ISBN 0-9688768-2-X
Available

Review

Awards
Alciun Society Excellence in Book Design Award

48 pp,full color, 6 1/4 x 6 1/4, cloth
ages 2-6
Juvenile/Picture books
US $14.95, CDN $18.95, UK £ 8.95, AU $19.95

WINDY
by Robin Mitchell & Judith Steedman

It's a wonderful windy day and perfect for Windy's favourite activity -
fluing her big,blue kite. When the wind blows her kite away, WIndy sets
off to find it and discovers a lot of things are possible and quite
delightful. In the first of a mnew series for pre-readers and early readers about
the ongoing idylls of Windy and her friends, whimsy is wrapped in a fresh
and modern look.

Each book in the series will highlight an activity from the story with
complete and simple instructions on the inside jacket cover. Windy
includes added fun with make-together instructions how to make and fly a kite.
The pictures and stories are perfect for small children. with playful maps
to trace each adventure and great ideas for things to do and make.

About the Authors

Robin Mitchell is a recent graduate from the graphic design program at
the Emily Carr Institute of Art And Design. Some of her recent clients have
included Rodney Graham and the DIA Gallery in New York and Quattro
Records in Tokyo. Mitchell is also a founding member of the design group Picnic,
focusing on book design, interactive media, soft industrial design,
and, most recently, mittens.

Judith Steedman is the principal of Steedman Design, a graphic design
studio in Vancouver. Specializing in book design, Steedman has designed books
for artists and writers such as Francis Alys, Stan Douglas, Ken Lum and
Walter Marchetti. Steedman is co-editor and designer of Inside Magazines,
co-published by BIS Publishers, Thames and Hudson, and Ginko Press. She holds
degrees in English literature and graphic design from the University of British
Columbia and the Emilly Carr Institute of Art and Design, respectively.
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ISBN 0-9688768-5-4
July 2003

Review

40 pp, full color, 6 1/4 x 6 1/4, cloth
ages 2-6
Juvenile/Picture books
US $15.95, CDN $18.95, UK £9.95, AU $19.95

SUNNY
by Robin MItchell & Judith Steedman

Sunny wakes up on a bright, summer morning to the familiar sounds of his
wonderful world. Inspired by what they hear, he and his friends decide
to invent their own playful brand of music. Before long, the happy
children get down to a hootenanny time.
The puppet figures designed and photographed by Mitchell and Steedman
have a fresh, modern style. Clear, primary colors and charming line drawings
add to the simple delight thwy give to children.
Sunny is filled with plenty of boisterous abandon to entertain small
children, but toe-tapping does not stop there. A CD packaged with the
book contains song and music specially created for them to sing or dance
along with, or just follow their own musical impulses.

About the Authors

Robin Mitchell is a recent graduate from the graphic design program at
the Emily Carr Institute of Art And Design. Some of her recent clients have
included Rodney Graham and the DIA Gallery in New York and Quattro
Records in Tokyo. Mitchell is also a founding member of the design group Picnic,
focusing on book design, interactive media, soft industrial design,
and, most recently, mittens.

Judith Steedman is the principal of Steedman Design, a graphic design
studio in Vancouver. Specializing in book design, Steedman has designed books
for artists and writers such as Francis Alys, Stan Douglas, Ken Lum and
Walter Marchetti. Steedman is co-editor and designer of Inside Magazines,
co-published by BIS Publishers, Thames and Hudson, and Ginko Press. She holds
degrees in English literature and graphic design from the University of British
Columbia and the Emilly Carr Institute of Art and Design, respectively.
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ISBN 0-9688768-3-8
April 2003

Review

Awards
...

32 pp, full color, 9 1/2 x 12 1/2, cloth
ages 9 - up
Juvenile/Picture book
US $16.95, CDN $22.95

THE RED TREE
by Shaun Tan

When a child awakens with dark leaves drifting into her bedroom, she
feels that sometimes the day begins with nothing to look forward to, and
things go from bad to worse. Feelings too complex for words are rendered into
an imaginary landscape where the child wanders, oblivious to the glimmer of
promise in the shape of a tiny red leaf. Everything seems hopeless
until the child returns to her room and sees the red tree. At that perfect moment
of beauty and purity, the child smiles and her world stirs anew.

With sensitivity and wonder, Shaun Tan's evocative images open a window
to our inexplicable emotions and tell a story about the power of hope,
renewal and inspiration. His illustrations are remarkable for the way they
combine and react upon each other. He creates an otherwordly labyrinth of visual
ideas joined with the familiar immediacy of the little child, and
condenses them into scenes of extraordinary depth and insight.

In pictures and words,Shaun Tan has created a book that will gently
lift a youngster from the doldrums. Every child will appreciate it's life
affirming message but it will be equally successful with all readers.

About the Author

Award-winnig artist and author SHAUN TAN has achieved international
recognition for his work, including the CBCA Picture Book of the Year
Award for The Rabbits (with J. Marsden), an honor Book Award for Memorial
(with G.Crew) and The Lost Thing, an APA Design Award, an Honorable Mention
at the Bologna Book Fair, three Aurealis Awards, and Spectrum Gold and Silver
Awards. In 2001 he was named Best Artist in the World Fantasy Awards in
Montreal. A graduate of the University of Western Australia in 1995,
with honors in Fine Arts and English Literature, Shaun Tan lives in Perth, Australia.
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ISBN 0-9688768-4-6
June 2003

Review

24 pp, full color, 9 x 12 3/8, cloth
ages 6-11
Juvenile/Picture book
US $16.95, CAN $22.95, UK £9.95, AU $24.95

THE QUEEN BEE
by the Brothers Grimm, translated by Elizabeth James, illustrated by
Iassen Ghiuselev

This is the timeless folktale of a young prince who undoes the terrible
spell on a castle by accomplishing three impossible tasks with the help
of some small creatures he saved from cruelty. The lean narrative moves
quickly to its satisfying conclusion and preserves just the essentials to keep a
child's attention and interest. The sixteenth century beauty of the
Northern Renaissance with a rich tapestry of colors is the setting for Iassen
Ghiuselev's illustrations. Meticulously executed with splendid
attention to natural detail, the contrast between realism and fairy tale is
dramatized by disguising the contours of the drawings in cut out silhouettes,
and enhances the story with a sense of magic.

About the Author

Iassen Ghiuselev was born in Bulgaria in 1964. Since graduating from the
Academy of Fine Arts in Sofia he has devoted his outstanding talents to
children's literature. His award-winning works have been published
internationally. His acclaimed illustrations for The Adventures of
Pinocchio published also by Simply Read Books, won the "Illustrators of
the Year Award" at the Bologna Book Fair. He lives in Sofia with his wife and daughter.
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ISBN 0-9688768-0-3
Available

Review

Awards
Benjamin Franklin Award -
Finalist in the category of
The Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book - Fiction


ForeWord Magazine's Book of the Year Award - Silver Winner for Juvenile Fiction

American Institute of Graphic Arts /AIGA/ 50 Books of the Year Award

IPPY Book Award for
Juvenile/Young Adult Fiction


Alcuin Society Excellence in Book Design Award
160 pp, FULL COLOR, 8 x 11 1/4, cloth
Juvenile/Young adult fiction
US $24.95, CDN $34.95, UK £16.95, AU $34.95

THE ADVENTURES OF PINOCCHIO

by Carlo Collodi, illustrated by Iassen Ghiuselev

Winner of the 2002 Independent Publisher Book Award for Juvenile/Young
Adult fiction (presented at BookExpo America), this hard cover edition
signifies a modern link to the Pinocchio tradition with a complete and
unabridged,newly revised text based on a translation by Carol della Chiesa. The artwork
meets the finest standards in book production, and reclaims this time-honored
story for children and adults alike.It features more than one hundred
extraordinary illustrations in color, and black and white, distinguished by
their museum quality. A modern classic for all ages,beautiffuly illustrated,printed on acid free paper, and bound in Italy.
Worthy of collector status and suitable for libraries,schools, and homes.

About the Author

Carlo Collodi was the pen name of Carlo Lorenzini,who was born in
Florence in 1826. As a journalist,education reformer,soldier,civil
servant,translator and author of children's books,he is best known for The Adventures of Pinocchio. Collodi is considered one of Italy's greatest writers.

Iassen Ghiuselev has illustrated many children's books worldwide. He was
awarded the Illustrator of the Year award in 1994 at the Bologna Book Fair.
In 1997 he was honored with the Best Book of the Year award by the
Buchkunst Foundation in Germany. He worked for several years in Italy and now
lives in Sofia,Bulgaria with his wife and daughter.
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ISBN 0-9688768-9-7
November 2004

Review

40 pp, full color, 6 1/4 x 6 1/4, cloth
ages 2-6
Juvenile/Picture books
US $14.95, CDN $18.95, UK £8.95, AU $19.95

SNOWY

Winter is just setting in when a warm wind blows in, and with it excitement
for Snowy, a new character from the Windy series. Snowy and her
bear-friend are swept away when the unexpected warm wind blows in, melting the ice. A high-plains adventure ensues, with friends along the way.

About the Authors

Robin Mitchell is a recent graduate from the graphic design program at
the Emily Carr Institute of Art And Design. Some of her recent clients have
included Rodney Graham and the DIA Gallery in New York and Quattro
Records in Tokyo. Mitchell is also a founding member of the design group Picnic,
focusing on book design, interactive media, soft industrial design,
and, most recently, mittens.

Judith Steedman is the principal of Steedman Design, a graphic design
studio in Vancouver. Specializing in book design, Steedman has designed books
for artists and writers such as Francis Alys, Stan Douglas, Ken Lum and
Walter Marchetti. Steedman is co-editor and designer of Inside Magazines,
co-published by BIS Publishers, Thames and Hudson, and Ginko Press. She holds
degrees in English literature and graphic design from the University of British
Columbia and the Emilly Carr Institute of Art and Design, respectively.

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ISBN 1-894965-01-9
September 2003

Review

32 pp, full color, 8 3/4" x 11", cloth
Ages 9 and up
Juvenile/ Young adult fiction
US $16.95, CDN $22.95

IN FLANDERS FIELD

Written by Norman Jorgenson
Illustrated by Brian Harrison-Lever

Deeply profound and moving.
In Flanders Fields is an eloquent counterpoint to the senselessness and
unhumanity of war. It tells the story of a young homesick soldier who,
on Christmas Day, risks his life to cross the no-man’s land and rescue
a robin caught on the barbed wire on one of the worst killing fields of
World War I.

About the Authors

NORMAN JORGENSEN
was born in Broome in 1954. His interest in history and World War I was
fired by Saturday afternoon flicks and the novels he read as a boy. He
has a lifelong passion for books and has spent many years working as a
bookseller. He lives in Perth, Australia and this is his fourth picture
book.

BRIAN HARRISON-LEVER
was born in England. A teacher of drawing and design, Brian has a
lifelong interest in mountains. He was co-founder of WA first Himalayan
trekking company, leading eighteen high attitude adventures but sees
the illustrating of children’s picture books as his greatest challenge.
He lives in Tasmania with his wife and has two adult children. This is
his first picture book.

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ISBN 1-894965-02-7
November 2003

Review

32 pp, full color, 91/4" x 10", cloth with die cut cover
Ages 6–11
Juvenile/ Young adult fiction
US $16.95, CDN $22.95

THE VIEWER

Written by Gary Crew
Illustrated by Shaun Tan

History’s ultimate viewmaster

For Tristan, the city dump was a treasure trove full of mystery. He
would take each sad, broken and dirty thing apart to see how each could
be made to tick, or whirr or ring. Then he found the box. It was ?lled
with lenses, microscope, monocle, magnifying glass and a viewmaster.
What Tristan saw through the dark orbs as he clicked the viewer was
like nothing he had ever seen before. He clicked more slowly, then
crept into bed, trembling.... Afraid, Tristan tried to pull the viewer
from his eyes, but he could not. Something compelled him to keep
looking, to try — against his own wishes, to actually enter this thing,
this machine.... In the morning when Tristan had not come down, his mom
called but there was not answer. She went to his bedroom, knocked and
went it. Tristan’s bed was empty, but on his desk was a box, its lid
closed, its latch ?rmly locked, which was curious, very curious
indeed.....

About the Author

GARY CREW
was born in 1947 in Brisbane, Australia and began writing fiction in 1985.
He has twice been awarded the Children’s Book Council of Australia
Book of the Year Award —Strange Objects 1991 and Angel’s Gate 1993.
Gary has also been twice shortlisted for the Edgar Allan Poe Mistery Fiction Award for Youth in the USA and awarded the American Children’s Book of Distinction Award. He also won the Ned Kelly Prize for Crime Fiction in 1996 and has has won twice the CBC Book of the Year in the Picture Book Category. He is the series editor of Lothian’s After Dark series of macabre tales. His books are published internationally. He lives in Maleny, Australia.

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ISBN 0-9688768-8-9
September 2003

Review

32 pp, full color, 9" x 12 1/2", cloth
Ages 7 and up
Juvenile/ Young adult fiction
US $16.95, CDN $22.95

THE RABBITS

Written by John Marsden
Illustrated by Shaun Tan

A rich and haunting allegory for all ages, all cultures.

In The Rabbits, bestselling young adult author, John Marsden, has
created a dramatically moving allegory of colonisation told from the
viewpoint of native animals. This stunning picture book examines the
consequences of the arrival of a group of rabbits with entirely
unfamiliar ways. The Rabbits bring new food and animals and make their
own houses to live in, eventually dominating the environment and its
other inhabitants.

Parallels with our own experience of colonisation are many: stolen
children, the onset of industrialiation, enviromental damage and
population growth.

The Rabbits won the CBCA Picture Book of the Year for its creators John
Marsden and Shaun Tan.

About the Author

JOHN MARSDEN
More than 2.5 million copies of his work have been sold worldwide, and
he has won or been shortlisted for every major award for Young Adult
literature in his native Australia, including the National Book Award.
His very popular first book, So Much to Tell You (1987) is now also a
play. The gripping war series which began with Tomorrow When the War
Began has broken all sales records for Young Adult Fiction and Burning
for Revenge won the Bookdata ABA Book of the Year 1996.

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ISBN 1-894965-03-5
September 2003

Review

32 pp, full color 9" x 12 3/8", cloth
Ages 6-11
Juvenile/ Young adult fiction
US $16.95, CDN $22.95, UK £9.95, AU $24.95

THE LITTLE BLACK HEN

Written by Antony Pogorielsky
Illustrated by Gennady Spirin
Retold by Elizabeth James

A warm hearted boy named Alyosha saves the life of his beloved litle
black hen and is taken to a mysterious underground kingdom of little
people.
Nothing will ever be the same when his reward lures him to break a
special promise that brings about disastrous consequences.

About the Authors

ANTONY POGORELSKY
(1787–1836) was born in Moscow. As a writer he was strongly influenced
by E.T.A. Hoffman and his best-known work is The Little Black Hen which
he wrote for his nephew, the future writer Alexei Tolstoi.

GENNADY SPIRIN
was born near Moscow and graduated from Moscow’s Stroganov Academy of
Fine Arts. He is one of the most beloved illustrators of
children’s books today. He has received many awards for his
illustrations, including four Gold Medals from the Society of
Illustrators, four New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year
Awards, the Premio Grafico at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, and the
Golden Apple of the Bratislava International Biennale of children’s
book illustrations.

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ISBN 1-894965-00-0
October 2003

Review

136pp, full color, 9 1/2" X 13", cloth with bookmark
Ages 9 and up
Juvenile/ Young adult fiction
US $27.95, CDN $39.95, UK £19.95, AU $39.95

ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND

Written by Lewis Carroll
Illustrated by Iassen Ghiuselev

Alice in Wonderland is one of the most exciting and original books in world literature. Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale of childhood whimsy has something to offer anyone with a curiosity to follow Alice down the rabbit-hole.
This limited edition is distinguished by Iassen Ghiuselev’s sublime and strangely delightful artwork. He plays masterfully with the original illustrations. Some of his characters, like the Mad Hatter, draw a similarity to Tenniel’s but, in a sense
apart, his images are endowed with brilliant ideas and artistry that go
beyond the tradition.
His stroke of genius was to create one painting in which the entire story can be absorbed in a glance. The eerie dreamscape plunges viewers into perspective distortions that defy logic and invites them to travel through time and space like Alice herself. A tour de force in innovative book illustration and design, and an
essential addition to every Alice in Wonderland collection.

About the Authors

LEWIS CARROLL
Lewis Carroll is the pen name of Charles L. Dodgson who was born on Jan
27,1832. His most famous works are Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,
published in 1865, which he wrote to entertain Alice Liddell, daughter
of the Dean of Christ Church and its sequel, Alice Through the
Looking-Glass, which appeared in 1872. He died on July 14,1898. He
served as a clergyman and mathematician at Christ Church College, his
alma mater in Oxford, England for almost fifity years.

IASSEN GHIUSELEV
has illustrated many children’s books worldwide. It took him six years
to complete the illustrations for this book. The main painting was done
in gouache on a 20" £ 40", 1.5" thick walnut board. This masterpiece claims his
rightful place as one of the finest book illustrators working today.
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ISBN 1-894965-04-3
October 2003

Review

36 pp, full color, 8 3/4" X 12", cloth with die-cut cover
Ages 6-11
US $16.95, CDN $22.95, UK £9.95, AU $24.95

THE WORLD THAT LOVED BOOKS

Written and Illustrated by Stephen Parlato

Nurtures love for books.

In a world where everyone loves books, people become what they read.
When they finish their books they become themselves again, only
smarter. This is a picture book conveying a sense of joy and wonder
about the natural world. It is illustrated with colorful and
intricately detailed collages that invite the reader to spend time
studying them closely. It is also a fable about reading books and how
often they change us in marvelous and unexpected ways. A story about a
world where even the animals love to read.

About the Author

STEPHEN PARLATO
was born in 1954 in Levitown, Long Island, New York. He graduated from
the Cooper Union School of Art and Architecture in 1976. He was awarded
a scholarship to the Maryland Institute’s Hoffberger School of Graduate
Painting, studying under renowned painter, Grace Hartigan.
He is the subject of a documentary film by well known filmmaker
Exul Van Helden and has been interviewed by Oprah Winfrey for his unique teaching methods with specially gifted inner city high school students. He also works
professionally as a counsellor with mentally challanged young adults.
Parlato lives in Baltimore, Marlyland.

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ISBN 1-894965-05-1
April 2004

look inside

32 pp, full color, 8.1/4" x 10", cloth
Ages 4-7
Juvenile/ Picture book
US $16.95, CDN $22.95, UK £9.95, AU $24.95

ALWAYS RUN UP THE STAIRS

Written and illustrated by Sean Moore

In this new book, the little cartoon hero follows his own advice and always run up the stairs. Why? Because he thinks there are crazy monsters living "down there" in the basement. Could he be a little afraid of the dark? Who isn't? He thinks that if he outruns them, then he'll be safe. Wouldn't you know it? His parents tell him he's not allowed any running up the stairs. They just make fun and tease him. What is there to do? Should he offer them cookies so they won't eat him, he asks himself? Should he make friends with them? Why not turn on the lights and play few games? Maybe, he thinks, it could be fun? But soon it's time for bed, and he puts aside his schemes for another day. Tucked into bed, he still wonders, "do those things really live down there?" Should he ask the thing that's hiding under his bed?

Children will enjoy this book and the ways it pokes fun at all the noises and scary things in the dark. Even grown-up fans of Tex Avery will get a great reaction from Always Run Up the Stairs. The illustrations are a crazy cartoon pleasure, and the story is written in a rap style. It's just plain silly, and will guarantee a fun read at bedtime, ot anytime.

About the Author

Sean Moore was born in Toronto. After completing his studies in classical animation at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, he moved to Vancouver, where he now works as an animation designer. He's still afraid of noises in the basement. Always Run Up the Stairs is his first book.

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ISBN 1-894965-06-X
May 2004

look inside

48pp, full color, 8.5" x 10", cloth
Ages 4-7
Juvenile/ Picture book
US $16.95, CDN $22.95, UK 9.95, AUS $24.95

RIDE'EM COWBOY

Written and illustrated by Stefan Czernecki

"A rip roarin' romp through a cowboy's day"

There's a whole lot more to a cowboy's life than just ropin' and ridin'. A day on the range begins when the rooster's crowin' and the cowboys saddle up their horses. At the end of a long day of work, they kick up their heels, square dancin' and singin' and spendin' their pay, until it's time for bed and dreams of ridin' rodeo someday. Keep a-readin' this book and take a rip roarin' romp through a cowboy's day from the break of dawn till he hits the hay.

Bold photographs, using authentic folk art and handcrafted props in make-believe scenarios illustrate the playful story in this picture book. It's colorful liveliness and spontaneity will appeal to young cowpokes and city slickers alike. A great gift for anyone interested in folk art.

Author and illustrator Stefan Czernecki has created over twenty-five books, most recently Paper Lanterns, Huevos Rancheros, Aziz the Storyteller, written by Vi Hughes, The Sea King, written by Jane Yolen, and For Sure!For Sure! written by Hans Christian Anderson. Stefan Czernecki lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.

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ISBN 1-894965-08-6
May 2004

look inside

32 pp, full color, 9" x 10", cloth
Ages 9-12
Juvenile/ Picture book
US 16.95, CDN 22.95

MEMORIAL

Written by Gary Crew, illustrated by Shaun Tan

To care, to remember, to respect

The wartime recollections of three generations are centered on a memorial tree that is in danger of being destroyed by the local government. Told to the youngest member of the family, their experiences do not focus on the conflict or valor of war but its affect upon themselves and those in their community. To the young boy, it becomes important that the living memorial be preserved from neglect and oblivion.

Memorial is written by Gary Crew to serve as a remainder of the lessons to be gained from the past and examine the significance of conservation, respect, and remembrance. Shaun Tan has beautifully illustrated the magnificent old tree that represents the living memorial of the story, and the themes of war and memory. Their collaboration has created a picture book that will leave an indelible impression.

About the Author

GARY CREW
was born in 1947 in Brisbane, Australia and began writing fiction in 1985.
He has twice been awarded the Children’s Book Council of Australia
Book of the Year Award —Strange Objects 1991 and Angel’s Gate 1993.
Gary has also been twice shortlisted for the Edgar Allan Poe Mistery Fiction Award for Youth in the USA and awarded the American Children’s Book of Distinction Award. He also won the Ned Kelly Prize for Crime Fiction in 1996 and has has won twice the CBC Book of the Year in the Picture Book Category. He is the series editor of Lothian’s After Dark series of macabre tales. His books are published internationally. He lives in Maleny, Australia.

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ISBN 1-894965-09-4
Summer 2004

look inside

32 pp, full color, 8.5" x 11", cloth
Ages 4-7
Juvenile/ Picture book
US $15.95, CDN $19.95, UK 9.95, AUS $24.95

SPACESNAKE

Written and illustrated by Duncan Weller

A tempest in a teacup

"From out of the depths it came..." This children's book from a new author and illustrator tells the story of a mean, terrifying machine that runs into some damage control when its dastardly deeds are foiled by a small boy with a gift for sharing his point of view. On a little colony of asteroids, the Asterian people go about their day in an ordinary way until, without any warning, a Spacesnake surreptitiously moves in and fires up its rockets to scare the daylights out of everyone. Thinking the coast is clear, the Spacesnake shows its true colors by shedding its armour to tempt itself into tasting some delectable goodies from the Asterbake. Our hero gets into action and, before long, the Asterians are having a hearty laugh at what seemed a menace but looks more like a little runt than a Spacesnake. Soon enough, everyone is back to business, assuring each other that the next time they won't be so frightened, with the exception of one lonely runt, who feels very sorry for being naughty. All alone in space it broods, until one small Asterian arrives on a friendly visit.

Weller's style packs detail onto every page. His Asterians are reminiscent of Waldo's world. He truly creates a world in miniature, filled with playful, imaginative characters in a retro space setting. His illustrations are done in pen and ink, with metallic highlights, and packed with detail on every page. His writing style includes a lot of play on words that sound fun when read aloud, and techno kids will enjoy his technical jabberwocky. The message is filled with warmth and affection for cheeky monster pretenders, and gently speaks the truth that everyone deserves a little friendship and understanding.

Duncan Weller was born in Lennoxville, Quebec in 1965. He studied visual arts and English literature at Lakehead University and graduated in 1990. Weller is a writer and artist who works in the film and television industry and exhibits his paintings in Vancouver where he lives.

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ISBN 1-894965-07-8
Summer 2004

look inside

40 pp, full color, 9.5" x 11", cloth
Ages 7 +
Juvenile/ Picture book
US $16.95, CDN 22.95, UK 11.95, AUS $24.95

THE LOST ISLAND

Written by Emily Pauline Johnson, illustrated by Atanas

My aim ,my joy, my pride, is to sing the glories of my own people.

The story of The Lost Island is from the Legends of Vancouver, a book inspired by the friendship between a Mohawk poet and a Salish storyteller. Originally published to great success in 1911, it was the first collection of native legends retold in English by a native artist and has become a classic.

The author, Emily Pauline Johnson, was born on March 10, 1861 at Chiefswood, her family home near Brantford, Ontario. Her father was George Johnson, a distinguished Mohawk chief. Pauline signed her name, Tekahionwake, in honor of her great-grandfather's family name. She was equally proud of her British-born mother, Emily Howells.

Even without a full formal education, Pauline was an accomplished poet by her late teens. Her earliest recitals were a great success. From 1892 to 1909, she toured Canada, the USA and Britain, giving dramatic performances of her poetry and entertaining audiences of all ages with the stories of her people.

In 1909, she settled in Vancouver and renewed her ties with Chief Joe Capilano of the Squamish nation. As her friendship with her tillicum skookum, or great friend, and his family developed, she became the first English-speaking person to hear the legends of his people. After Chief Joe died in 1910, she began to write what she affectionately called The Legends of Capilano. The stories first appeared in a weekly magazine, and a collection was chosen for publication in 1911 as Legends of Vancouver

Her published works of poetry and fiction aslo include The White Wampum (1895), Canadian Born (1903), Flint and Feather (1912), The Moccasin Maker (1913) and The Shagganappi (1913).

Pauline Johnson died in 1913 and her ashes are buried in Vancouver's Stanley Park.
Atanas Matsoureff was born in Bansko, Bulgaria. His watercolor paintings are prized for their beauty and sensitivity to the natural world. This is his first picture book.

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ISBN 1-894965-24-8

32 pp, full color, 10.25" x 11", cloth
Ages 5 and up
Juvenile / Picture book
US $16.95, CDN $19.95, UK 9.99, AUD $24.95

PICTURESCAPE

Written and illustrated by Elisa Gutiérrez

When a young boy visits the local art gallery, he is whisked away on a cross-country Canadian journey as he moves from painting to painting. Each collage image in this magical book was created with colored pencils and cut paper and inspired by some of the most beloved Canadian artists. Referenced are Emily Carr, Tom Thomson, J.E.MacDonald, David Blackwood,Alex Colville, Ivan Eyre, Lawrence Harris, E.J. Hughes, William Kurelek, J.P.Lemieux, Christopher Pratt, and Gaugnet.

Elisa Gutierrez is an independant illustrator and graphic designer born in Mexico City. She has worked on a wide variety of projects in Canada including the design of many books for children, and has won awards in Mexico for her design work. She lives in Vancouver, BC.

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ISBN 1-894965-13-2

32pp, full color, 11" x 10.25", cloth
Ages 6 and up
Juvenile / Picture book
US $16.95, CDN $19.95, UK 9.99, AUD $24.95

NIGHT WALL

Written and illustrated by Duncan Weller

In a little house on the edge of a big forest, Julie and her sister Sarah are on vacation. This is the time to relax, but Julie has brought along all her fears. Find out what happens when Julie tries to block out the scary things lurking in the woods by building a wall around the cottage. The mysteries of nature and the night are captured in richly detailed forest scenes evocative of the work of Maurice Sendak, as Sarah shows her older sister where the monsters really live.

Duncan Weller was born in Lennoxville, Quebec in 1965. He studied visual arts and English literature at Lakehead University and graduated in 1990. Weller is a writer and artist who works in the film and television industry and exhibits his paintings in Vancouver where he lives.

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ISBN 1-894965-18-3

32pp, full color, 11.25" x 9.5", cloth
Ages 6 and up
Juvenile / Picture book
US $16.95, CDN $19.95

THE BOAT

Written by Helen Ward, illustrated by Ian Andrew

On a hill amongs hills, an old man lives with a strange collection of unwanted animals. Mutual fear and distrust keep the nearby villagers and the old man apart. One terrible stormy night, floodwaters threaten to engulf the little hill. It seems that the old man and his menagerie are doomed. Then in the distance, a boat appears. Will someone from the village brave the elements and rescue the man - and his animals.
The story of a young boy's compassion and bravery, and the townspeople who learn to overcome their fear and mistrust, is complimented with beautiful illustrations that capture its lyrical beauty.

About the authors

Beloved children's author and illustrator Helen Ward has written over ten children's books, including the widely acclaimed The Tin Forest and has won numerous awards, including the Walker Prize for children's illustrations. She lives in GLoucestershire, England.

Ian Andrew is a talented animator and illustrator. He has illustrated many titles, including the Jungle Book and The Lion and the Mouse. The illustrations for The Boat were inspired by the landscape and the people of his hometown in the county of Dorset, England.

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ISBN 1-894965-17-5

32pp, full color, 8.25" x 10", cloth, 2 pop-ups
Ages 2 - 5
Juvenile / Picture book
US $16.95, CDN $19.95, UK 9.99, AUD $24.95

NED GOES TO BED

Written and illustrated by Isabelle Jossa

Features two fun pop-ups, including one that can be used as a shade for a bedside lamp or night light.

At night, Ned feels so alone in his bed - as lonely as the Moon in the night sky. Big shadows scare him, and he can't fall asleep. Ned hides under the covers, and suddenly the adventure begins. To overcome his fears Ned will organize the most fantastic cosmic picnic anyone's ever seen! Taking a topic familiar to children, this playful story broaches a sometimes-difficult topic and helps youngsters overcome fears of the dark and feel comfortable in bed.

About the author

Isabelle Jossa lives in Belgium where she teaches graphic art since 1992. This is her first picture book.

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ISBN 1-894965-21-3

28pp, full color, 8.25" x 8.25", cloth
Ages 6 and up
Juvenile / Picture book
US $15.95, CDN $19.95

ZEN TAILS: BRUNO DREAMS OF ICE CREAM

Written by Peter Whitfield, illustrated by Nancy Bevington

Everyone has ice cream except Bruno, and he can't get his mind off the stuff. He tries and tries to get some ice cream, but no one wants to give him any. What to do? Bruno Dreams of Ice Cream, the debut title in the Zen Tails series of beautifully illustrated philosophical tales adapted for children, shows how focused attention and caring for others brings freedom, happiness, and maybe even ice cream
This fun story teaches sharing and includes vivid, imaginative illustrations.

Both Peter Whitfield and Nacy Bevington live in Australia.

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ISBN 1-894965-12-4

Review

40 pp, full color, 8" x 8", cloth
Ages 3 and up
Juvenile/ Picture Book
US $15.95, CDN $19.95, UK 9.95, AUD $24.95

ONE LITTLE BUG

Written and illustrated by Paola van Turennout

One little bug can be very small and not very much to look at, at all. But the more bugs you stack, the more silly it gets, and once you reach ten it's not over yet. The bugs tumble down, then go back to their homes, except for the first - he won't leave you alone.
The characters in this book were created out of an artistic desire to take something that is often considered ugly, such as a bug, and make it as irresistibly cute as possible.
This happy, silly book is perfect for children who are new to numbers and simple sums.

About the author

Born in the Netherlands, Paola van Turennout moved to Canada at an early age, and currently works as an artist and designer in Vancouver. Her illustrations are linked through a graphically stylized approach and whimsical feeling. She has exhibited her work publicly since 2001. This is her first picture book.

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ISBN 10894965-14-0

Awards
Winner of the Children's Book Council of Australia Picture Book of the Year 2004.

Shortlisted for the Crichton Award.

32 pp, black&white, 8.25" x 11", cloth
Ages 4 & up
Juvenile /Picture book
US $16.95, CDN $22.95

CAT AND FISH

Written by Joan Grant, illustrated by Neil Curtis

Cat and Fish come from different worlds - he from the land, she from the sea. But when they meet in the park one night, they like each other's looks. Cat shows Fish his world and teaches her how to climb, how to take shelter from the rain, and how to stay warm. But Fish misses the sea, so Cat takes her back and meets her friends and discovers the water world. Then the trouble starts. Opposites may attract, but can they find common ground and stay friends? Neil Curtis stunning black and white illustrations make this whimsical story of how two unlikely soul mates overcome their differences spring to life, enchanting young readers and their parents alike.

About the authors

Joan Grant, a senior lecturer in Asian Studies at Monash University, is the author/editor of The Australopedia and the author of Worm-Eaten Hinges. Neil Curtis is a multi award-winning fine artist and illustrator who has had numerous international and Australian exhibitions. Both live in Australia.

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ISBN 1-894965-19-0

32 pp, full colour, 8.25" x 9.25", cloth
Ages 3 & up
CDN $19.95

THE ZOO ROOM

Written by Louise Schofield, illustrated by Malcolm Geste

Max and Kelly have a wacky aunt who works at the zoo. Just before Max's birthday an invitation arrives from Aunt Zelda for the Zoo Room restaurant.
What follows is the wildest birthday pary ever with all the zoo animals participating. The next morning the big news is that all the animals were set free and Aunt Zelda has also disappeared. Where are they and where is she? This is the one birthday Max and his family will never forget.

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ISBN 1-894965-19-0

32 pp, full colour, 8.25" x 11", cloth
All ages
CDN $19.95

My Gran's Different

Written by Sue Lawson, illustrated by Caroline Magerl

All grannes are differnet. Sophie's nana bakes sponge cakes. Michael's grandma wears lipstick. Claire's oma wears wooden shoes. Charlie's grandmother, however, is more different thatn most. All day long she stares out this window and rocks in time with the breeze, because she can't remember who she is. But that's alright, because Charlie remembers who she is. With the incidence of Alzheimer's disease on the rise, more and more families are struggling to deal with this heartbreaking illness. Beautifully written and illustrated, this book helps young readers and their parents cope with an often frightening disease.

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ISBN 1-894965-29-9

40 pp, full colour, 9" x 9", cloth
3 - 5
CDN $19.95

Mocking Birdies

Written and illustrated by Annette Simon

I must say it again: stop copying me!
This phrase has been parroted for generations. Can duelling voices find harmony? Follow along in Mocking Birdies, a graphic picture book for young mimics. I'll be the Blue Bird, you'll be the Red. Repeat after me; sounds like storytime fun.

Annette Simon is creative director at an idea and advertising agency. She lives in Austin, Texas with her husband and two sons. She is the author of This Book is for All Kids, But Especially My Sister Libby.

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ISBN 1-894965-31-0

240 pp, B&W illustrations, 5.2" x 8.25", Trade paper
Ages 15 & Up
CDN $14.95

Rancour

Written and illustrated by James McCann

Rancour, the werewolf, has dedicatied the past millennium to eradicating the world of vampires, while Shay, the vamp, has dedicated his time to making Rancour's life rotten. One fights for love, the other fights just because there's nothing left to do when you live forever. But both have an enemy stalking them - and he's doing so backwards through time.

James McCann works as a children's book specialist and teaches teens story design from a mapmaker's point of view. He lives in Vancouver, BC.

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ISBN 1-894965-15-9

64pp, Full-colour illustrations, 8.25" x 10.5", Cloth
Ages 7 & Up
CDN $24.95

King of the Golden River

Written by John Ruskin and illustrated by Iassen Ghiuselev

Fine idealism, splendidly imagined structure, and wonderful work-painting, all combine to make this story a masterpiece among fairy tales. It is the magical adventure of a boy named Gluck, his two evil brothers and the dangerous quest for a treasure hidden in the Golden River.

John Ruskin (1819-1900) was one of the greatest figures of the Victorian age, poet, artist, critic, social reformator and conservationist and one of the most prolific writers of the 19th century. Brilliantly illustrated by award-wining artist Iassen Ghuiselev, a recipient of the 2005 Silver Medal from the American Society of Illustrators.

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ISBN 1-894965-28-0

32pp, Full-colour illustrations, 11.25" x 8.75", Cloth
Ages 3-5
CDN $19.95

Naptime for Thaddeus

Written and illustrated by Adam Nicely

A little rabbit tells his Mom about all the wonderful things he'll dream about during his naptime. He thinks perhaps he'll befriend a giant, or win a race, or fly a plane, or even become the first pirate on the moon. Nicely's illustrations are the delicious icing on the cake, offering children a creamy taste of happiness.

Raised in Seattle, Adam Nicely moved to Los Angeles to embark upon a successful career as an artist. This is his first picture book.

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ISBN 1-894965-9-7

32pp, Full-colour illustrations, 6.25" x 6.25", Cloth with CD
Ages 2-5
CDN $19.95

Snowy & Chinook

Written and illustrated by Robin Mitchell & Judith Steedman

On a cold winter morning, Snowy and Chinook plan a birthday party and set out to find the right gift for their friend Tulip, in this third book in the Windy series.

Robin Mitchell is a graphic designer, illustrator and founding member of Picnic, a design group based in Vancouver.
Judith Steedman is the principal of Steedman Design, a graphic design studio specializing in book design and art catalogues. She is co-editor of Made Magazine.

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ISBN 1-894965-36-1

32pp, Full-colour illustrations, 8" x 10", Cloth
Ages 5 & up
CDN $19.95

When you were small

Written by Sara O'Leary and illustrated by Julie Morstad

All chlidren like to hear stories about when they were small. In this charming picture book, a young boy and his father reminisce together before bedtime.

Sara O'Leary is an award-minning playwright, fiction writer and literary columnist. She is the mother of two boys.
Julie Morstad divides yer creative energy between drawing, illustration, animation and design. She has a Fine Arts degree from the Alberta College of Art & Design.

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ISBN 1-894965-32-9

40pp, Full-colour illustrations, 11.25" x 9", Cloth
Ages 5 & up
CDN $19.95

Liliput

Written and illustrated by Stefan Czernecki

KER-POW! KA-BOOM! KRRRUNNCCH! Bullies have destroyed the playground. Where will robot Lilitup 5357 play now? Climb into the spaceship and blast off with Liliput as he searches for a friendly planet to call his own. Retro tin robots and simple sound-filled text bring to life a story that is truly out of this world!

Stegan Czernecki lives in a glass apartment on planet Earth with his friend Liliput 5357 and the rest of the robots you see in this bood. He has written and illustrated a galaxy of books for children.

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ISBN 1-894965-32-9

40pp, Full-colour illustrations, 8.5" x 11.5", Cloth
Ages 6 & up
CDN $19.95

First Spring

Written by Remi Savard and Catherine Germain and illustrated by Genevieve Cote

At the time of this Innuit legend the seasons did not exist yet. Those who became humans did not know the winter, the snow, the cold nor the night. But they did hear that there existed another world where it was always hot and clear...

Remi Savard is an anthropology professor at the University of Montreal and the author of many publications on the native people of Canada
Catherine Bermain has edited many children's books but this is her first as an author.
Genevieve Cote's illustrations have been awarded by the New York Society of Illustrators, American Illustration communication Arts and Studio Magazine.

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ISBN-13: 978-1-894965-71-2

More Reviews

48pp, color throughout, 10" x 8", Trade Cloth
Ages 5 & up
US $16.95, CDN $19.95

The Day it All Blew Away

Written and illustrated by Lisa Cinar

Huge-headed Mr. Tadaa and the little person are mighty lonely. Surrounded by hat-tippers who are always tipping their hats and shunning those who don't return the favor, poor Mr. Tadaa has a head too big for his hat. Even worse, the little person's hat is so big it wears him. One blustery day, Mr. Tadaa's hat and the little person are blown away by the wind... and right into each other! A surprise twist at the end shows that even in a world of hat-tippers, nonconformists can find happiness and friendship.

Lisa Cinar graduated from Emily Carr Institute with a BFA in Fine Arts. This is her first book. Lisa lives in Vancouver, BC.

“Emily Carr grad Lisa Cinar has created an appealing story about difference. Mr. Tadaa likes to go out for walks and such, but he's got a problem ...he resolution to this lively pen-and-watercolour story is a bit unexpected. The gorgeous, zany pictures will inspire drawing and craft sessions, not to mention some furious hat-tipping the next time you go out. Tadaa!”

—John Burns, The Georgia Straight

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ISBN-13: 978-1-894965-74-3

32pp, color throughout, 5.5" x 11", Trade Cloth
Ages 5 & up
US $16.95, CDN $19.95

A Growling Place

Written and illustrated by Thomas Aquinas Maguire

A little girl falls asleep and dreams vividly about a strange bear adventure. This spellbinding picture book of dreamscapes is about the hours when people sleep and imagination awakens.

Thomas Aquinas Maguire graduated with a BFA in Industrial Design at the Rochester Institute of Technology after completing two toy design internships with Fisher-Price. He traveled to Denmark to continue designing toys with the LEGO Company. Denmark, full of quiet and nighttime hours, was the perfect place to create his first picture book. Currently Thomas designs exhibits with Discovery World in Milwaukee, WI and teaches at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and lives in Rochester, New York.

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ISBN-13: 978-1-894965-54-5

32pp, color throughout, 8.5" x 10.25", Trade Cloth
Ages 5 & up
US $16.95, CDN $19.95

Looking for Loons

Written by Jennifer Lloyd, Illustrated by Kirsti Wakelin

The perfect picture book to remember those wonderful days at the cottage.

"Vancouver illustrator Kirsti Anne Wakelin’s luminous watercolors are an excellent match for the natural beauty of the tale’s setting. Glowing reds, oranges, and golds fill the double-page spreads." - Q&Q, July/August 2007

Jennifer Lloyd published her first book with Simply Read Books in 2006, One Winter Night. She lives in Blainville, QC.
Kirsti Wakelin is a well-known freelance designer, writer and illustrator. She lives in Vancouver, BC.

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ISBN-13: 978-1-894965-47-7

32pp, color throughout, 8.5" x 11.5", Trade Cloth
Ages 7 & up
US $16.95, CDN $19.95

The Magic Beads

Written by Susin Nielsen-Fernlund, Illustrated by Genevieve Cote

A heartwarming story about the power of imagination and storytelling to help heal wounds and conquer anxiety.

"Abuse, family breakups, moving away, abandoning possessions, living in an unfamiliar location, loss of privacy, financial hardship, and new beginnings are the realities for many children today. This storybook, The Magic Beads, provides a context for discussion with youngsters about sensitive issues in a non-threatening way." - CM, June 8, 2007

Susin Nielsen-Fernlund has written 16 episodes of the internationally-acclaimed TV series "Degrassi Junior High" and four books in the "Degrassi" line. She has also written for many award-winning children’s TV series, include "Ready or Not," "The Adventures of Shirely Holmes," and the animate series "What about Mimi." She co-created the animated pre-school series, "Franny’s Feet," and recently adapted Susan Juby’s "Alice I Think" trilogy into a TV series. The Magic Beads is Susin’s third children’s book, following the Mr. Christie’s Silver award-winner "Hank and Fergus, and Mormor Moves In." Susin Nielsen lives in Vancouver, BC.
Genevieve Cote has illustrated many books for children and has also worked extensively in editorial illustration for such magazines as The New York Times and The Boston Globe. She has received many awards for her work from Studio Magazine, American Illustration Communication Arts and The New York Society of Illustrators. Genevieve Cote lives in Montreal, QC.

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ISBN-13: 978-1-894965-77-4

112pp, color throughout, 8" x 11", Trade Cloth
Ages 12 & up
US $19.95

The Moon Rock

Written and illustrated by Boriana and Vladimir Todorov

When a young boy "borrows" his grandfather’s Moon Rock he is launched into an adventure beyond his wildest imagination. A cinematic, stunningly illustrated fantasy book by an award-winning artist.
For more visit the website: www.themoonrock.com

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ISBN-13: 978-1-894965-68-2

60pp, color throughout, 6" x 6", Trade Cloth
Ages 7 & up
US $12.95, CDN $14.95

Spookshow ABC

Written and illustrated by Ryan Heshka

This creepy Halloween ABC will thrill, spook, and delight. With perfectly eerie pop-art illustrations reminiscent of old comics and monster movies, this is a must have for anybody who delights in the uncanny and macabre.

Ryan Heshka was born in Brandon, Manitoba, and graduated from the University of Manitoba with a B.A. in Interior Design. In the past three years, Ryan has done numerous gallery shows and has been accepted into the American Illustration, Communication Arts and Society of Illustrators annual. He resides in Vancouver, British Columbia.
For more information about Ryan Heshka and his art, visit his website: www.ryanheshka.com

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ISBN-13: 978-1-894965-66-8

176pp, none, 5.5" x 8.25", Paperback
Ages 12 & up
US $8.95, CDN $10.95

Pyre

Written by James McCann

Werewolves, vampires, keg parties, murders, and love: terror and suspense rarely let in this teen thriller.

James McCann works as a children’s book specialist, teaches teens story design from a mapmaker’s point of view, and is currently learning Mandarin. This is his third book. He lives in Vancouver, BC. This is his second book with Simply Read Books.

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ISBN-13: 978-1-894965-73-6

20pp, color throughout, 7" x 7", Board Book
Ages 2-4/Preschool
US $8.95, CDN $9.95

Count the Birdies

Written and illustrated by Matthew Porter

A stunning counting book with beautiful paintings of birds amid blossoms including house sparrows with white pear blossoms and hummingbirds with pink cherry blossoms.
"A good individual purchase, Count the Birdies is also a worthy purchase by libraries serving the very young and preschool child care facilities." - CM June 2007

Matthew Porter graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 1997. He grew up in the South of England in a village called Broad Oak. His paintings have included such themes as circus sideshow banners, children’s alphabets, Mexican wrestlers, Japanese toys, giant robot cats, and the infamous "Monkey World" series. He has showcased his work in London, New York, L.A., and of course, Seattle, where he and his wife live.
For more information please visit his website http://www.bluebottleart.com/index.php

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ISBN-13: 978-1-894965-38-5

22pp, color throughout, 7" x 7", Board Book
Ages 2-4/Preschool
US $8.95, CDN $9.95

ABC

Written and illustrated by Matthew Porter

An ABC board book full of gorgeous colors, textures and cute animals. Funky paintings on wood like those well-loved and worn wooden ABC blocks we stacked up, chewed up, kicked around and dropped as children.
Winner of Child Magazine 2006 Best Children’s Books
Chosen by the American Association of Booksellers for Children as one of the Best Books for Children in 2006.

Matthew Porter graduated from Edinburgh College of Art in 1997. He grew up in the South of England in a village called Broad Oak. His paintings have included such themes as circus sideshow banners, children’s alphabets, Mexican wrestlers, Japanese toys, giant robot cats, and the infamous "Monkey World" series. He has showcased his work in London, New York, L.A., and of course, Seattle, where he and his wife live. For more information please visit his website http://www.bluebottleart.com/index.php

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ISBN-13: 978-1-894965-49-1

36pp, color throughout, 9.5" x 11", Trade Cloth
Ages 7 & up
US $17.95, CDN $19.95

The Woman Who Married the Bear

Written by Elizabeth James, Illustrated by Atanas

A West Coast First Nations myth retold and illustrated for all ages with stunning artwork.

Elizabeth James lives in Vancouver, BC.
Atanas Matsoureff was born in Bansko, Bulgaria in 1975. His paintings are prized for their beauty and sensitivity in depicting the world of nature. This is his second picture book with Simply Read Books, following his highly acclaimed The Lost Island. Atanas lives in Sofia, Bulgaria.

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