronto at 6:00 p.m. Come one, come all—if you second young-adult novel,
loved Agatha Christie books, this will be just your Larkin on the Shore, in
cuppa tea! Marthe lives in Stratford. October. It’s the story of a
teenager trying to overcome
TERRY LYNN JOHNSON is traumatic events in her
pleased to share that her recent past by helping her
upper-middle-grade novel grandmother set up a
Dog Driven (Houghton bookshop café in a small
Mifflin Harcourt) is a Nova Scotia town. The
Junior Library Guild setting is one Jean knows well—she spends her
selection and has received summers on the shore in Pugwash, Nova Scotia.
two trade reviews. This is Jean’s first novel, Skating over Thin Ice (both Red Deer
her first book to receive Press), was nominated for the 2019 Red Maple
two stars! Kirkus’s starred Fiction Award and was named to the 2019 United
review says, “A densely plotted, fast-moving, States Board on Books for Young People Outstanding
thematically rich tale set at the intersection of ability International Books List. She lives in Guelph.
and disability.” “Johnson shows the deep bonds and
trust between musher and dogs,” says Booklist’s
starred review. Terry Lynn lives in Whitefish Falls.
CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020 17AIMEE REID celebrated kindness and friendship at TORONTO
the launch for her book You Are My Friend: The Story of
Welcome to new Friends: Phyllis Bordo, Emily
Mister Rogers and His Neighbourhood (Abrams Books
Bradley, Jacquie Buncel, David Cobb, MacAllan Dale,
for Young Readers). The event took place on
Naomi De Gasperis, Shanda Deziel, Robert Dunlop,
November 23 at the central branch of the Hamilton
Mark Ellwood, Naomi Fromm, Juel Hogg, Emma
Public Library. There were music, crafts and prizes at
Hunter, Sandra Love, Priya Ann Mathew, Kathy
this free, family-friendly event. Aimee lives in
OCraven, Donna Reid, Charlotte Safieh, Aleeza
Hamilton.
Wagner, Rosalyn Yake, Fatemeh Yousefi.
SUSAN ROSS's book Drat That Cat! (Giggles Press) has
ETTA KANER is delighted that her book Wild Buildings
been honoured as a finalist in both the Children’s
and Bridges: Architecture Inspired by Nature (Kids Can
Picture Book: Softcover Fiction category of the 2019
Press) was chosen as one of three finalists for the
Best Book Awards and the 2019 International Book
2019 Lane Anderson Award in the young readers
Awards. Both are sponsored by American Book Fest.
category. This award, created by the Fitzhenry Family
Susan lives in London.
Foundation, honours the best science writing in
Canada both in the adult and young readers
KATHY STINSON is happy
category.
to be anticipating the
publication of three
KAREN KROSSING is thrilled to announce that in
upcoming projects—a
January 2020 she graduates from the Vermont
picture book based on the
College of Fine Arts with an MFA in Writing for
work of the founder of the
Children and Young Adults.
International Board on
Books for Young People
ELIZABETH MACLEOD's
(IBBY) Jella Lepman (Kids
book Meet Tom Longboat
Can Press); a picture-book
has been nominated for
biography about Anne Dagg, the world’s first
the 2020 Silver Birch
giraffologist (Fitzhenry & Whiteside); and a twenty-
Express Award. This is the
first–century version of her book Bare Naked Book
third book in her latest
(Annick Press) from 1986. Kathy is currently working
biography series; the first
on yet another picture book and contemplating a
book, Meet Viola Desmond,
dive back into her adult-novel-in-progress, as well as
won the 2019 Silver Birch
the Stubbs Lecture she is scheduled to deliver next
Express. The fourth book
fall. Kathy lives in Rockwood.
in the series, Meet Elsie MacGill, received a five-star
review from CM Magazine. The reviewer said it’s a
“wonderful book about an interesting and inspiring
subject” and “the language is flowing and exciting.”
The fifth book in the series, Meet Willie O’Ree (all
Scholastic Canada), about the National Hockey
League’s first black player, will be released December
18 CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 202026. The book will be available in French as Voici Willie Ask Chat and she is currently working on a new
O’Ree. Liz enjoyed speaking about the series at the board book for Orca Book Publishers.
Vancouver Writers Fest in October. Her book Super
Cats: True Stories of Felines That Made History (Annick VIKKI VANSICKLE's latest picture book, Teddy Bear of
Press) is nominated for a Rocky Mountain Book the Year (Tundra Books), illustrated by Sydney
Award. Hanson, will be published January 21, 2020. In this
warm and cozy ode to small acts of kindness, the
KENNETH OPPEL's latest book, Bloom, will be teddy bear’s picnic gets a modern twist, complete
published in February 2020. Aimed at readers aged with service awards, bear-oke and a gentle nod to
10 to 14 years, it’s the first book in a new sci-fi corporate culture. Kirkus says the book “sincerely
adventure trilogy. The first title features some really, celebrates kindness and comfort.” The book has been
really mean plants. The second book, Hatch, will included in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
come out in fall 2020 and the final volume, Thrive (all program. Vikki will be hosting teddy-bear-picnic–
HarperCollins Canada), will be published in spring themed events throughout the spring at bookstores
2021. and libraries.
BARBARA REID's newest FRIEDA WISHINSKY's picture-book biography How
book Watch It Grow: Emily Saved the Bridge, The Story of Emily Warren
Backyard Life Cycles Roebling and the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge
(NorthWinds Press/ (Groundwood Books) earned a starred review in
Scholastic Canada) will Booklist. Kirkus called the book “a strong and honest
hatch on December 26. homage to a remarkable woman.”
This non-fiction picture
book features Plasticine FRIEDA WISHINSKY and ELIZABETH MACLEOD's
artwork and simple text book How to Become an Accidental Genius (Orca Book
celebrating the lifecycles Publishers) received a glowing review in the Globe
of four familiar plants and animals: monarch and Mail in September. Reviewer Jeffrey Canton said,
butterfly, oak tree, green frog and sunflower. “[Frieda and Liz] introduce us to amazing geniuses
Barbara will be sharing Watch It Grow along with tips whose curiosity, tenacity and passion led to some
for bringing art and science together in the great discoveries… Who knows? You might be an
classroom at the 2020 Reading For The Love Of It accidental genius too.” Frieda and Liz are working on
Conference on February 20 and 21, 2020, in Toronto. a sequel to Accidental Genius—more news to come
soon!
SUE TODD has created linocut art for a story about
Mayan agriculture appearing in the February 2020 DANIELLE YOUNGE-ULLMAN, award-winning author
issue of Ask magazine. Ask is a science magazine for of Everything Beautiful is Not Ruined, is thrilled to
ages 6 to 9, part of the Cricket magazine group. Sue announce that her next young-adult novel is coming
also created illustrations depicting an African out July 14, 2020. He Must Like You (both Penguin
folktale for the digital educational publisher Read Teen Canada and Viking Children’s Books) is “an
CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020 19authentic, angry and surprisingly funny and climbs trees? What colour does a reindeer’s eyes turn
romantic novel about sexual harassment.” in winter? This book is the second in her “Amazing
Facts” series and is a follow-up to When Sleeping Birds
MANITOBA, SASKATCHEWAN, Fly: 365 Amazing Facts About the Animal Kingdom (both
ALBERTA Siretona Creative), which was nominated for the
2019 The Word Awards. Go to sallymeadows.com/
Welcome to new Friends: Lee Kolenick, Saskatoon; free-stuff to download free worksheets and
Lorraine Pundyk, Blairmore, AB; Erin Sawatzky, extension activities for both books. They’re a
Winnipeg; Daniel-Ayoade Yewande, Calgary. fantastic resource for families, schools and
homeschoolers and they engage children with
MIRIAM KÖRNER's award- science facts in a fun, creative way. They are also an
winning novel Yellow Dog amusing read for adults! To keep up with all of Sally’s
(Red Deer Press) news, go to sallymeadows.com to sign up for her
celebrates its German newsletter. Sally lives in Saskatoon.
release under the title
Winter Dogs (Oetinger PATRICIA MILLER-SCHROEDER is pleased to
Taschenbuch). In this announce that her prehistoric-adventure novel,
coming-of-age adventure, Sisters of the Wolf (Dundurn Press), will be published
the young protagonist in fall 2020. Aimed at a middle-grade audience, the
finds solace in the bond story is set 40,000 years ago in Ice Age Europe. It’s a
with his dogs, the connection to nature and the tale of friendship, difference, culture clash and
understanding of his place within. The book deal was survival as two girls, one Neanderthal and one early
initiated at the Frankfurt Book Fair, which will modern human, and their wolf companion embark
feature Canada as Guest of Honour in 2020. on a dangerous quest to find their families. This is
Miriam’s picture book When We Had Sled Dogs: A Story Pat’s first work of fiction, but she is the author of
from the Trapline: ācimowin ohci wanihikīskanāhk, co- seventeen non-fiction books on the environment,
authored by Ida Tremblay, recently won a Moonbeam nature and wildlife. She lives in Regina.
Silver Award in the Multicultural Non-Fiction
category. Her book When the Trees Crackle with Cold: A GWEN MOLNAR's book Bygumbo (Dempster + Craig
Cree Seasons Activity Book (both Your Nickel’s Worth Books), has been selected for inclusion in the Capital
Publishing), co-authored by Bernice Johnson-Laxdal, City Press Collection. The collection will be unveiled
won a Moonbeam Bronze Award in the Educational, on February 14, 2020, at the opening of the new
Science and History Activity Book category. Both Stanley A. Milner Library in Edmonton. The Capital
books are collaborations with Cree Elders and City Press Team will be exploring programming
celebrate traditional lifestyles and Cree language. opportunities to highlight this collection over the
Miriam lives near La Ronge, SK. coming year. Gwen lives in Edmonton.
SALLY MEADOWS has done it again! Her new book COLLEEN NELSON is excited to announce her win for
When Crocodiles Cry: 365 MORE Amazing Facts About the Young Adult Book at the High Plains Awards for
Animal Kingdom tackles such questions as: What Sadia (Dundurn Press). The High Plains Awards are
creature has magnetic teeth? What kind of fish
20 CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020held in Billings, Montana, and celebrate literature MONICA NAWROCKI launched a mixed-media show
from the high plains/prairie regions of the United called “Island Time, Reflections by Three Island
States and Canada. Colleen lives in Winnipeg. Artists,” December 6 at the Cedar Hills Art Gallery in
Saanich, British Columbia. Flash fiction, poetry and
MARIE POWELL recently had two poems published by short stories by Monica are offered in conjunction
The Sunlight Press. Go to thesunlightpress.com/ with mono-prints by Janny Thompson and ceramics
2019/10/08/new-york-times-lady-clutterbucks- by Ester Strijbos. The show runs until December 29.
dinner-party/ to read “New York Times” and “Lady Monica lives on Cortes Island, BC.
Clutterbuck’s Dinner Party.” Marie lives in Regina,
SK. MAHTAB NARSIMHAN is
excited to announce the
BRITISH COLUMBIA, YUKON, release of her latest
NUNAVUT, NWT picture book, You and Me
Both (Owlkids Books),
DEBORAH HODGE was happy to be included as a illustrated by Lisa Cinar,
speaker in a recent Vancouver Children’s Literature on April 15, 2020. Inspired
Roundtable gathering where the new Sheila Barry by a true event, this is a
Best Canadian Picture Book of the Year Award was story of two boys with
announced. It was an uplifting event that paid more in common than
tribute to the late, wonderful Sheila Barry, one of the meets the eye. A joyful story about friendship,
most important editors of our time. Authors who had diversity and how the things that we share are more
worked with her told stories about their experiences than skin-deep. Mahtab lives in Furry Creek, BC.
and shared memorable, touching, heartfelt and often
funny reminiscences about her. They all felt MARGRIET RUURS has signed a contract for a book
honoured to be part of this special day. Deborah feels titled This Is Where I Live (Kids Can Press), a map
lucky to have worked with Sheila at both Kids Can book featuring children in unique locations around
Press and Groundwood Books. Deborah lives in the world. Margriet attended the launch of the
Vancouver. Italian version of her book Stepping Stones, A Refugee
Family’s Journey (Orca Book Publishers) in Bari, Italy
TANYA LLOYD KYI's new middle-grade novel, Me and recently. This winter she is conducting author
Banksy (Penguin Random House), will be released presentations at schools across Europe. Margriet
this spring. It’s the story of 13-year-old Dominica, lives on Salt Spring Island, BC.
whose private school is covered in security cameras.
Someone begins sharing stolen footage, including a ELLEN SCHWARTZ's middle-grade novel The Princess
shot of Dominica flipping her shirt right-side-out in Dolls (Tradewind Books) was nominated for the 2019
the library. Who has access to the cameras and why Vine Awards for Canadian Jewish Literature. Ellen
are they doing this? Dominica and her best friends, lives in Burnaby, BC.
Holden and Saanvi, are determined to find out. In
the process, they start a Banksy-inspired street art
campaign about privacy and surveillance. Tanya lives
in Vancouver.
CANSCAIP NEWS Winter 2020 21You can also read
