Same Same by Marthe Jocelyn, illustrated by Tom Slaughter – Tundra Books – 978-0-88776-885-9 -- $17.99HC – Picture Book – 24 pages – January 2009 – Ages 3-6

An intriguing introduction to similarities illustrated by masterful paper cut art.  Three objects with common characteristics are introduced, then one is repeated with two other creatures or things with a different set of commonalities – a wonderful way to expand a child’s thinking processes.

Hello, Good-bye by Arlene Alda – Tundra Books – 978-0-88776-900-9 -- $18.99HC -- Picture Book – 32 pages – March 2009 – Ages 3-6

Another delightful photo essay from Arlene Alda – this time addressing the concept of opposites in a fresh, slightly off-beat way. 

Proud as a Peacock, Brave as a Lion by Jane Barclay, illustrated by Renne΄ Benoit – Tundra – 978-0-88776-951-1 -- $20.99HC – Picture Book – September 2009 – Ages 4-8

A perfect introduction to Remembrance Day for children in JK-Grade 2.  As questions come from a young grandchild, his grandpa talks about his wartime experiences using animal similes (“proud as a peacock”, “busy as a beaver”, “brave as a lion”).  They then go outside to join in the annual parade, saying, “Elephants never forget.” 

Our Corner Grocery Store by Joanne Schwartz, illustrated by Laura Beingessner – Tundra Books – 978-0-88776-868-2 -- $21.99HC – Picture Book – 32 pages – April 2009 – Ages 4-8

Anna Maria takes great pride and pleasure in helping her grandparents in their corner grocery store every Saturday, arranging produce and greeting customers.  A wonderful tribute to the sights, sounds and smells of small independent stores that add colour and atmosphere to so many neighbourhoods.

Bird Child by Nan Forler, illustrated by Francois Thisdale – Tundra – 978-0-88776-894-1 -- $21.99HC – Picture Book – 32 pages – August 2009 – Ages 5-9

This strikingly beautiful picture book illustrates the impact of bullying and what it takes to rise above it.  Although Eliza has been given “wings to fly” by her mother, she is diminished when she looks on as bullies victimize the new student, Lainey.  Then she finds a way to empower herself and the other children, and the bullies skulk away.

The Lime Green Secret by Georgia Graham – Tundra Books – 978-0-88776-841-5 -- $21.99HC – Picture Book – 32 pages – February 2009 – Ages 5-9

Medina Hill – Trilby Kent – Tundra – 978-0-88776-888-0 -- $21.99HC – Fiction – 192 pages – October 2009 – Ages 9-12

In mid-1930’s London, Dominic Walker has lost his voice.  His father is unemployed, his mother is sick.  Then his Uncle Roo takes him and his awkward younger sister Marlo to Cornwall, where they find themselves living in a house of artistic eccentrics.  Inspired by Incredible Adventures for Boys: Colonel Lawrence and the Revolt in the Desert, Dominic becomes embroiled in a village controversy over a local band of gypsies who are threatened with expulsion.

Puppet by Eva Wiseman – Tundra Books – 978-0-88776-828-6 -- $19.99HC – Fiction – 240 pages – January 2009 – Ages 11-up

The year is 1882.  A young servant girl disappears from a Hungarian village and several Jewish men are accused of “blood libel” – murdering a Christian child for their blood to be used in religious rituals.  A fourteen-year-old Jewish boy becomes the star witness of the corrupt authorities, and Julie, a friend of the dead girl, must make an agonizing decision. 

Tyranny – Lesley Fairfield – Tundra – 978-0-88776-903-0 -- $12.99TP Original – Fiction/Graphic Novel – 120 pages – October 2009 – Ages 12-up

Tyranny starts with a single question: “How did I get here?”  It then shows Anna, pressured by media, friends, the workplace, fashion trends and personal relationships, as she falls prey to anorexia and descends into a seemingly unending cycle of misery.   Spare text and expressive drawings illustrate her struggle to escape the ravages of Tyranny. 

Genesis by Bernard Beckett – McClelland & Stewart/Tundra Books – 978-0-7710-1142-9 -- $21.00HC – Fiction – 144 pages – April 2009 – Ages 12-up

It’s late in the 21st century and the island Republic has emerged from a ruined world, its citizens safe, but living in complete isolation from outside contact.  Anyone who approaches is shot on sight – until a man named Adam Forde rescues a girl from the sea.  Years later, Anaximander, a young Academy candidate, is put through a gruelling exam on her special subject: the long-dead Adam Forde.