Picture (Book) Perfect!

I don’t often write on this blog about my work in publishing, but last night’s TD Canadian Children’s Book Awards ceremony was such a big occasion for Annick Press that I can’t resist gushing. Of the four categories, Annick had nominations in three and won in two! And of the five nominees for the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award (a cash prize of $20,000), two were Annick picture books… both of which I was involved as editor.

The first was Chicken, Pig, Cow written and illustrated by the wonderful Ruth Ohi.

I’ve worked with Ruth now on more than half-a-dozen books, all of which have been well-received critically. But it’s especially gratifying to see her getting so much attention for this one which is the first of a series about the adventures of three toy animals. From the very first draft of the manuscript, Ruth captured the quirky personalities of these characters and it has been a delight to watch them, and the series, develop. We’re already developing the fifth book. Here is Ruth and I at the ceremony:

The second Annick nominee in the category was also the winner: Mattland written by Hazel Hutchins and Gail Herbert, illustrated by Dušan Petričić.

This was another one that practically glowed with life when it was still only words on a page. I’m so proud to see these marvelously talented storytellers receive such an impressive accolade (after all, my gushing is only worth so much).

Congratulation to all the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award winners, including The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara with Susan McClelland, and nominees, including The Apprentice’s Masterpiece by Melanie Little.