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Summer 2014, Vol. 34, No. 2
ISSN 1704-6033

In this issue:


Letter from the Editor

The summer tends to be a slow time around here at IBBY Canada. We are all recovering from a busy spring after our Annual General Meeting and numerous award announcements. Plus, we’re gearing up for an even busier fall, with the IBBY Congress abroad (this year it’s in Mexico City!), The Word on the Street events around the country, and the Joanne Fitzgerald Illustrator in Residence Program at the Toronto Public Library. Phew!

One of my favourite things about this time of year is summer reading, and the stacks of books that I bring for a long weekend at the cottage (how did I ever think I would get through them all?). Recently, I read Jella Lepman’s autobiography, A Bridge of Children’s Books: The Inspiring Autobiography of a Remarkable Woman. While I know quite a bit about IBBY today, I had so much to learn about its origins and the woman who started it all. It’s also a remarkable portrait of the post-war years, and of how countries rebuild after such devastation. In our article on the H.C. Andersen Award Series that has recently launched in China, you’ll notice that Lepman’s autobiography is one of four IBBY-related titles being translated for the Chinese market. If you haven’t yet read it, I highly recommend it as a quick summer read.

It was with great sadness that we recently learned about the damage of two libraries in Gaza that IBBY has been supporting through the Children in Crisis Fund. You can read more about it in our notice here, as well as through a piece from Jane Baskwill, our Councillor-East. Now more than ever, it’s a reminder of how important IBBY’s work is around the world in building bridges of understanding and peace.

If you haven’t already done so, please remember to renew your membership to IBBY Canada. Your support makes our work possible, both in Canada and abroad.

– Katie Scott, Newsletter Editor
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Mot de l’éditrice

L’été, tout tourne un peu au ralenti ici à IBBY Canada. Nous sommes encore à nous remettre de ce printemps occupé après l’assemblée générale et l’octroi de nombreux prix. Sans oublier que nous nous préparons pour un automne encore plus chargé : le Congrès d’IBBY se tient à l’étranger (cette année, le Congrès sera à Mexico !), le festival Word on the Street s’organise partout au pays et le réseau de bibliothèques publiques de Toronto a annoncé son Programme d’illustrateur en résidence Joanne Fitzgerald. Ouf !

Une des choses que je préfère durant cette période de l’année, ce sont les lectures d’été. J’ai toute une pile de livres que j’ai amenés avec moi pour une longue fin de semaine au chalet (comment pouvais-je vraiment croire que je pourrais tous les terminer?). Récemment, j’ai lu l’autobiographie de Jella Lepman, A Bridge of Children’s Books: The Inspiring Autobiography of a Remarkable Woman. Je sais bien des choses au sujet d’IBBY d’aujourd’hui, mais j’en avais beaucoup à apprendre quant à ses origines et à la femme qui l’a fondé. Il s’agit d’un portrait remarquable des années d’après-guerre et un récit fascinant sur la reconstruction de pays après une telle dévastation. Dans notre article sur la Série du prix H.C. Andersen lancé récemment en Chine, vous allez remarquer que l’autobiographie de Lepman figure parmi les quatre titres ayant un lien avec IBBY que l’on traduit pour le marché chinois. Si vous ne l’avez pas déjà lu, je vous le recommande fortement comme petite lecture d’été.

C’est avec une grande tristesse que nous avons appris récemment que des dommages ont été subis par deux bibliothèques de Gaza qui recevaient un soutien du Fonds IBBY pour les enfants en milieu de crises. Vous pourrez en apprendre davantage à ce sujet ici ainsi que dans l’article de Jane Baskwill, notre Conseillère-Est. Maintenant plus que jamais, ceci nous rappelle l’importance du travail effectué par IBBY partout sur la planète, celui de bâtir des ponts pour mieux se comprendre et pour favoriser la paix.

Si vous ne l’avez pas déjà fait, n’oubliez pas de renouveler votre statut de membre auprès d’IBBY Canada. Votre soutien nous permet de réaliser notre travail au Canada et ailleurs dans le monde.

– Katie Scott, Éditrice de l’infolettre

Traduction : Catherine Dussault

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President’s Report

As I write it’s July and, like many urban Canadians, I have had the good fortune to leave the city and spend some time by a lake. Of course, a lakeside holiday wouldn’t be complete without a pile of wonderful children’s books and children to share them with.

Elsewhere in the world, the summer is not so idyllic, and families are struggling. IBBY’s Children in Crisis Fund works to support children and families in conflict zones so that they, too, can read and have access to books. Read about IBBY Canada’s involvement with World Refugee Day in Victoria, British Columbia, here in this issue. You can also read IBBY Canada’s update on the status of IBBY libraries in Gaza.

IBBY Canada’s Executive Committee has been busy since the last newsletter, with three additional meetings to address continuance under the new Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. You can read an update about this here.

It is coming to that time again, where we solicit the very best Canadian picture books published this year for the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award. The call for submissions is here. You can read more about Julie Morstad, the 2013 winner, in our spring issue, as well as our past award winners on our website. Get some inspiration for shared vacation reading!

Hope you are having a wonderful summer. Enjoy the sunshine!

– Shannon Babcock, President
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Rapport de la Présidente

À l’heure où j’écris c’est le mois de juillet et, comme plusieurs canadiens résidant en milieu urbain, j’ai l’occasion de quitter la ville pour aller passer du temps au bord d’un lac. Bien sûr, des vacances à la campagne ne seraient pas complètes sans une bonne pile de livres jeunesse magnifiques et sans des enfants avec qui les partager.

Ailleurs au monde, l’été n’est pas aussi magnifique, et des familles sont en danger. Le Fonds IBBY pour les enfants en milieu de crises œuvre à appuyer des enfants et des familles dans des zones de conflit pour qu’ils puissent, eux aussi, avoir la possibilité de lire et d’avoir accès aux livres. Vous pourrez lire tout sur la participation d’IBBY Canada à la Journée mondiale des réfugiés à Victoria (Colombie-Brittanique) ici dans ce numéro. Vous pourrez aussi lire la mise à jour d’IBBY Canada sur le statut des bibliothèques IBBY à Gaza.

Le Conseil d’administration d’IBBY Canada a été très occupé depuis le bulletin dernier, ayant organisé trois réunions supplémentaires pour discuter de la prorogation conformément à la nouvelle Loi canadienne sur les organisations à but non lucratif. Vous pourrez lire la mise à jour ici.

Le moment est venu à nouveau de solliciter les meilleurs albums canadiens publiés cette année pour le Prix Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver. L’appel de soumission se trouve ici. Vous pourrez lire davantage sur Julie Morstad, la lauréate en 2013, dans notre numéro du printemps, ainsi que sur les lauréat/es sur notre site Web. Là, vous allez découvrir de bonnes lectures à partager pendant les vacances !

Je vous souhaite à tous un bel été. Profitez bien du soleil !

– Shannon Babcock, Présidente

Traduction : Todd Kyle

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Regional Report: West

Julie Morstad (left) receives the 2013 Cleaver Award from jury member Allison Taylor-McBryde (right) at a presentation ceremony at the University of British Columbia on May 3, 2014
Julie Morstad (left) receives the 2013 Cleaver Award from jury member Allison Taylor-McBryde (right) at a presentation ceremony at the University of British Columbia on May 3, 2014. Photo courtesy of Nafiza Azad

Julie Morstad, winner of the 2013 Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award for her wonderful creation How To, was presented with the award on May 3, 2014. The awards ceremony took place during the 2014 Graduate Research Conference in Children’s Literature at the University of British Columbia (UBC), and was well attended by professionals and scholars. Allison Taylor-McBryde, a member of the jury, presented Julie with her award. In her acceptance speech, Julie spoke briefly about the inspirations behind How To and the process of creating the picture book.

At the same event, Bonnie Tulloch was presented with the 2013 Frances E. Russell Grant for research on Canadian children’s literature. Judith Saltman, the chairperson of the Masters of Arts in Children’s Literature program at UBC, presented the award – doubly special because Judi herself has received the Russell Grant and because she is Bonnie’s thesis supervisor.

Victoria Public Library hosted an event for World Refugee Day on June 21, 2014. IBBY member Kirsten Anderson was a participant, providing information to attendees about IBBY Canada and the Children in Crisis Fund.

-Nafiza Azad, Councillor-West
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Rapport régional de l’Ouest

La lauréate du prix Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver pour les livres d’images pour enfants du Canada 2013, Julie Morstad, a reçu son prix le 3 mai 2014 pour son magnifique livre How To. La remise du prix s’est déroulée à l’Université de la Colombie-Britannique (UBC) lors de l’édition 2014 de la conférence d’études supérieures en recherche littéraire pour enfants. Plusieurs professionnels et professeurs étaient présents. Ce prix lui a été remis par Alison Taylor-McBride, membre du jury. Lors de son discours, Julie a brièvement parlé de ce qui avait inspiré son livre et du processus de création.

Lors du même événement, Bonnie Tulloch a reçu la bourse Frances E. Russell pour la recherche en littérature pour enfants. La présidente du deuxième cycle en littérature pour enfants de l’Université de la Colombie-Britannique, Judith Saltman, lui a remis son prix. Cette remise fut doublement extraordinaire puisque Judith Saltman avait elle-même reçu cet honneur dans le passé et est actuellement la directrice de thèse de Bonnie.

La bibliothèque publique de Victoria a présenté un événement dans le cadre de la journée mondiale des réfugiés le 21 juin dernier. Kirsten Anderson, membre d’IBBY Canada, était présente et en a profité pour parler aux invités du travail d’IBBY Canada et du Fond pour les enfants en milieu de crises.

-Nafisa Azad, Conseillère de l’Ouest

Traduction : Yveline Jean-Charles

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Call for Submissions: Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award

Every year since 1986, IBBY Canada has given the Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver Canadian Picture Book Award to a Canadian illustrator in recognition of outstanding artistic talent in a Canadian picture book in English or French. The winner receives $1,000 and a certificate at an annual award ceremony.

Members of IBBY Canada form the Cleaver committee and administer the award. The committee members for the 2014 award are Theo Heras (Chair) and Allison Taylor-McBryde. A third juror is to be announced.

An eligible book as defined by the terms of the award is:

(1)  a picture book, in which there is an interdependence of pictures and words;
(2)  a first edition that contains original illustrations by a Canadian illustrator (either a citizen or permanent resident).

All genres are considered: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and folk and fairy tales. Books submitted in a previous year, even if submitted in a different language, will not be eligible for consideration.

To enter a book for the award:

(1) Send 1 copy of the book to each committee member (for a total of 3 copies). Contact Theo Heras for the mailing addresses of the three committee members.
(2) Send a $20 entry fee to IBBY Canada for each title submitted. The fee is non-refundable, even if the submission(s) is deemed ineligible, so please read the submission guidelines carefully. This fee will be used to offset administration costs as well as costs associated with the presentation of the award. Please send a cheque made payable to “IBBY Canada” with “Cleaver Award fee” on the memo line to:

IBBY Canada
c/o The Canadian Children’s Book Centre
217-40 Orchard View Blvd.
Toronto, ON M4R 1B9

For example, if you are submitting 2 titles for consideration, you will mail 6 books in total (3 copies of each title) to the three jury members and a cheque for $40 to IBBY Canada.

IBBY Canada will donate the submitted books to a suitable recipient(s) at the end of each year.

The deadline for entries is December 15, 2014, for books published between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2014. The award will be announced in 2015.

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Appel de soumissions : le Prix Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver 2014

Chaque année depuis 1986, IBBY Canada décerne le Prix Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver à un illustrateur canadien en reconnaissance de son talent artistique exceptionnel dans un livre d’images canadien. Le lauréat reçoit un chèque au montant de 1000 $ et un certificat lors d’une cérémonie annuelle.

Trois membres d’IBBY Canada constituent le comité Cleaver qui administre le Prix. Pour 2014, les membres du comité sont Theo Heras (présidente), Allison Taylor-McBryde, et un troisième membre qui n’a pas encore été annoncé.

Selon les normes du Prix, un livre admissible est:

(1) un album (parfois appelé livre d’images), par opposition à un livre illustré dans lequel le texte prend la priorité;
(2) une première édition et contenir des illustrations d’un illustrateur qui est citoyen canadien (ou résident permanent au Canada).

Tous les genres seront pris en considération : fiction, documentaire, poésie et folklore. Un livre soumis auparavant, même dans une autre langue, ne sera pas admissible.

La personne qui soumettra une candidature devra envoyer:

(1) Un exemplaire du livre admissible à chaque membre de comité (trois au total). Veuillez contacter Theo Heras afin d’obtenir les coordonnées des membres du comité.
(2) Des frais de 20 $ sont à payer pour chaque titre soumis au Prix Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver. Ces frais sont non-remboursables, même si votre soumission est jugée inadmissible, donc veuillez lire attentivement les réglements. Ces frais couvriront les coûts administratifs ainsi que les coûts associés à la présentation du Prix. Veuillez envoyer un chèque à l’ordre d’IBBY Canada, inscrivant « Cleaver Award Fee » sur le chèque à :

IBBY Canada
a/s The Canadian Children’s Book Centre
217-40 Orchard View Blvd.
Toronto, ON  M4R 1B9

Par exemple, si vous soumettez deux titres, vous allez envoyer par la poste six livres en tout (trois copies de chaque titre) aux membres du comité, et un chèque au montant de 40 $ au siège social d’IBBY Canada.

IBBY Canada fera don des livres soumis à un récipiendaire jugé approprié à la fin de chaque année.

La date limite pour les soumissions est le 15 décembre 2014 pour les livres publiés entre le 1 janvier 2014 et le 31 décembre 2014. Le laureat sera annoncé en 2014.

Traduction : Todd Kyle

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Patricia Storms is the Joanne Fitzgerald Illustrator in Residence

Patricia Storms, the 2014 Joanne Fitzgerald Illustrator in Residence. Photo: Guy Storms
Patricia Storms, the 2014 Joanne Fitzgerald Illustrator in Residence. Photo: Guy Storms

IBBY Canada is pleased to announce that children’s book illustrator Patricia Storms has been selected for the 2014 Joanne Fitzgerald Illustrator in Residence Program. The program is a one-month residency in a public library for a published children’s book illustrator.

Patricia Storms will be at the Northern District Branch of the Toronto Public Library for the month of October 2014. During her residency, she will engage children in art activities during class visits to the library, present workshops for the public, talk to students and teachers in art programs at high schools and colleges, and schedule portfolio review meetings with artists and art students.

Patricia Storms has illustrated children’s books for publishers including Scholastic Canada, Owlkids Books, and Kids Can Press. Patricia is the author and illustrator of books such as The Pirate and the Penguin (Owlkids Books, 2009) and Never Let You Go (Scholastic Canada, 2013). She also works as a cartoonist and illustrator for magazines, newspapers, and humour books. Patricia lives in Toronto.

Illustrators from across Canada submitted applications for the Joanne Fitzgerald Illustrator in Residence Program. The 2014 illustrator was selected by a jury comprised of Shannon Babcock, Ministère de l’Éducation, Quebec, and president of IBBY Canada; Marie-Louise Gay, author and illustrator; Meghan Howe, Canadian Children’s Book Centre; Martha Newbigging, illustrator (and the Joanne Fitzgerald Illustrator in Residence in 2013); Martha Scott, Toronto Public Library; and Leigh Turina, Toronto Public Library.

A collaboration between IBBY Canada and Joanne’s family, the program honours the memory of Joanne Fitzgerald (1956–2011), who illustrated children’s books that include Plain Noodles, Emily’s House, The Blue Hippopotamus, and Doctor Kiss Says Yes, winner of the Governor General’s Literary Award for Illustration. Additional financial support for the program is offered by Groundwood Books, publisher of many of Joanne’s books.

The Toronto Public Library will host the residencies in 2013 and 2014. In subsequent years, in partnership with the Canadian Urban Libraries Council, IBBY Canada will work with libraries in other provinces to host the Joanne Fitzgerald Illustrator in Residence Program.

– Helena Aalto, Promotions Officer
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Patricia Storms sélectionné pour le programme d’illustrateur en résidence Joanne Fitzgerald d’IBBY Canada

IBBY Canada a l’honneur d’annoncer que Patricia Storms est l’illustratrice sélectionnée dans le cadre du Programme d’illustrateur en résidence Joanne Fitzgerald pour 2014. Le programme consiste en une résidence d’un mois pour un illustrateur de livre jeunesse dans une bibliothèque publique.

Patricia Storms sera en résidence à la Northern District Branch de la Toronto Public Library au mois d’octobre 2014. Au cours de son séjour, elle invitera les enfants à participer à des activités artistiques durant les visites de classe à la bibliothèque, présentera des ateliers et autre activités à l’intention du grand public et donnera des conférences aux étudiants et enseignants des programmes d’art des écoles secondaires et des collèges. Elle planifiera aussi des rencontres individuelles avec des artistes et des étudiants en art afin de revoir avec eux leur portfolio.

Patricia Storms a illustré des livres jeunesse pour plusieurs maisons d’édition dont: Scholastic Canada, Owlkids Books, et Kids Can Press. Patricia est l’auteure et l’illustratrice de The Pirate and the Penguin (Owlkids Books, 2009) et de Never Let You Go (Éditions Scholastic, 2013). Elle travaille aussi en tant qu’illustratrice et caricaturiste pour des magazines, journaux et livres d’humour. Patricia habite à Toronto.

Des illustrateurs de tout le pays ont envoyé des soumissions au Programme d’illustrateur en résidence Joanne Fitzgerald. L’illustratrice choisie pour 2014 a été sélectionnée par un jury composé de Shannon Babcock, Ministère de l’Éducation, Québec, et présidente d’IBBY Canada; Marie-Louise Gay, auteure et illustratrice; Meghan Howe, Canadian Children’s Book Centre; Martha Newbigging, illustratrice (et participante au Programme d’illustrateur en résidence Joanne Fitzgerald en 2013); et Martha Scott et Leigh Turina de la bibliothèque publique de Toronto.

Le Programme d’illustrateur en résidence Joanne Fitzgerald d’IBBY Canada honore Joanne Fitzgerald (1956-2011), qui a illustré de nombreux livres exceptionnels pour enfants, y compris : Plain Noodles, Emily’s House, The Blue Hippopotamus et Doctor Kiss Says Yes, lauréat du Prix littéraire du Gouverneur Général. En souvenir de son engagement à l’égard des livres et des illustrations pour enfants, sa famille a collaboré avec IBBY Canada pour créer le Programme d’illustrateur en résidence Joanne Fitzgerald d’IBBY Canada. Un soutien financier supplémentaire pour le Programme est offert par Groundwood Books, qui a publié de nombreux livres de Joanne.

La bibliothèque publique de Toronto accueille les résidences de 2013 et 2014. À l’avenir, en partenariat avec le Conseil des bibliothèques urbaines du Canada, IBBY Canada travaillera avec les bibliothèques d’autres provinces pour leur permettre d’accueillir le Programme d’illustrateur en résidence Joanne Fitzgerald.

– Helena Aalto, Agente de promotion
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Barbro Lindgren Receives the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award

Barbro Lindgren (left) and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden (right) at the presentation for the 2014 ALMA in Stockholm. Photo: Stefan Tell (Creative Commons)
Barbro Lindgren (left) and Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden (right) at the presentation for the 2014 ALMA in Stockholm. Photo: Stefan Tell (Creative Commons)

Each year, IBBY Canada submits a nominee for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award – the richest prize in children’s literature. This year’s recipient, Barbro Lindgren of Sweden, received the 2014 prize at an award ceremony at the Stockholm Concert Hall on June 2, 2014.

In her acceptance speech, Barbro Lindgren talks about her early years as a writer and the role that Astrid Lindgren played in helping her get published. You can watch her full speech here.

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News Regarding IBBY Libraries in Gaza

Liz Page, Executive Director of IBBY International, sent a notice to IBBY members on July 21, 2014, regarding the state of IBBY libraries in Gaza.

As you know, IBBY was established shortly after the end of World War II. IBBY’s founder, Jella Lepman (a German Jew), believed that books could build bridges of understanding and peace between people. Children needed to know what all good readers know: you are not alone; others have experiences, feelings and needs just like you do; and there is a whole world out there you know nothing about.

For the past five years, IBBY has been supporting two children’s libraries in Gaza through IBBY’s Children in Crisis Fund. One library is situated in the northern community of Beit Hanoun, the other is in the south in the town of Rafah. In 2013 an IBBY delegation of the Executive Director, President, IBBY Foundation President, and IBBY Palestine President visited the two libraries and subsequently helped them to upgrade the services and collections with support from the Katherine Paterson Family Foundation as well as IBBY’s Children in Crisis Fund. See IBBY’s website for a report of the visit and the project by IBBY Palestine (PBBY).

The two IBBY library areas (Rafah and Beit Hanoun) are now military zones. The librarian in Beit Hanoun, Abla Hassan, sent a message to PBBY about the situation there before she was displaced a number of days ago. She says that the al-Ata’ community-based centre that hosts the library has been very badly damaged. The children’s courtyard has been destroyed as well as books, computers, windows and walls. Many local homes have been partially or completely destroyed as well. According to PBBY, there is no specific news about the library in al-Shoka, Rafah, or about the situation of the children using the library and the library building. All families are displaced including the librarian Mahmoud.

In times of conflict, children on both sides suffer. IBBY’s mandate through the Children in Crisis Fund is to help where it can. The above news gives you an idea of the immediacy and importance of IBBY’s mandate around the world and how fragile the work of IBBY is.

One of Lepman’s beliefs, and we in IBBY Canada say this repeatedly, is that books are mirrors and windows. Through reading and books, people can come to know and understand each other. Making reading and books available to children and families everywhere is a crucial part of what IBBY does.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. What better time to donate to IBBY’s Children in Crisis Fund.

– Shannon Babcock, President, and Theo Heras, 2nd Vice-President
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Nouvelles concernant les bibliothèques d’IBBY à Gaza

Liz Page, directrice générale d’IBBY International, a envoyé une note aux membres d’IBBY le 21 juillet 2014, concernant l’état des bibliothèques d’IBBY à Gaza.

Comme vous le savez, IBBY a été fondé peu après la fin de la Deuxième Guerre Mondiale. La fondatrice d’IBBY, Jella Lepman (une juive allemande) pensait que les livres pour enfants pouvaient servir à promouvoir la compréhension et la paix entre les gens. Les enfants avaient besoin de savoir ce que tous les bons lecteurs savent : on n’est pas seul, les autres ont des expériences, des sentiments et des besoins tout comme chacun d’entre nous … et il y a, autour de nous, tout un monde à découvrir.

Durant les cinq dernières années, IBBY a apporté son soutien à deux bibliothèques pour enfants à Gaza par l’entremise du Fonds pour les enfants en milieu de crises d’IBBY. L’une des bibliothèques est située dans la communauté nord de Beit Hanoun, et l’autre est dans le sud, dans la ville de Rafah. En 2013, une délégation d’IBBY qui comprenait le directeur général, le président, le président de la fondation IBBY et le président d’IBBY Palestine, ont visité les deux bibliothèques; par la suite, soutenus par la fondation familiale de Katherine Paterson, et le Fonds IBBY pour les enfants en milieu de crises, ils les ont aidées à améliorer leurs services et leurs collections. Pour un compte-rendu de la visite et du projet d’IBBY Palestine (PBBY), veuillez consulter le site web d’IBBY.

Les régions où se trouvent les deux bibliothèques d’IBBY (Rafah et Beit Hanoun) sont actuellement des zones militaires. La bibliothécaire de Beit Hanoun, Abla Hassan, a envoyé un message à PBBY au sujet de la situation là-bas avant d’avoir été elle-même déplacée il y plusieurs jours. Elle dit que le centre communautaire al-Ata’ qui abritait la bibliothèque a été lourdement endommagé. La cour des enfants a été détruite ainsi que des livres, des ordinateurs, des fenêtres et des murs. Un grand nombre de maisons du quartier ont été partiellement ou complètement détruites. Selon PBBY, il n’y a pas de nouvelles au sujet de la bibliothèque à al-Shoka, Rafah, ni de l’état des enfants qui s’en servent ou du bâtiment qui l’abrite. Toutes les familles ont été déplacées y compris le bibliothécaire Mahmoud.

En période de conflit, les enfants des deux côtés souffrent. IBBY a pour mandat, par l’entremise du Fonds pour les enfants en milieu de crises, d’aider là où elle le peut. On peut constater en lisant les nouvelles ci-dessus le niveau d’urgence et l’importance du mandat d’IBBY à travers le monde et combien le travail d’IBBY est fragile.

L’une des convictions de Jella Lepman, et nous le répétons souvent au sein d’IBBY Canada, est que les livres sont à la fois miroirs et fenêtres. À travers la lecture et les livres, les gens peuvent parvenir à se connaître et à se comprendre les uns les autres. Un élément essentiel du travail d’IBBY est de mettre la lecture et les livres à la disposition des enfants et des familles partout au monde.

Cette année marque le 25ième anniversaire de la Convention relative aux droits de l’enfant. C’est le moment idéal pour faire un don au Fonds pour les enfants en milieu de crises d’IBBY.

— Shannon Babcock, président, et Theo Heras, deuxième vice-président

Traduction : Myriam Le Brock

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An Open Letter about IBBY’s Libraries in Gaza

The destruction of the IBBY libraries in Gaza and continuing world conflicts have certainly had an impact on me as a teacher, parent, grandparent, author and world citizen, and have given me lots to think about. As a member of several non-profit boards, I am often reminded about our roles when speaking out on any issue. Often the word nonpartisan is used. However, it’s hard to remain “nonpartisan” in any conflict in which children are caught.

Someone who has been working with teachers-as-first-responders, and has been advocating the use of children’s books to help children deal with conflict, is US educator and researcher Denny Taylor. She has recently published three books (Garn Press) in which she makes a strong case that, based on scientific evidence “… there are three things we know for sure:

  1. What happens to the future lives of our children and grandchildren depends on us;
  2. We should not expect the powerbrokers of the State-Corporate Complex to come to our aid or rescue our children;
  3. Extreme inequality is not only bad for people it is bad for the planet – the poor are at greater peril than the rich.” (Taylor, 2014, you can find the complete post here).

Her words, and this most recent conflict, have given me pause as I consider just what nonpartisan means in today’s global society. Does it mean if our friends or relatives do something hurtful that we should remain nonpartisan and say nothing? How does this apply to acquaintances, colleagues in the workplace or members of non-profit organizations? When should I speak up?

History is full of examples of those who turned a blind eye and said “This is none of my business. This hasn’t anything to do with me.” But it is also full of stories of those who took action – no matter how small. So, what about now? Will the destruction of these libraries cause you to write another cheque and go on with your life, or might you consider taking further action, no matter how small, that might ripple outward like a stone tossed into a pond?

Think about how you can use your influence in support of the world’s children. All of us know someone, who may know someone, and so on, so letting people know how we feel about conditions that cause children to be in crisis is an important first step. Yes, as IBBY members who have perhaps raised money or contributed to the Children in Crisis Fund, we are upset by the destruction of the libraries. However, this conflict is just one of many that affect children. The issue is greater than the buildings or the books or even the money, time and good will. It is an issue of the world we are expecting children to live in. Children in war-torn countries, children in poverty, children in crisis of one kind or another, in this country or another, have the right to be children and to grow up, as the UNICEF Convention on the Rights of the Child says, with protection, an adequate standard of living, a voice in decision-making that effects them, and specific protections if they are among vulnerable populations. In fact, Article 42 (Knowledge of rights) specifically says: “Governments should make the Convention known to adults and children. Adults should help children learn about their rights, too.” When was the last time your government reminded you of the Convention?

So, please consider taking action. Make no mistake; your financial support for the Children in Crisis Fund does make a difference, so please continue doing that, but perhaps there is more you can do. Write a letter to government officials of all levels asking them to use their influence in support of children in crisis. Put information on your blogs, Facebook pages and websites about the destruction of the libraries and ask people to use their influence in support of children. Tweet about it. Tell two people … as the saying goes, if you tell two people and they tell two people … and so on, imagine what might be accomplished!

– Jane Baskwill, Councillor-East
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IBBY Canada’s Historic Vote!

A huge thank you to all of you who came out in person or sent in your proxy votes for our historic Special Meeting of Members on July 8, 2014, to approve our application for continuance under the new Canada Not-for-profit Corporations Act. We needed 20 percent of our members for a quorum, but 67 percent of you responded! And we needed a two-thirds majority to pass the motion, but, in fact, your vote was unanimous in favour of our proceeding with our application.

A huge thank you to 2nd Vice-President, Theo Heras, for working with me so closely for so long on this effort. And to our Membership Secretary, Stephanie Dror, who managed to get a huge mailing out to all of our members despite having just moved from British Columbia to Ontario! Our Newsletter Editor, Katie Scott, and Website Editor, Camilia Kahrizi, made sure that the meeting and essential documents were well publicized.

A huge thank you, too, to Joyce McGuiney and her assistant, Ashley Rego, of Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP, who offered their legal expertise pro bono to guide us through this complex process. Now that our documents have been approved by our members and signed by our executive, our application can be completed. First, application has to be made to Corporations Canada for a certificate of continuance. After our corporation is continued, Joyce will send Corporations Canada a copy of our new by-laws, which come into effect on continuance.

Since IBBY Canada is also a registered charity, Joyce will file a copy of our certificate and articles of continuance and our revised by-laws with the Charities Directorate, Canada Revenue Agency.

Once we receive our all-important certificate, we notify all members about what this means for all of us at IBBY Canada.

– Brenda Halliday, Past President
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H.C. Andersen Award Series Launches in China

The Chinese section of IBBY, CBBY, is proud to announce the launch of the H.C. Andersen Award Series. Every year, Anhui Children’s Publishing House in China will translate and publish the winners and selected nominees of the Hans Christian Andersen Awards. This year, they will publish 47 titles, including 25 picture books and 18 novels. They will also publish four IBBY-related titles to introduce the organization and the award to the Chinese public: A Bridge of Children’s Books: The Inspiring Autobiography of a Remarkable Woman by Jella Lepman; Hans Christian Andersen Awards 1956­–2002 by Eva Glistrup; International Children’s Book Day 1967–2002, edited by Loty Petrovits, Leena Maissen, Liz Page, and Nadia Debattista; and Peace Book, edited by Valerie Coghlan and Siobhán Parkinson.

CBBY estimates that the books in the series will reach about 170 million Chinese children, as well as writers, illustrators, and academics of children’s literature. The project will provide fantastic exposure to international children’s books for young readers in China.

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La série du prix H.C. Andersen lancée en Chine

La division chinoise d’IBBY, CBBY, a l’honneur d’annoncer le lancement d’une série autour du prix Hans Christian Andersen. Chaque année, la maison d’édition pour enfants Anhui en Chine traduira et publiera des œuvres des lauréats des prix Hans Christian Andersen et de certains finalistes choisis. Cette année, elle publiera 47 titres, dont 25 livres illustrés et 18 romans. Elle publiera également quatre titres portant sur IBBY visant à présenter l’organisation et les prix au public chinois, soit A Bridge of Children’s Books: The Inspiring Autobiography of a Remarkable Woman de Jella Lepman; Hans Christian Andersen Awards 1956­–2002 d’Eva Glistrup; International Children’s Book Day 1967–2002, édité par Loty Petrovits, Leena Maissen, Liz Page et Nadia Debattista; et Peace Book, édité par Valerie Coghlan et Siobhán Parkinson.

D’après les estimations de CBBY, 170 millions d’enfants chinois auront accès aux livres de la série, sans compter nombre d’écrivains, d’illustrateurs et d’universitaires s’intéressant à la littérature jeunesse. Le projet offrira aux jeunes lecteurs en Chine un accès précieux à des livres pour enfants de partout sur la planète.

Traduction : Catherine Dussault

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CANSCAIP Spotlight: Wendy Mason

Author Marsha Skrypuch (left) with Wendy Mason (centre) and Son Thi Anh Tuyet (right) at an Indigo workshop. Photo: Debbie Spring
Author Marsha Skrypuch (left) with Wendy Mason (centre) and Son Thi Anh Tuyet (right) at an Indigo workshop. Photo: Debbie Spring

Introduction

Wendy Mason, a children’s bookseller, has worked for Chapters Indigo since 1997, actively promoting Canadian books. She started out as an elementary school teacher before moving on to the post-secondary level at the University of Windsor and University of Toronto. Selling the work of Canadian children’s authors and illustrators is her lifetime goal and passion.

Q: What are some of the recommendations that you utilize to sell Canadian books at Indigo’s Yorkdale store, where you presently work?

A: I take great pride and effort in recommending Canadian authors and illustrators to my customers. I especially like suggesting Canadian award-winning books. I also love to introduce my customers to new Canadian authors/illustrators or those who have written splendid books that might have escaped notice in the retail world.

Q: What helps you sell Canadian books?

A: Receiving advance copies helps me tremendously. That way I can start talking to my customers, giving them a heads up before the books are released. A good publisher relationship helps ensure everything runs smoothly and in a timely fashion. I know my customers and know what they like.

Q: How do you get schools involved?

A: The best way to get schools involved is to hold workshops. It is my job to contact teachers directly and arrange for Canadian authors and illustrators to deliver workshops. It is all about the exchange between teachers and artists. I make sure that the audience is age and subject appropriate, and I invite those grades to come to my store. This guarantees that the author and/or illustrator have an audience. It helps significantly when complimentary copies of the book(s) are given to the teacher, librarian, and principal before the event. This way, everyone is prepared ahead of time. The books are read and discussed with the children before the event. When children know the book(s), they get more out of the talk.

Q: What event stood out?

A: When I heard that the talented IBBY award-winning author-illustrator Marie-Louise Gay was coming from Montreal to Toronto, I immediately arranged for her to do a workshop at my store. I have a good relationship with both Marie-Louise and her publisher. She talked about her book Read Me a Story, Stella (Groundwood Books, 2013). Marie-Louise received IBBY Canada’s 2012 Claude Aubry Award. She has written and/or illustrated more than 60 books published in over 15 languages. She has won every major award for Canadian children’s literature, including the Vicky Metcalf Award for Children’s Literature for her body of work. Canada Post issued stamps featuring Marie-Louise’s most beloved characters, siblings Stella and Sam. Her book Caramba (Groundwood Books, 2005) was selected for the annual TD Grade One Book Giveaway Program, a program administered by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, and was distributed to 500,000 children across Canada. Loved by children and parents, praised by educators and critics, Marie-Louise’s books create worlds filled with imagination, warmth, and humour.

Q: What promotes reading at home?

A: Reading out loud is shared reading time. The reader cuddles the young child and this provides a bonding moment and a sense of closeness. Words come alive when they are shared. It is fun to hear the rhyming or rhythm of the words when they are spoken out loud. Parents are good role models when they read in front of older kids. When parents or caregivers bring children to the library and choose books to take home, children get enthusiastic and excited about reading.

Q: Are e-books a threat to printed books? What do you think of e-books?

A: Traditional booksellers don’t deal with e-books. We believe in a book in hand. I love the smell of the paper, the look of the print, and the whole tactile experience of a book. I personally disengage from e-books.

Q: You have been a judge for the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. What elements did you look for in a winning book?

A: Whether I’m judging fiction or non-fiction (I’ve also served on the jury for the Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction), I look for the story’s relevance and the appeal of the book. I always look at it from a marketing angle and ask myself “Can I sell this book? How do I promote it? Did it succeed and excel or fall short?”

Q: When you wrote reviews for the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s quarterly magazine, Canadian Children’s Book News, did you ever write bad reviews?

A: I never wrote a bad review because I only wrote about books that I could sell. It’s all about the selling.

Q: Indigo’s Yorkdale location has introduced American Girl to their store. What impact has this had on selling Canadian children’s books?

A: It hasn’t. They have their own department, and they are their own entity including their own staff. If it brings more children into the store, hopefully they will browse and buy Canadian books as well.

Q: What is the value of graphic novels? Are they popular?

A: Oh, yeah. They are big. Graphic novels attract reluctant and struggling young readers. It is wonderful to get them reading.

Q: Do you have any advice for Canadian children’s authors and illustrators?

A: Tell Canadian authors and illustrators to keep on doing what they are doing because they are the best. Why are we sitting on the sidelines? Keep giving me books. I’m just one voice, but I’m loud.

Q: Is reading declining? Are you worried about the future of children’s books?

A: Children read in different ways. There are so many options on screens in ways I never would have known about as a kid. I’m happy as long as they are reading, but I still strongly believe in the power of books in hand and teaching that valuable experience. In my opinion, books will never be replaced by technology. It takes parents, caregivers, teachers, and librarians to keep that magic shared. The magic of story stimulates the mind and imagination. My heart is with all of you creators. Books will always be with us. I believe in all of you and will support you in any way that I can. Canadian authors and illustrators, you are the best. Get with the program, everybody. Never give up hope. As long as there are books to promote, we believe in you. Canadian authors and illustrators, you don’t have to worry. Please keep on doing what you are doing, and you will keep the magic of reading alive.

Q: Do you see yourself retiring in the near future?

A: I’ll never retire! I’ll continue recommending and selling Canadian books as long as I can. I have a collection of original Canadian art from picture books and signed books by Canadian authors that I promote and sell.

Conclusion

Wendy Mason is a strong advocate for the promotion and selling of Canadian children’s books. We are blessed to have her recommending and getting great books into the hands of young readers. She has made her mark as a bookseller, reviewer, and as a judge, helping to elevate Canadian literature and culture.

– Debbie Spring, Liaison CANSCAIP

Debbie Spring
Debbie Spring has nine published books. She likes to write children’s books about sports and overcoming obstacles, as in The Kayak and Breathing Soccer, published by Thistledown Press.

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News from Our Partners

CODE is now accepting submissions for the Burt Award for Caribbean Literature. The award celebrates English-language books for young adults, written by Caribbean authors. The deadline for submissions is October 24, 2014. For full guidelines, please visit the CODE website.

Communication-Jeunesse has announced that authors Mélanie Watt, Laurent Chabin, and Michel J. Lévesque have been honoured with the 2013–2014 Palmarès Communication­-Jeunesse des livres préférés des jeunes. For more information, please visit their website.

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Upcoming Events

September 10–13, 2014: IBBY’s 34th annual Congress in Mexico City. This year’s theme is Reading as an Inclusive Experience.

September 21, 2014: Word on the Street returns! Please stop by and say hello at the IBBY Canada booth in Toronto (Queen’s Park Circle, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.) and Halifax (Halifax Waterfront, around the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.).

October 1–31, 2014: Join Patricia Storms as the Joanne Fitzgerald Illustrator in Residence at the Northern District Branch of the Toronto Public Library. For more information on programming, please contact Helena Aalto, Promotions Officer.

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Contributors

Editor: Katie Scott

Copy editor (English): Meghan Howe

Copy editor (French): Susan Ouriou

Formatter: Camilia Kahrizi

Banner design: Martha Newbigging

French translation: Catherine Dussault, Yveline Jean-Charles, Todd Kyle, Myriam Le Brock

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