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PRESS RELEASE

IBBY Canada, the Canadian National Section of the International Board on Books for Young People, is pleased to announce that Peter Carver is the recipient of the 2006 Claude Aubry Award for distinguished service within the field of childrenšs literature. Peter Carver will be honoured at a ceremony at the Arts and Letters Club in Toronto on Wednesday, June 20 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (presentation begins at 6:30 p.m.)

Peter Carver's contributions to Canadian children's books are far-reaching, including his role as editor of children's and young adult books for Red Deer Press. Peter has also been a highly regarded teacher of Writing for Children at George Brown College for more than 20 years. Publishers and book industry organizations that have benefited from Peter's past work include Freedom to Read Week, PMA Books, Boardwalk Books and the Canadian Childrenšs Book Centre. Peter, who started his publishing career after working as a high school English teacher, lives near Guelph, Ontario with his partner, writer Kathy Stinson.

"Peter Carver was such a clear choice for the Claude Aubry Award," said Catherine Mitchell, chair of the nominating committee. "As well as his editorial and teaching work, Peter has been a mentor to so many people in the children's book community. The committee's decision was resoundingly unanimous."

The Claude Aubry Award was established in 1981 in honour of the late Claude Aubry of the Ottawa Public Library. The biennial award is presented by IBBY Canada for distinguished service within the field of children's literature. Previous recipients include Catherine Mitchell, Bertrand Gauthier, Michael Solomon, Ron Jobe, Virginia Davis, Judy Sarick, May Cutler and Sheila Egoff.

IBBY, the International Board on Books for Young People (www.ibby.org), founded in Switzerland in 1953, represents an international network of people who are committed to bringing books and children together and who believe in the ability of children's books to bridge cultures and promote peace.

Formed in 1980, IBBY Canada is one of over 70 national sections worldwide. IBBY Canada is a volunteer organization that promotes quality French and English language Canadian children's literature nationally and internationally. Members include authors, illustrators, librarians, booksellers, educators, and publishers. For more information about IBBY and the Claude Aubry Award, please visit the IBBY Canada web site at www.ibby-canada.org or write to info@IBBY-Canada.org.

For more information, please contact:
Helena Aalto, Promotions Officer IBBY Canada
(416) 658-3144
helena.aalto@rogers.com

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