Toronto, March 19, 2002 — Authors and illustrators nominated for the
Ruth Schwartz Children’s Book Award were announced today. (See attached list.) This national award – one for a children’s picture book and one for a young adult/middle reader book – recognizes authors and illustrators from across Canada who demonstrate artistic excellence in children’s literature.
The award has the unique distinction of being chosen by two juries of schoolchildren. This year, students from Winchester Public School in Toronto, Ontario, will choose the winners and make the announcement on
Canada Book Day, April 23,
2002. On this occasion, former nominee and children’s author Loris Lesynski will join the children for a celebratory reading at the school.
The young adult/middle reader book category will be judged by five students in grades 7 and 8. The winning author will receive a
$2,000 prize. Five students in grade 3 will award the
$3,000 children’s picture book prize, which is split between the author and illustrator.
The Ruth Schwartz Children’s Book Award was established in 1976 by Sylvia Schwartz in honour of the late Ruth Schwartz, a respected Toronto bookseller. The administration of this award is shared by the
Ontario Arts Council which selects the juries, the
Ontario Arts Council Foundation and the
Canadian Booksellers Association, whose members select the short list of books.
The seventh annual Canada Book Day is organized by publishers, booksellers, authors and the Writers’ Trust with the assistance of government and corporate supporters. Celebrations will be taking place across the country.
Short List For The 2002 Ruth Schwartz Award For Excellence In Canadian Children’s Literature
Picture Books
Caribou Song written by Tomson Highway, illustrated by Brian Deines HarperCollins Canada Ltd.
The Greatest Goal written by Mike Leonetti, illustrated by Sean Thompson Raincoast Books
No Two Snowflakes written by Sheree Fitch, illustrated by Janet Wilson Orca Book Publishers
Oma's Quilt written by Paulette Bourgeois, illustrated by Stéphane Jorisch Kids Can Press
The Cat and the Wizard written by Dennis Lee, illustrated by Gillian Johnson Key Porter Books
Young Adult/Middle Reader Books
Dust by Arthur Slade HarperCollins Canada Ltd.
In Spite of Killer Bees by Julie Johnston Tundra Books
Mary Ann Alice by Brian Doyle Groundwood Books
Seven for a Secret by Mary C. Sheppard Groundwood Books
Stones by William Bell Doubleday Canada Ltd.
OAC Media Contact: Kirsten Gunter, Manager of Communications
Tel: (416) 969-7403. Toll-free outside of Toronto: 1-800-387-0058, ext. 7403.
E-mail: kgunter@arts.on.ca