On May 14, 2014, authors Neil Christopher and Alan Neal and illustrator Jonathan Wright attended the Festival of Trees in Toronto. Their book Ava and the Little Folk was nominated for the 2014 Silver Birch Express Award, which honours the best Canadian book for readers in grades 3 and 4. Schoolchildren from all over Toronto attended to cheer on their favourite titles and listen to authors and illustrators speak about their nominated books. Although Ava and the Little Folk did not walk away the overall winner, it was named an Honour Book!
An initiative of the Ontario Library Association, the Forest of Reading recognizes great Canadian books for readers of all ages, from kindergarten-aged children to adults. Its award ceremony, the Festival of Trees, takes place in Toronto and in satellite locations across Ontario, including London, Thunder Bay, and Ottawa.
You can learn more about the Forest of Reading and the Festival of Trees here. Ava and the Little Folk is available for free download from our website in both Inuktitut and French.