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Dear Friends,
This summer, with great pride, we celebrated Canada's 150th birthday. With our roots as the first children's literary agency in Canada, we remain the number one agency representing Canadian children's and YA writers according to Publisher's Marketplace. Imagine our delight that the number one bestselling picture book on the sesquicentennial Canada Day was CARSON CROSSES CANADA, illustrated by Transatlantic client Kass Reich. It's now been in the bestseller list for eleven weeks and counting!
It's a time of exciting change for Transatlantic Agency too, as we welcome our new President, Samantha Haywood, who has acquired a controlling interest in the company. Samantha joined the agency in 2004, becoming a partner in 2013. David Bennett remains at the company as Chairman Emeritus, Lynn Bennett will remain Treasurer. Transatlantic has added two new agents, and is launching a Speaker's Division.
In book fair news, Amy Tompkins will be attending the International Rights Center at the Guadalajara Book Fair, Nov 27th - Nov 29th. If you would like an appointment with Amy, please contact her at amy@transatlanticagency.com. Now read on for all the news and acclaim our clients have been getting over the summer.
Wishing you all the very best,
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North American
 World rights to
Pam Wither's exciting YA novel,
THE STOWAWAY, about human smuggling on the West Coast of Canada to Dundurn Press. Contact:
lynn@transatlanticagency.com.
Award-winner
Maureen Fergus
's picture book
YOU'RE IN GOOD PAWS
, follows her bestselling
Invisibill
. This is a quirky, humorous picture book about a boy's visit to the hospital...so why is his doctor a dog? World rights in a two book deal, to Samantha Swenson at Penguin Random House Canada (Tundra). Contact:
fiona@transatlanticagency.com
.
 Kass Reich will be illustrating
Anna Humphrey's
MEGABAT 2, about a the adventures of a cute young bat, edited by Samantha Swenson at Penguin Random House Canada (Tundra) for publication summer 2019. Contact:
amy@transatlanticagency.com (Anna Humphrey) and
fiona@transatlanticagency.com (Kass Reich).
World rights to
SERGEANT BILLY, to Samantha Swenson at Penguin Random House Canada (Tundra) illustrated by
Kass Reich. This picture book tells the true story of a goat who won a medal for saving lives in World War One. The text is by Governor General Award Winner Mireille Messier. For publication fall 2019. Contact:
fiona@transatlanticagency.com.
World rights to six bilingual (English and Spanish) fact-filled easy readers for Cantata's
PETS series to Bev Larson, authored by
Jessica Lee Anderson,
Erin Falligant, and
Patricia Lakin. Contact:
andrea@transatlanticagency.com (for Jessica) and
fiona@transatlanticagency.com (for Erin and Patricia).
 World rights to
STONE RIVER CROSSING by
Tim Tingle, a middle grade novel and companion book to
Crossing Bok Chitto, to Stacy Whitman at Tu Books, for publication in Fall 2018. Contact
andrea@transatlanticagency.com.
 North American rights to
THE VIRGIN CHARGE by
Virginia Schwartz, to Mary Cash at Holiday House, at auction. Pitched as Sarah Waters for the YA set and inspired by the true story of celebrated author Charles Dickens's home for "fallen girls", this atmospheric mystery depicts the sights and smells of a beguiling 19th century London, entwined with a novel of a girl finding her voice, and piece by piece discovering the grave wrong inflicted in her past. Contact:
fiona@transatlanticagency.com.
 World rights to
PASSOVER PRIMER, by
Monique Polak to Andrew Wooldridge at Orca Books. A board book about Passover, for publication in 2018. Contact:
amy@transatlanticagency.com.
World rights to
FEMINISM, by
Monique Polak as part of the Orca Issues series of middle grade nonfiction books to Andrew Woodridge at Orca Books. For publication in 2018. Contact:
amy@transatlanticagency.com.
 World rights to
ASSISTED DYING, by
Nikki Tate to Andrew Wooldridge at Orca Books for the Orca Issues series. For publication in 2018. Contact:
amy@transatlanticagency.com.
 World rights to
BASKET CASE: The Science of Stress by
Tanya Lloyd Kyi, to Jennifer Stokes at Kids Can Press in a two-book deal. A fact-packed look at the science of stress and the history of stress research. It explores the effects of stress on the human body, how those effects were discovered, and what we can do about them. Contact:
amy@transatlanticagency.com.
 World rights to
MOON LANDING 1969: The Epic and Amazing Four-hundred Year Journey by
Sigmund Brouwer, to Yasemin Ucar at Kids Can Press, for publication in 2019 to coincide with the fiftieth anniversary of the moon landing. Contact:
amy@transatlanticagency.com
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 Still a month until publication and
Vicki Grant's
36 QUESTIONS THAT CHANGED MY MIND ABOUT YOU is already an international bestseller, with rights now sold in 21 territories! The juggernaut keeps rolling with Hungarian (Many Konyvek), Lithuanian (Alma Littera) and Serbian (Vulkan) rights sold and an auction in Poland (Publicat). Check out the
Publishers Weekly interview with Vicki and agent Fiona Kenshole on the booming international success of this YA romantic comedy. Contact:
fiona@transatlanticagency.com.
Publishers Weekly article:
Publishersweekly.com/36-questions-in-17-languages-and-counting
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For Orca
 C
zech rights to 90 DAYS OF DIFFERENT by Eric Walters to Albatros Media.
 Japanese rights to STEPPING STONES: A Refugee Family's Journey by Margriet Ruurs & illustrated by Nizar Ali Badr (picture book 4-8) to Shin Nihon Shuppan.
 Korean rights to AFTER THE FIRE by Becky Citra (9-12) to Bookmentor Publishing.
 Korean rights to FOOD FIGHT and MEDIA MELTDOWN by  Liam O'Donnell & illustrated by Mike Deas (graphic novels 9--2) to GrimmSi Publishing Co.
 Simplified Chinese rights to
ALL GOOD CHILDREN
by
Catherine Austen
(young adult 12+) to Beijing Institute of Technology Press.
 Slovenian rights to
A DARK TRUTH
by
Jeff Ross
(Orca Soundings 12+) to MISH.
 Spanish rights to STEPPING STONES: A Refugee Family's Journey by Margriet Ruurs & illustrated by Nizar Ali Badr (picture book 4-8) to Kalandraka.
Swedish rights to IDENTIFY by Lesley Choyce (Orca Soundings 12+) to Hegas
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Accolades, Awards and Notable Appearances
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THE TURN OF THE TIDE (Random House Children's Books) by Rosanne Parry has been selected as a 2017 Willa Literary Award finalist (Children's/YA category), and is the winner of the 2017 Oregon Spirit Book Award, middle grade category! Congratulations Rosanne! Thank you to the Women Writing the West and the Oregon Council of Teachers of English.
 The resounding buzz for Linda Bailey and Kass Reich's CARSON CROSSES CANADA continues with great reviews (see below) and an amazing two-month run as a Canadian best-seller since Canada Day (July 1), including #1 on CBC's Canadian kids list! CARSON CROSSES CANADA is currently #5 on the Canadian kids list. This lush picture book, about a roadtrip across the beautiful Canadian provinces, was also featured on NBC's Today Show. Be sure to check out Kass's in-depth interview with the CCBC about her creative process and the inspiration for the best-seller. Congratulations, Kass and Linda!
 Congratulations to all of our authors and illustrators who appeared on Today's Parent's list of "Best Canadian Kids' Books of All Time," including Wally Edwards, Ron Lightburn, Andrew Larsen, Kit Pearson, Michael Kusugak, Cary Fagan and Eric Walters, and many other friends we've worked with through the years.
 We're excited to see Erin Falligant as a judge in the National Youth Foundation's (NYF) Amazing Women's Edition (AWE) competition! NYF's Executive Director says, "In furtherance of honoring the vast contributions of women, we are hosting the Amazing Women's Edition book writing contest. Get to know an extraordinary woman in your community and tell us HERstory." AWE asks students in grades K-8 to write and illustrate books on their personal and hometown heroines. The winning book will be published in hardcover and donated to public libraries. Read more about the competition here.
 Several Orca titles have been shortlisted for the Chocolate Lily Awards (BC Children's Choice Book Awards): SPARE DOG PARTS by Alison Hughes, illus. by Ashley Spires (picture book 4-8); BLACKBERRY JUICE by Sara Cassidy, illus. by Helen Flook (Orca Echoes 7-9); DUKE'S DEN by Becky Citra (9-12); EVERYDAY HERO by Kathleen Cherry (9-12); and PANDAS ON THE EASTSIDE by Gabrielle Prendergast (9-12).
All three books shortlisted for the Bolen Books Children's Book Prize (City of Victoria Book Prizes) are published by Orca! Congratulations to AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD by Kari Jones (12+), PRIDE: Celebrating Diversity & Community by Robin Stevenson (nonfiction 12+), and STEPPING STONES by Margriet Ruurs and Nizar Ali Badr (picture book 4-8).
STEPPING STONES by Margriet Ruurs and illustrated by Nizar Ali Badr (picture book 4-8) appeared in a New York Times article about how children's authors are taking on the refugee crisis: NYtimes.com/refugee-crisis-childrens-books, and in a CBC feature: CBC.ca/stepping-stones. This uniquely beautiful picture book has now been sold in nine territories!
 A DAY OF SIGNS AND WONDERS by Kit Pearson (middle grade 9-12) has been shortlisted for the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award.
 Gabrielle Prendergast's middle grade novel PANDAS ON THE EASTSIDE is shortlisted for the City of Vancouver Book Award.
 SHOOTER by Caroline Pignat (12+) has been shortlisted for two Canadian Children's Book Centre Awards: the John Spray Mystery Award, and the Amy Mathers Teen Book Award.
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90 DAYS OF DIFFERENT by Eric Walters (YA, 12+) has just been published by Orca Books. The latested YA novel from internationally best-selling author Eric Walters answers the questions: Can ninety days of different experiences create a different life? Can stepping outside your comfort zone help you find yourself? Contact: marie@transatlanticagency.com.
 THE AGONY OF BUN O'KEEFE
by
Heather Smith
(YA, 12+) has just been published by Penguin Teen/Penguin Random House Canada. Contact:
amy@transatlanticagency.com
.
 The AMERICAN GIRL CHARACTER ENCYCLOPEDIA by Carrie Anton and Erin Falligant published in July by DK Children. The encyclopedia is packed with incredible facts and details about each beloved doll, including all the BeForever™ and Girl of the Year characters. Contact: fiona@transatlanticagency.com.
 CAN YOUR SMARTPHONE CHANGE THE WORLD by Erinne Paisley (nonfiction 12-16) is the first in Orca's new PopActivism series. A twenty-first-century guide for anyone who has access to a smartphone and wants to be an activist. Contact: amy@transatlanticagency.com.
 CLARA HUMBLE: QUIZ WHIZ by Anna Humphrey (8-12) is out with Owlkids as the second book in the Clara Humble series. When Clara and her best friend, Bradley, discover their favorite game show, Smarty Pants is recruiting in their area, Clara is sure she'll be chosen. Things get complicated when Bradley also earns a contestant spot on the show, and the friends are pitted against each other. Contact: amy@transatlanticagency.com.
 THE DOOR TO JANUARY
by
Gillian French
(13+) has just been published by Islandport Press. Breakthrough author Gillian French skillfully weaves together themes of small town bullies, unsolved murders, time travel, and the force of the spirit in this gripping paranormal thriller. Contact: amy@transatlanticagency.com.
 EARN IT!: A MONEYBUNNY BOOK by Cinders McLeod (picture book 3-5) is now out with Nancy Paulsen Books. In this delightful introduction to the simple concept of earning money, an exuberant little bunny learns that fame and fortune must be earned. The first book in the Moneybunny series. Contact: samantha@transatlanticagency.com.
 IF YOU WERE THE MOON by Laura Purdie Salas and illustrated by Jaime Kim published in March by Millbrook Press. Celebrate the many other roles the moon plays in this whimsical and lyrical picture book. Contact: fiona@transatlanticagency.com.
 THE MAN WHO LOVED LIBRARIES: The Story of Andrew Carnegie by Andrew Larsen and illustrated by Katty Maurey published in August by Owlkids. As a child Andrew Carnegie and his family immigrated to America. He invested in railroads, eventually becoming the richest man in the world during his time. Through philanthropy he funded the construction of over 2,500 public libraries around the world. Contact: fiona@transatlanticagency.com.
 MORT ZIFF IS NOT DEAD by Cary Fagan (8-12) was published in August by Puffin/Penguin Random House Canada. A humorous coming-of-age middle-grade novel set in 1960s Florida. Battling obnoxious siblings, sunburns, and a corporate millionaire, Norman is determined to help an old comedian save his career. Contact: amy@transatlanticagency.com.
 THE MOSAIC by Nina Berkhout (YA, 12+) is out with Groundwood Books. Twyla Jane Lee has one goal: to finish senior year so she can escape her military hometown of Halo, Montana, with her boyfriend Billy Goodwin. But to graduate, Twyla needs to complete 40 hours of community service. When she reluctantly signs up for the Help a Vet program, she is paired with the rude and withdrawn former football star, Gabriel Finch. As the two form an unexpected bond over the secret buried in the missile facility, Twyla begins to unearth Gabriel's ghosts from the Middle East Wars. Contact: samantha@transatlanticagency.com.
 PRINCE OF POT by Tanya Lloyd Kyi (YA, 12+) has also just been published by Groundwood Books. Isaac loves art class, drives an old pickup, argues with his father and hangs out with his best buddy, Hazel. But his life is anything but normal. His parents operate an illegal marijuana grow-op, Hazel is a bear that guards the property, and his family's livelihood is a deep secret. It's no time to fall in love with the daughter of a cop. Contact: amy@transatlanticagency.com.
 The Norwegian editions of the QUARTZ CREEK RANCH series by Kiersi Burkhart and Amber J. Keyser were published in late spring by Stabenfeldt. Contact: fiona@transatlanticagency.com.
 SECRETS OF AMERICAN HISTORY: The Founding Fathers Were Spies! by Patricia Lakin and illustrated by Valerio Fabbretti published, appropriately, on July 4 (Independence Day in the U.S.) by Simon Spotlight. Discover the thrilling side of history in this nonfiction Level 3 Ready-to-Read. Contact: fiona@transatlanticagency.com.
 YOU HOLD ME UP by Monique Gray Smith, illustrated by Danielle Daniel (picture book 4-8) is new from Orca. This vibrant picture book, beautifully illustrated by celebrated artist Danielle Daniel, encourages children to show love and support for each other in their everyday actions. Contact: amy@transatlanticagency.com.
 WHEN THE MOON COMES by Paul Harbridge, illustrated by Matt James (picture book 4-8), published by Tundra Books this month. In this atmospheric story, a group of kids play hockey on a frozen lake by moonlight. At once nostalgic and timely, this is a gorgeous book that will speak to readers young and old. Contact: amy@transatlanticagency.com.
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Praise for 90 DAYS OF DIFFERENT by Eric Walters (World Rights Available Ex: English in North America, Orca Books; Czech, Albatros Media)
"A how-to book for creating the ultimate summer."
-Kirkus Reviews
"This well-told narrative shows how one can branch out of one's comfort zone, and also how social media and the Internet can have a positive impact on the world. A fun, engaging read, particularly for those who are about to begin a new phase in their lives."
-School Library Journal
Praise for THE AGONY OF BUN O'KEEFE by Heather Smith (World Rights Available Ex: World English, Penguin Teen/Penguin Random House Canada)
"Although Bun is 14, she possesses the endearing naiveté and honesty of a child, but her first-person narration isn't sappy or immature...Bun O'Keefe will settle comfortably at home in readers' hearts."
-Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"There's an abundance of humour both subtle and overt, and a shattering of stereotypes and tropes...This is a book that grabs readers by the heart and the head."
-Quill & Quire, starred review
"Smith's strength is her attention to setting details and character development...Recommended." -CM: Canadian Review of Materials
 Praise for A BEAR'S LIFE by Ian McAllister & Nicholas Read (World Rights Available Ex: English in North America, Orca Books)
"This well-designed companion to Wolf Island features McAllister's exquisite photographs of black bears, grizzlies, and rare spirit bears...It's a captivating and intimately photographed look at the lives of wild bears." -Publishers Weekly
 Praise for BUDDY AND EARL GO TO SCHOOL by Maureen Fergus (World Rights: Groundwood Books):
"In Maureen Fergus's snug picture book 'Buddy and Earl Go to School' (Groundwood), two friends rejoice at the prospect [of going to school]...Earl becomes the benevolent ruler of the school in this happy tale..."
-The Wall Street Journal
Praise for CARSON CROSSES CANADA by Linda Bailey, illustrated by Kass Reich (World Rights: Tundra Books)
"Reich has done full justice to many iconic Canadian places and traditions, with vivid pictures that paint just the right amount of detail...What a wonderful way to introduce Canada to children."
-CM Magazine
"Reich's gouache paintings, colourful and evocative, manage to capture the diversity and vastness of this land, stretching from the B.C. coast all the way to Cape Breton Island."
-Montreal Gazette
Praise for CLARA HUMBLE: QUIZ WIZ by Anna Humphrey (World Rights: Owlkids)
"The lively narrative and cunning plot points provide a nifty adventure and an exploration of the consequences of going with the crowd. Smart, lively, and genuine."
-Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Another humorous misadventure...A satisfying sequel for younger readers seeking realistic fiction with levity and a plucky protagonist." -School Library Journal
Praise for THE DOOR TO JANUARY by Gillian French (World Rights Available Ex: English in North America, Islandport Press)
"Chilling and suspenseful, this paranormal thriller with a touch of romance will keep readers on the edges of their seats."
-Ki
rkus Reviews
 Praise for HIT THE GROUND RUNNING by Alison Hughes (World Rights Available Ex: English in North America, Orca Books)
"Hughes weaves a touching, thrilling and wryly funny story of an 'anchorless family' seeking a safe home port."
-Shelf Awareness, starred review
"This is a beautiful, if heart-wrenching story of two children left adrift due to the death of their mother and their father's mental illness. Whether it is a side trip to the Grand Canyon or mistaking someone's front yard for a camping spot, the siblings' humor and loyalty are real...Nail-biting yet endearing."
-Kirkus Reviews
"readers will be pulling hard for both Dee, who is shouldering adult responsibilities, and Eddie, whose stress manifests in quirky behavior. Hughes deals gently with the siblings' emotions in a story about embracing the present when the past and future are too heavy to bear." -Publishers Weekly
 Praise for LARK AND THE DIAMOND CAPER by Natasha Deen (World Rights Available, Ex: English in North America, Orca Books)
"The twin brother and sister detective team of Lark and Connor Ba are at it again in this second book in the series. For a dollar per case, the Ba private detective team will solve any mystery, big or small...VERDICT A lively read for young mystery enthusiasts."
-School Library Journal
Praise for THE MAN WHO LOVED LIBRARIES by Andrew Larsen (World Rights: Owlkids)
"Certainly the world of public libraries would be poorer without the substantial contribution of Andrew Carnegie...we can all make a real difference when we choose to give back."
-Kirkus Reviews
"Straightforward and accessible...An effective and quite pleasing showcase of an important literary figure."
-Booklist
"Lyrical...will appeal to young elementary school students."
-School Library Journal
"An accessible, admiring portrait." -Publishers Weekly
Praise for MORT ZIFF IS NOT DEAD by Cary Fagan (World Rights Available Ex: World English, Puffin/Penguin Random House Canada)
"Fagan delivers a witty, heartfelt character study complete with bullying siblings and sweet first crushes...A wonderful read told with elegant simplicity."
-Kirkus Reviews
"A quirky, understated, and dryly comedic story...Fagan manages to make gold, turning an old fashioned vacation adventure into something more subtle, even graceful. Highly recommended." -CM Magazine
Praise for THE MOSAIC by Nina Berkhout (World Rights: Groundwood Books)
"Berkhout provides a realistic view of the complex effect wars have on veterans, and people's varying perspectives on the subject. Poignant descriptions ignite the setting. The characters have depth; readers will empathize with Gabriel as a survivor of PTSD, and will revel in the two's compassionate connection."
-School Library Journal
"A rich and jumbled mix of war and peace by an author to watch."
-Kirkus Reviews
"Berkhout creates a cinematic feel with her evocative language and scene setting."
-Quill & Quire
 Praise for MYSTERY OF THE BEAR CUB: A COOPER & PACKRAT ADVENTURE by Tamra Wight (World Rights Available Ex: English in North America, Islandport Press)
"The author's love for the forests and wildlife of Maine is evident in every detail of the environs. Readers familiar with the Maine woods will recognize it, while those who aren't will feel like they're visiting for the first time...good-old fashioned summer fun with a mystery at the center." -Kirkus Reviews
 Praise for SHORT FOR CHAMELEON by Vicki Grant (World Rights Available Ex: English North America, HarperTrophy; French, Editions Milan):
"Vicki Grant...excels here in silly Sherlock mode."
-The Globe and Mail
Praise for WHEN THE MOON COMES by Paul Harbridge, illustrated by Matt James (World Rights: Tundra Books)
"The illustrations, with their burnished waning light, and the clipped-short narrative combine to create an atmosphere that for anyone who has experienced it will feel pitch-perfect"
-Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"An exquisite selection for older elementary readers, this is a first purchase for school and public libraries"
-School Library Journal, starred review
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Leah Freeman-Haskin
Leah Freeman-Haskin is a children's writer in Los Angeles. Born in Boston, MA, Leah holds a degree in English and studio art from Boston College. As the daughter of an artist, she spent many years traveling and living abroad, continuously inspired by art and literature. Though she spent much of her youth writing poetry and creative fiction, it wasn't until the birth of her son three years ago that she rediscovered her love for children's picture books. Leah is currently working on her debut picture book, a heartfelt story about defining beauty and self-acceptance.
Represented by Fiona Kenshole, fiona@transatlanticagency.com.
 O.S. Klassen
O.S. Klassen grew up in the Midwest surrounded by older sisters and a loving extended family, amidst endless fields of tall corn, Amish buggies and tornadoes. Sadly, she did not enjoy a single day of school, but things started looking up with the discovery of Jane Eyre. After graduating from the University of Oregon's art school, she helped raise a family of six children. She is currently working on her debut middle grade novel. Represented by Fiona Kenshole,
fiona@transatlanticagency.com.
 Alexandra Kopstals
Alexandra Kopstals has spent the last few years embodying Tolkien's theory that, "not all who wander are lost." She has trekked the Andes, survived a hurricane, dogsledded through Algonquin Park, performed at Roy Thompson Hall, and spent a year in London perfecting the perfect cup of tea. When she's not spinning those adventures into stories or newspaper articles, she can usually be found on the water, baking, or playing with her rambunctious collie, Baelfire. Hailing from Aurora, Ontario, she is an alumnus of Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, and the University of London, Goldsmith's College in England. Her debut middle grade novel, DUST BUFFALOES, is currently on offer. Represented by Amy Tompkins,
amy@transatlanticagency.com.
 Zalika Reid-Benta
Zalika Reid-Benta is a born and bred Toronto writer, TV fanatic and cheeseburger enthusiast. In 2011 George Elliott Clarke recommended her as a "Writer to Watch". Her work has appeared on the CBC website, in the TOK 7 anthology and in Apogee Journal. She is an alum of the 2017 Banff Writer's Studio and received an MFA in fiction from Columbia University in 2014. Her work explores matters of intergenerational cycles, race, identity and culture through the lens of second-generation Caribbean Canadians. Her collection of linked short stories, FRYING PLANTAIN, is currently on offer and she is working on a fantasy YA novel. Represented by Amy Tompkins,
amy@transatlanticagency.com.
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 Transatlantic lost a treasured client and friend with the sudden death on September 2, 2017 of acclaimed children's writer and storyteller Jan Andrews. Recently named to the Order of Canada "for her contributions to Canadian culture as a children's book author and as a pioneer of Canada's storytelling movement," Jan was an influential mentor as well as award-winning author of picture books, traditional tales and children's novels. Her inimitable voice will be very much missed.
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French rights to LISA'S WAR by Carol Matas (middle grade) to Editions Larousse. Contact: 
