Press Release 

For Immediate Release

Canadian Library Association Announces 2010 Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award Winner and Honour Books

(Ottawa, April 15) The Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des bibliothèques is pleased to announce the 2010 winner and honour books for the Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award.  The award is generously sponsored by Library Services Centre.

The winner is Perfect Snow, (North Winds Press / Scholastic Canada), written and illustrated by Barbara Reid.  Honour books are Timmerman Was Here, (Tundra Books), illustrated by Nicolas Debon and written by Colleen Sydor, and You’re Mean, Lily Jean, (North Winds Press / Scholastic Canada), illustrated by Kady MacDonald Denton and written by Frieda Wishinksy.

In Perfect Snow Barbara Reid fully captures the experience of a Canadian schoolyard in winter.  She uses her vibrant and detailed Plasticine art, here combined with ink and watercolour panels, to portray the energetic excitement that accompanies a perfect snowfall.  Children will instantly recognize the setting and will delight in the characters’ enthusiasm.  The Committee was impressed with Reid’s absolute command of her signature medium and also with her adept use of illustrated panels that serve to broaden the narrative.  This is the third time that the internationally acclaimed Reid has won the Amelia Award.

Honourable mention goes to Nicolas Debon for Timmerman Was Here, a reflective story that tells of a young girl’s mixed emotions when a mysterious drifter becomes a boarder in her home.  Debon’s evocative palette expertly describes the story’s difficult interior emotions.  Page after page of careful composition helps create the tension in this nuanced story about dealing with change and learning to stand up for what you believe to be true.

Honourable mention also goes to Kady MacDonald Denton for You’re Mean, Lily Jean.  When a bossy new girl moves in next-door, sisters Carly and Sandy find that friendships, allegiances and even tempers are tested.  Denton’s expressive use of line and fine composition help bring the story to life and give the characters a full range of recognizable emotions.  The controlled watercolour and soft palette, together with the text, create a believable and satisfying story.

A complete list of the shortlisted titles is available on the CLA web site at www.cla.ca

The Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award is presented by the Canadian Association of Children’s Librarians, a section of the Canadian Association of Public Libraries (CAPL).  This award was established in 1971 and is presented annually to the illustrator of an outstanding children’s book published during the previous calendar year.  The award will be presented at the Book Awards reception on June 3, 2010 during the CLA National Conference and Trade Show in Edmonton.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the 2010 CLA Amelia Frances Howard-Gibbon Illustrator’s Award Committee:

Elizabeth Thornley, Ottawa Public Library, Chair
Delilah Deane Cummings, London Public Library
Linda Mireau, Kelowna Public Library
Joy Huebert, Esquimalt Public Library
Lisa Weaver, Toronto District School Board

The Canadian Library Association / Association canadienne des bibliothèques is Canada’s largest national and broad-based association, representing the interests of public, academic, school and special libraries, professional librarians and library workers, and all those concerned about enhancing the quality of life of Canadians through information and literacy.

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Media Contact:  Elizabeth Thornley   613-580-2424 (x32305)