Munsch on the stage!

Robert Munsch has illuminated the imaginations of Canadian children for years, and now he's alive not only on the page, but also on the stage! Munschtime, playing at the Toronto Young People's Theatre until May 14th, brings to life many of Munsch's classic titles in an exciting new format. Castmembers spoke to Tom Power on Q about the charm of Munsch's stories and the fun of the new production. This is a wonderful new way for kids and adults alike to revel in the magic of Munsch!

The Reading Without Walls Challenge

Ask any bookworm why they read, and one of their primary reasons will be that books allow you to go outside the walls of your everyday life. The "Reading Without Walls" challenge taps into that, encouraging readers to read subjects and formats that they don't normally experience. It's currently being championed by the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, who points out that this challenge is great for getting everyone out of their comfort zones, and can be a fun promotional tool for teachers, librarians and booksellers!

Who's Your Favourite PM?

Whether or not you have a t-shirt emblazoned with shirtless Justin Trudeau riding a moose (this really exists), there's no denying that he's an interesting prime minister. Of course, there are varying opinions about him, as there are about each of Canada's twenty-three PM's. So who is Canada's favourite? This summer, DK is publishing a book called Our Great Prime Ministers, and before it comes out they want to know who is Canada's number one choice. Vote by poll here and see if you share the opinions of the majority of Canadians!

Travel Photography Competition!

Rough Guides is hosting a competition to find images for their upcoming travel photography book, and they're offering not only publication but some other amazing prizes that could enable you to take that trip you've been planning! If you're passionate about travel photography (or happened to snap a really cool photo on your last vacation), check out the contest page for specifics, and send your photos over by Monday the 24th of April for a chance to win some seriously cool prizes and have your photos featured in an exciting upcoming book.

To Photoshop, or Not to Photoshop?

If you, like most of Canada, hold Anne of Green Gables near and dear to your heart, then you've probably given the new CBC/Netflix adaptation a try. While it's generally been welcomed with open arms, there is already some gentle controversy brewing in relation to Netflix's treatment of our beloved redhead in their promotional posters aimed at American audiences. While CBC's posters emit a more somber tone and reflects the freckly, day-dreamy, wistful orphan we know and love, Netflix has cast a golden light on Anne that not only doesn't really reflect the lonely feel of the show, but has magically dulled her freckles, changed the shape of her face, and reduced the slight blueness under her eyes. Read what Tirzah Price of Bookriot had to say about this interesting approach to the latest adaptation of PEI's sweetheart.

Nan Talese in the Spotlight

Female publishing icon Nan Talese has been profiled in a Vanity Fair article, and it's a fascinating read. Veteran of Random House, Simon & Schuster and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and current Senior Vice President of Doubleday, Nan's life is examined on both a personal and professional level. Her power within her marriage and the office are discussed equally and gracefully. A great reason to take a afternoon coffee break!

Advance praise rolls in for Doudna and Sternberg

Jennifer A. Doudna and Samuel H. Sternberg are riding high on a wave of advanced praise for their upcoming book, A Crack in Creation, which looks at the scientific and ethical dilemmas and adventures that are arising with the development of gene-editing technology. From Nobel Prize-winning scientists and Pulitzer Prize-winning authors to George Lucas, everyone is eagerly chiming in with praise. Read up on the technology and the international patent competition here, take a peek at the starred Kirkus review here, and keep an eye on this book (due to be released on June 13th)!

James Rhodes Hits the Right Notes

James Rhodes spoke on q about his new book, Instrumental: A Memoir of Madness, Medication, and Music, and how music helped him through some dark passages in his life. The reviews of Instrumental are overwhelming in their praise of his honest and insightful writing, and it sounds like Rhodes' story of trial and survival is striking a chord with many readers. Worth a listen and a look!