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Award-Winning Titles 2004French Awards (continued)PALMARÈS COMMUNICATION-JEUNESSE DES LIVRES PRÉFÉRÉS DES JEUNES DE L'IMPRIMERIE TRANSCONTINENTAL 2003-2004
When two boys fall for the same girl, is it possible to make a joint declaration of love and still stay friends? This is the challenge facing Michaël and Julien. To let Gabrielle know of their feelings, they decide to write her a letter and buy her a huge chocolate rabbit for Easter. But there's a hitch: while Michaël's nickname is "Mr. Moneybags," Julien hasn't a penny. Eager to pay his share of the gift, Julien (at Michaël's suggestion) persuades his parents to give him a weekly allowance. But his introduction to the world of high finance doesn't go smoothly: he spends his first week's allowance on useless extravagances. Incapable of spending sensibly, he gets into debt and begins lying to his friends and family. Will losing his parents' trust and jeopardizing his friendship with Michaël be the price he must pay to win Gabrielle's affections? It took Danielle Simard two years to write the story and create the illustrations for this book. With her expressive, cartoon-like characters and amusing situations, she skilfully defuses the drama and high emotion that often characterize first love. -JMB PALMARÈS COMMUNICATION-JEUNESSE DES LIVRES PRÉFÉRÉS DES JEUNES DE L'IMPRIMERIE TRANSCONTINENTAL 2003-2004
Previously published under the titles: Cassiopée, ou, l'été polonais (1988); and, L'été des baleines (1989). This is a story full of humour and moods -- the moods of a teenage girl in search of love, whose relationships with her nearest and dearest are often stormy. Upset by the unavoidable presence of her mother's new boyfriend, Cassiopée decides on a whim to travel alone to New York to visit her uncle. But on arrival she discovers that he's away, and after several adventures our heroine ends up staying with the family of her uncle's Polish friend, Andrzej. Now begins a tale of young love. Cassiopée soon realizes that becoming an adult is not easy: assuming one's responsibilities, making difficult choices, having the courage to face disapproval, making mistakes -- they're all part of growing up. The author of Cassiopée has portrayed a spirited girl who asks candid questions and is eager to confront the unknown. With her energy, spontaneity and sensitivity, Cassiopée is a convincing and engaging protagonist. -JMB PRIX ALVINE-BÉLISLE 2003
Sometimes the finest books spring from the deepest sources. For Mon rayon de soleil that source is childhood itself. This book radiates a charming and uncanny sense of boundless happiness. A little boy, Luca, plans how to spend his day -- laughing, singing, counting ladybugs and, above all, "asking Mommy what rainbows are." Slightly jealous of his parents' closeness, he strays outside his garden and meets a gentle, radiant girl who introduces him to the colours of the rainbow. Mellow and textured, the warm-toned illustrations in this large book enhance the text admirably. Steve Adams' imaginative pictures present a child's-eye view of the world, creating a feeling of gentleness and intimacy. -DSH PRIX CÉCILE-GAGNON 2003
This story tells us that just because the sun's brilliance masks the moon, it doesn't mean that the moon no longer exists. Between the sun and the moon, you will find friends and inhabit the same sky. Discovering the hidden story between the two orbs is the essence of this short story. Lorina, a circus child, has a dream: she wants to go to a real school and be surrounded by friends. With the help of Octave, the clown, her dream becomes a reality; however, she finds herself having to face the obstacles that await all newcomers. She is also confronted by Éma, the queen bee whom everyone caters to. Will Lorina be able to assert herself without jeopardizing the warm ties she has already established with her new friends? Will the wisdom of Octave be enough to make the friendships she dreams of come true? Entre la lune et le soleil, with its abundant, beautiful illustrations that echo the imaginary world of children, encourages the reader to reflect on the bonds of friendship, which are both difficult to create and to keep. -JMB PRIX COMMUNICATIONS ET SOCIÉTÉ
What's the good of comfort and luxury if having them doesn't make you happy? Like many children whose parents inundate them with toys and gadgets instead of spending time with them, Éléonore has her lifelines: her babysitter Madeline and her dreams of the sea. Léo, as she is also know, imagines being a mermaid, but not the kind that sinks ships. "I don't want to hurt ships," she says. "I'd like to find one that's died of old age. Or a little one, that's bored. Or a big one, that's haunted by kind ghosts." The generous-hearted Léo cares so much about the poor, she's almost ashamed of being rich. When her mother gets a new job that means moving to New York without Madeline, Léo explodes with anger and grief. She feels devastated -- shipwrecked. What can she do to alter the decision and keep Madeline, her confidante, by her side? The story of Léo à la mer is punctuated with poetic passages and illustrations that reflect the little girl's feelings: the world of the ocean is light and joyful, while the city is gloomy and dull. This book teaches one of life's lessons and conveys a message of faith in humanity. -JMB PRIX DU LIVRE M. CHRISTIE 2002
Sometimes the finest books spring from the deepest sources. For Mon rayon de soleil that source is childhood itself. This book radiates a charming and uncanny sense of boundless happiness. A little boy, Luca, plans how to spend his day -- laughing, singing, counting ladybugs and, above all, "asking Mommy what rainbows are." Slightly jealous of his parents' closeness, he strays outside his garden and meets a gentle, radiant girl who introduces him to the colours of the rainbow. Mellow and textured, the warm-toned illustrations in this large book enhance the text admirably. Steve Adams' imaginative pictures present a child's-eye view of the world, creating a feeling of gentleness and intimacy. -DSH PRIX DU LIVRE M. CHRISTIE 2002
Zacharie is the thoughtful type and is always asking questions. He loves animals -- his house is a real zoo! But everything fascinates him. Do fish get bored? Where does the red of his bike go at night, and the blue of people's eyes? Sometimes, he drives his sister Charlotte nearly round the bend. "You think too much, little bro," she keeps telling him. "Just breathe deeply, and take things easy." Luckily, Zacharie's teacher, Mr. Bigras, a smart man who knows a lot, helps him find the answers he seeks. Which is why Zacharie plans to be a teacher when he grows up. As well as being patient, Mr. Bigras is an excellent writer. Illustrated with lively and amusing black-and-white pictures, this novel will appeal to kids who love to ask questions. -MD
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