Earth & Sky: Book Launch (Toronto)

Join 

Megan Crewe 

author of young adult speculative fiction

at the launch of the first book in a new science fiction series

Earth & Sky

by Megan Crewe

Razorbill Canada

978-0-670068128

336 pp.

Ages 13+

Release date: October 28, 2014

on

Sunday, November 2, 2014

at 1:30 p.m.

(note: this is the day after Daylight Savings Time takes effect!)

at

Story Planet and Intergalactic Travel Authority

1165 Bloor St. West

Toronto, Ontario

416-645-1049

There will be books sold and signed, 

interstellar refreshments served, 

swag to grab, 

and more!

*****************************

A Moose Goes A-Mummering: Book Launches (St. John's and Fergus)

Author Lisa Dalrymple 

and illustrator David Sturge 

are launching their new book just 

in time for Christmas

and youngCanLit readers have two great opportunities to be there!

A Moose Goes A-Mummering

by Lisa Dalrymple

Illustrated by David Sturge

Tuckamore Press

978-1-77103-050-2

32 pp.

Ages 4-8

October 2014

In Newfoundland:

Join both Lisa Dalrymple and David Sturge

on Saturday, October 4, 2014

at 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

at

Chapters

Kenmount Road

St. John's, Newfoundland

In Ontario:

Join Lisa Dalrymple 

on  Saturday, November 8, 2014

at 11:00 a.m.

at  

Roxanne's Reflections Book and Card Shop 

in Fergus, Ontario

While I was remiss in including A Moose Goes A-Mummering in my earlier posting about new releases for fall 2014 (which has since been amended), I'd like to make sure that these two book parties are well-noted by lovers of youngCanLit.  New picture books for Christmas are always welcome!

Sleeper: The Seven Sequels

by Eric Walters

Orca Book Publishers

978-1-459805439

222 pp.

Ages 10-16

For release October 1, 2014

The seven grandsons of David McLean from the original Seven Series (Orca, 2012) may have fulfilled the missions their grandfather requested of them upon his death but they're turning it around now with information they've discovered about him on their own. In fact, although the seven books of The Seven Sequels may be read in any order, I'm glad I started with Eric Walters' Sleeper as it clearly spells out how and what the boys discover that sends them off on their newest adventures, by choice or not.

Meeting up after Christmas at their grandfather's cottage, five of the cousins–DJ, Spencer, Bunny, Webb and Adam–discover a hidden cache of passports, foreign currency, a gun, a little black book, some clothes and disguises, and a bag of golf balls.  Speculating that their grandfather may have been involved in espionage, the boys decide that they have a week left of holidays before their parents are home to figure out the mystery. Bunny and Spencer head back home to Toronto (though Bunny is kidnapped from the City Hall skating rink--see my next review, for The Wolf and Me by Richard Scrimger) and DJ heads to the airport and England where he has plans on visiting Doris, the older woman whom he'd met on his trek up Kilimanjaro in Between Heaven and Earth (Walters, 2012).

But DJ's arrival in London starts with him being detained at the airport and threatened, until a government agent, Justin Bourne, makes the authorities see that the David Adam McLean they've stopped is not 93 years old.  Without giving away that his grandfather would've been that age, DJ is released and delivered to Doris's home by her surly grandson, Charles.  Though Doris has broken her leg, she is eager to help DJ so she enlists the help of her fellow Sherlock Holmesians (fans of the great fictional detective) to try to break the codes within DJ's grandfather's notebook.

Code-breaking some of the ciphers, DJ heads to Cambridge driving Doris' red Jaguar E-Type and accompanied by her beautiful granddaughter, Charlie (short for Charlotte).  Very much in the tradition of Ian Fleming's spy novels, Sleeper includes chase scenes with luxury cars like a black BMW and a white Mercedes Benz, double agents, sleeper cells, Eastern European scoundrels, the CIA, much deception and the dry wit that makes the characters seem so suave.  And, of course, there's the beautiful young woman and love interest for DJ and the dash of royalty for that regal touch.

What a great way to take readers from David McLean directing the actions of his grandsons, as he did in the Seven Series, to the boys looking to new adventures, pursuing their own suspicions and curiosity about their grandfather, and embarking on adventures that will put their intrepid natures to the test in more daring situations.  Sleeper introduces the theme of espionage and hidden identities in an intriguing manner (how appropriate!) with the boys just falling into that info (or rather it falling out).  They can choose whether to pursue it or to let it pass, as so much about their grandfather would not now that he was dead.  DJ chooses to see beyond himself.  Even in choosing to visit with Doris, a 67-year-old woman, DJ demonstrates that he can be as worldly as the man for whom he is named.  And with Eric Walters paying homage to James Bond and other great spies and fictional characters--from Henry Higgins, Jason Bourne and  Dr. Moreau--I think readers will get the impression that DJ has an impressive future ahead, filled with admirers and those who would challenge him.  And he'll be identifying himself as, "McLean. DJ McLean"

Sleeper is a propitious beginning for my reading of The Seven Sequels.  Make it one of your's too.

Julia, Child

by Kyo Maclear

Illustrated by Julie Morstad

Tundra Books

978-1-77049-449-7

32 pp.

Ages 4+

July 2014

The real Julia Child, chef extraordinaire and one of the authors of Mastering the Art of French Cooking (Knopf, 1961), would be delighted by Kyo Maclear's latest picture book, though there is a cheery disclaimer that states that "the story contains no true knowledge of (the real) Julia Child" (pg. 1).  Julia, Child may not be the real Julia Child's story but the little girl who looks to sweeten the lives of others with culinary treats provides a savoury tale.

From the taste of an extraordinary sole meunière at a young age, Julia's love of French food was whipped up, and her friendship with another young gourmet, Simca, feeds that passion. The two girls enjoy shopping for food and ideas at the market and experimenting in the kitchen, learning cooking and baking from the experts.  The girls'  goal is to continue cooking happily together even as adults.

But the adults they see around them look harried and starved for the joy of childhood.  And so Julia and Simca attempt to sauté, sizzle, simmer, and fricassee that joie de vivre back into the lives of the grown-ups they know.

The subtle message and word play of Julia, Child is what made me such a fan of Kyo Maclear's first pseudo-bio picture book, Virginia Wolf  (Tundra, 2012).  Within Julia, Child, we are slathered with rich essences of joyous play in the kitchen and life.

"They cooked extra slowly to bring out the flavor of not hurrying.  They used delicate spices so the worries would disappear and wonders would rise to the surface." (pg. 16)

Julie Morstad, award-winning illustrator of How To (Simply Read, 2013) and Singing Away the Dark (Simply Read, 2011), adds her own whimsy to Julia, Child, emphasizing the methodical nature of cooking with her delineating ink lines and the wonder of childhood in her warm, bright gouache.  While Julie Morstad's lines provide that definition and structure, her choices and frugal use of colour play up the extraordinary nature of the true joy of childhood.  The collaboration of Kyo Maclear with Julie Morstad to create Julia, Child is as inspired and scrumptious as Julia and Simca's recipe for reviving youth. Bon appétit!

The Memory Maze: The Hypnotists, Book 2

Written by Gordon Korman

Scholastic Canada
978-0545503297
240 pp.
Ages 9-14
August, 2014

Prolific award-winning author Gordon Korman hit last year's awards lists with the first book in his newest series The Hypnotists, the story of Jax Opus, a teen in middle school who learns he has inherited the ability to bend minds i.e., hypnotize others. Unfortunately the manipulative power-hungry Dr.  Elias Mako attempts to use Jax's gift to manipulate an election and Jax and his parents are forced to flee NYC to the relative anonymity of Connecticut, where The Memory Maze begins.

Now known as the Magnus family, Jax and his parents are living in a rundown house with  Jax's ally, Axel Braintree, whom they refer to as his uncle, but is the head of the Sandman's Guild of New York City. But giving up everything, including others' memories of them, is tough on the Opus family.  Mom is no longer working as a chiropractor but stays at home and endures Axel's endless array of exercises. Dad has gone from a Bentley dealership to a used car salesman. And Jax is now Jack and is trying to control his mesmeric abilities and not draw attention to himself, which becomes impossible when he starts winning chess games and even a tri-borough championship.

In fact, it's through his chess-playing that Jax is introduced to billionaire Avery Quakenbush, a 96-year-old man, who knows Jax's real identity. Quakenbush enlists Jax's services to stave off his imminent death by hypnotizing him so deeply that his body would enter statis, essentially hibernation, until a cure was ready to save him. With $500,000 being offered to his family who'd given up so much for him, Jax accepts Quackenbush's offer readily.

Axel knows that only Jax is gifted enough to take on Mako but, until he learns to control his mind-bending ability, he is a danger to himself and others.  Axel takes on the role of mentor to Jax, teaching him about the history of mesmerism and how to control his gift, while keeping tabs on his Sandman's Guild.  However, when some of the Sandmen start disappearing, Axel has yet another worry to occupy his mind.

Everything becomes muddled when Jax begins his regular hypnosis sessions with Quackenbush, reliving all of the billionaire's memories from his war experiences on the beach at Normandy, the hardships of the Great Depression, and his financial triumphs,  often emphasizing his relationship with his brother Oscar.  What begin as short, targeted mind-bending attempts become frighteningly real episodes of tragedy that last hours.

With the FBI on the hunt for the Vote Whisperer (i.e., the moniker they've given Jax; see The Hypnotists, Book 1 for details), a lip-reading neighbour questioning Jax's family dynamics, Quackenbush reliving 96 years of reminiscences, Sandmen disappearing in New York City, and, most importantly, Jax discovering memories of a brother named Liam, The Memory Maze is aptly titled.

The farce that is Jax's attempt to not bring attention to himself is balanced well with the realism of Quakenbush's life, having lived through many historical milestones and significant events.  The hilarity of the mind-bending that Jax and others perform, both innocently and deliberately, adds a lightness that is necessary when juxtaposed against tricking death and the burden of guilt.  Gordon Korman has always successfully introduced drama into humourous situations and humour into dramatic storylines, so that his young readers are able to enjoy a little bit of everything.  The Memory Maze accomplishes that as well, drawing the readers in with the amusement of mind-bending and Jax's own comic failings, but showing them the downside of that ability and the consequences of manipulating others.  If Gordon Korman didn't have a sense of humour, it would be rather frightening.

Luckily, one thing we do know at the conclusion of The Memory Maze is that Jax and his parents are on their way to a new adventure and we'll need to wait until Gordon Korman shares that one before we know whether our heart or funny bone will be aching.


(((((((((())))))))))

Gordon Korman will be in attendance at Inspire! Toronto International Book Fair in November.

The Haunting of Heck House: Book Launch (Toronto)

Authors 

Lesley Livingston & Jonathan Llyr

and

illustrator

Steven Burley

will be launching

Book 2 of The Wiggins Weird Series

The Haunting of Heck House

Puffin Canada

978-0143184263

280 pp.

Ages 8-12

on 

Saturday, October 25, 2014

3 p.m.

at

An Sibin Pub and Restaurant

709 Queen St. East

(Queen at Broadview)

Toronto, ON

It's a Haunted House Costume Party 

so wear your Halloween costume to win "cool stuff"!

(Those without costumes are still welcome)

The invite promises:

Tricks, Treats, Popcorn, Prizes, Food, Drink, Reading, Live Music, Book Signing, Ghost Busting and one HECK of a Good Time!

All ages welcome!

In this sequel to How to Curse in Hieroglyphics, Cheryl and Tweed, join their friends Pilot and Artie, in unraveling the mystery of Hecklestone Manor, the haunted house in town, as well as facing off against some new babysitting competition.  

Sounds like lots of fun!

See you there!

Inspire! Toronto International Book Fair: November 13-16, 2014

There's the Frankfurt Book Fair, the Bologna Children's Book Fair, Book World Prague International Book Fair, and now we have Inspire! Toronto International Book Fair, right here in Canada.  Now we really are an international city!

From November 13 to 16, 2014, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, North Building will become home, albeit temporary, to thousands of authors, illustrators, editors, publishers, exhibitors, workshop participants and readers.  And it's your chance to speak with, listen to, engage with and learn about all things book!

The schedule is extensive and available at http://www.torontobookfair.ca/schedule/ 
I can't possibly cover all those scheduled to read or speak or just be in attendance, but I can focus on some of the youngCanLit luminaries whom I will try to visit. (n.b.: this is an international book fair, so international book people, illustrators and authors, children's and adult, will be in attendance so you may also get to see some exceptional non-youngCanLit people as well. There are some. Okay, many.)

1. Kelley Armstrong 
2. Ashley Barron 
3. Hugh Brewster 
4. Sigmund Brouwer
5. Geneviève Côté 
6. Claudia Dávila 
7. Deborah Ellis 
8. Mimi Fay 
9. Beth Goobie 
10. Linda Granfield 
11. Jacqueline Guest 
12. Jon Klassen 
13. Gordon Korman 
14. Julie Kraulis 
15. Michael Kusugak 
16. Aaron Kylie 
17. Karen Levine 
18. Elly MacKay 
19. Kyo Maclear 
20. Rosemary McCarney 
21. Norah McClintock
22. Brian McLachlan 
23. Sylvia McNicoll 
24. Mireille Messier 
25. Sarah Mlynowski 
26. Evan Munday 
27. George Murray 
28. Mahtab Narsimhan 
29. Debbie Ridpath Ohi 
30. Ruth Ohi 
31. Shane Peacock
32. Kris Pearn 
33. David Poulsen 
34. Pierre Pratt 
35. Barbara Reid
36. Richard Scrimger
37. Alan Silberberg
38. Ashley Spires 
39. Ted Staunton
40. Patricia Storms
41. Allan Stratton 
42. Caitlin Sweet 
43. Kevin Sylvester 
44. Meg Tilley 
45. Vikki VanSickle 
46. Frank Viva 
47. Eric Walters
48. Mélanie Watt 
49. David Weale 
50. John Wilson
51. Cybèle Young 
52. E. Paul Zehr 

If you look back over three years of postings here on CanLit for LittleCanadians, you'll see the majority of these authors and illustrators have been covered.  And those who haven't been just tells me that I'd better get to reading and writing a little faster!

Enjoy  

Inspire!

Information about tickets, programming, authors, exhibitors, etc. is all available at the Inspire! Toronto International Book Fair website www.torontobookfair.ca