Harry Potter - House Editions

Courage? Loyalty? Ambition? Wisdom? What's your most valued trait? Which house do you belong to? Better find out soon, because the House Editions of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets are here! Whether you want the green of Slytherin, the blue of Ravenclaw, the yellow of Hufflepuff, or the red of Gryffindor, there's a copy with your name on it! 

Beautiful Boy

David Sheff's touching memoir recounting the harrowing tale of his son's journey through addiction, adapted by Amazon Studios, is hitting the big screen this fall. Initially published in 2009, Beautiful Boy is the haunting and heartbreaking story of a journalist desperately researching ways to help, and a father that refuses to give up on his son. Check out the first full trailer here. 

Cut in Half

Have you ever wanted to see the inside of your phone? How about a bisected vacuum cleaner? As enticing as it sounds, it might get a little pricey very quickly. No matter - Mike Warren's Cut In Half has you covered! Check out the insides of all these objects, common and weird, in the video above, with even more featured in his book!

Awesome Canadian Authors!

From vivid graphic novels and heart-warming picture books to white-knuckle murder mysteries and profound literary fiction, Canada's Authors are absolutely killing it! CBC Books kicked off July with their list of 100 Canadian writers you need to know, featuring a diverse mix of old favourites and incredible newcomers. Check out the full list here!

Which Anne of Green Gables Character Are You?

Marilla or Matthew? Diana or Gilbert? Or are you Anne all the way? Anyone who's read L.M. Montgomery's classic, or fell in love with any one of the films or T.V. series has a favorite character! Find out who you are with this fun Bookriot Quiz!

TD Summer Reads

Summer time is for splashing in the pool, playing in the park, and lazy afternoons with great reads! From history and change-making, to hockey players and ninja warriors, TD's summer reading club has it all this season. For books to keep kids of all ages creative, inquisitive, or just flat-out entertained, check out the full list here! 

Fighting for Israel, Searching for Peace

There are no easy solutions. This sentiment has echoed throughout the world as the conflict between Israel and Palestine has rumbled along generation through generation. In his new memoir, former Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Barak recounts growing up in this reality, the first seven decades of his country's existence and, through candid assessment of his fellow Israeli politicians, its major successes and its biggest misjudgments. Barak recently joined CBC's The Current to discuss his memoir, as well as current Prime Minister Netanyahu and the future of Israel. My Country, My Life: Fighting for Israel, Searching for Peace is available now.

#NotYourPrincess

#NotYourPrincess, edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Mary Beth Leatherdale, hit bookstores last fall. A collection of poems, essays, interviews, and artwork submitted by Native American women, #NotYourPrincess is a visual anthology that challenges stereotypes and celebrates the diverse voices of the many women who shared their stories.

Teaching Books is now sharing #NotYourPrincess audio resources with over 33,000 schools! Listen to Lisa Charleyboy's clip here, and Mary Beth Leatherdale's clip here, where both editors read an excerpt from #NotYourPrincess and discuss how the book came to be (believe it or not, Beyoncé's Lemonade had a little something to do with it).

Dave Itzkoff on CBC

From Mork & Mindy, to Aladdin, to Mrs. Doubtfire, Robin Williams's career brought joy to many. His biography, written by New York Times culture reporter Dave Itzkoff, was released on May 15. In Robin, Itzkoff attempts to answer some of the lingering questions we have about the beloved entertainer following his death four years ago.

In his interview with Tom Power on CBC q, Itzkoff describes Williams as more subdued and thoughtful than the mania of some of his roles would suggest; he describes Williams as "empathetic" and "generous of self." Williams spoke openly about his battle with addiction and depression, either through his comedy or in interviews. Toward the end of his life, he was plagued by a debilitating condition, the effects of which never fully came to light until after his death. 

Listen to the interview here. 

Catherine Hernandez's Scarborough Shortlisted for Trillium Book Award

Catherine Hernandez's Scarborough has been shortlisted for the 2018 Trillium Book Award. Scarborough tells the story of this diverse Toronto neighbourhood through the eyes of several of its inhabitants. It was previously named winner of the Asian Canadian Writers' Workshop Emerging Writers Award in 2015 and was a finalist for the $50, 000 Half the World Global Literati Award for best unpublished manuscript in 2016.

Scarborough is also shortlisted for “One Book, One Brampton” by the Brampton Library (cast your vote here); the 2017 City of Toronto Book Award; and the 2018 Edmund White Award for Debut Fiction. It was longlisted for Canada Reads.

Read more at the Toronto Star or check out the other nominees here.

The Sisters Brothers Trailer

With over 150, 000 copies sold in Canada since it's release in 2011, The Sisters Brothers will soon be coming to a theatre near you. Eli and Charlie are (you guessed it) brothers. Immersed in a life of alcohol and violence, they follow Hermann Kermit Warm to his gold-mining claim outside San Francisco; along the way, Eli tries to make sense of his life in the face of the job he must carry out.

A new edition of the multi-award-winning title is coming out to coincide with the release of the film. Directed by Jacques Audiard and starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Joaquin Phoenix, and John C. Reilly, The Sisters Brothers is dark, funny, absurd, and gritty. We can't wait!

If You Build It, They Will Come

Following in the footsteps of Oslo's Deichmanske bibliotek and Stuttgart's City Library, Calgary's $245 million Central Library is expected to open its doors to the public on November 1st. The library is located in Calgary's historic East Village, itself part of a huge revitalization project. "This [library] doesn't belong only to the rich, or to a university...everybody has access to it," says Calgary Public Library's chief executive officer Bill Ptacek. 

Gone are the days when the public library was thought of as a dying institution. Libraries like the Calgary Central Library, or the 216,000-square-foot "super library" set to be built in Ottawa, prove that, more than ever, we consider libraries a necessary part of our community. 

Check out the Globe and Mail's article here. 

History, Family, Promises

Through touching narrative and surreal illustration, Margie Wolfe's The Promise tells the true story of two sisters, her Mother and her Aunt, forced into labour at Auschwitz during the holocaust. Before being stolen away, they received from their parents three gold coins and a promise to keep - stay together. Wolfe, co-founder of Second Story Press, recently joined CBC's The Next Chapter to discuss the story behind the story, her family's history, and the making of the book - Listen to the full discussion here. 

Black Klansman Movie Trailer

The trailer for the highly anticipated film BlacKkKlansman is here! 

Based on the novel of the same name (albeit spelled differently) Black Klansman tells the true story of Detective Ron Stallworth, Colorado Springs Police Department’s first African American detective. Upon discovering an ad in the local paper reaching out to anyone interested in joining the Ku Klux Klan, Stallworth responds with a yes, thereby launching himself into an incredible months-long undercover investigation.   

BlacKkKlansman is directed by Spike Lee and produced by Jordan Peele. Check it out in theatres August 10^th. 

James Comey in Toronto

It’s been one year since former FBI director James Comey was fired. His recently-released book A Higher Loyalty discusses Comey’s career in the American government as well as ideas surrounding ethical leadership. In his interview with Piya Chattopadhyay on CBC’s The Current, Comey discusses the ways in which leadership should remain focused on truth, integrity and fairness; he also provides us with the one question we should ask before making a significant decision: "How would I explain this to my grandchildren?". 

Listen to the interview here.

Tomi Adeyemi

We’ve all agreed that Tomi Adeyemi is pretty much the greatest right? Her viral reaction to unboxing her first book sure isn’t the only reason! In her phenomenal interview with CBC’s Q with Tom Power she describes her personal relationship with character representation in fiction, and how her debut novel works to change that. In The Guardian she talks empowerment and inspiration from West Africa. And in this review from The Atlantic, her novel is explored for its incredible value in the Black Lives Matter Movement. We can't get enough!

Reading Without Walls

Books have tremendous power in expanding our horizons. So many of us have unique stories, and so many of these stories are told through books! In the spirit of expanding these horizons, National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, Gene Luen Yang has announced the Reading Without Walls Challenge encouraging readers to explore books of diverse voices, genres, and platforms. If you're a teacher, encourage your students! If you're a bookseller, encourage your customers! If you're a lover of books, take the challenge - and read beyond your comfort zone! 

STEAM guides: Owlkids

Fostering learning and curiosity is so important for students - and to usher forth the next generation of big thinkers! STEAM learning and inquiry works to engage students on a deeper learning,  building on critical thinking, creativity, and innovation that will be critical to tackle the issues the next generation may face. This STEAM guide from Owlkids has all you could need, from simpler classroom activities to in-depth explorations - perfect for any teacher or parent looking to spark the curiosity in their students! 

Bookworms to B.C.!

From Galiano to Kootenay, British Columbia is full of Canadian Literary gems! Take in the Galiano Literary Festival from the ocean side Galiano Inn; Get lunch at The Library Lounge in the Hume Hotel; Or grab a coffee at Oso Negro, one of the best coffee shops on the west coast. B.C. is no doubt a must visit destination for every bookworm. 

The Big Cloud

Camille Seaman has spent years as an environmental photographer; today her book The Big Cloud comes out...and it's a stunner.

Canadian Indie Bookstore Day

Saturday April 28th, Canadian book lovers celebrate Independent Bookstore Day! Head on out to your local independent bookstore to meet authors, participate in activities, shop, and so much more. In an increasingly digital and big-box world, it's amazing how much you can discover and learn by connecting, browsing, and chatting within the book community - Let's make it a great day for our indie bookstores! 

Literary London Town

Harry Potter? Shakespeare? Woolf? Shelley? All in the same place?? Only in London! From the George Inn, to the Sherlock Holmes Museum, to the Harry Potter Shop, London is chalk full of any literary lovers dream spots! Check out Buzzfeed’s complete list here! 

Britain's Great Book History

Talk about a book lovers dream! From Kent to Whitby to the British Library, Britain is filled with breathtaking literary monuments and landscapes. This incredible Mashable list explores Jane Austen’s Bath, William Shakespeare’s Stratford, and everywhere in between, showing that Britain truly is a must visit destination for any bibliophile.

Canada's Best New Picture Books!

Spring is upon us. And what better way to spend a rainy afternoon than curled up with a picture book! CBC has put together a collection of 12 New Canadian Picture Books to look forward to this Spring 2018, and with stories about family, fantasy, adventure, and opportunity. Canada’s picture book authors and illustrators have never looked so good! 

Out this Week

World renowned statistician Hans Rosling's Ted Talks have had over 10 million views. Sadly he passed away in 2017. He spent the last two years of his life writing Factfulness:

Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World - and Why Things Are Better Than You Think

Rosling takes complicated concepts and makes them very palatable to read. It is a fascinating book.

Instant Contest! March Break Thriller Pack

HarperCollins is moving offices next week, and in cleaning out my cupboards, I discovered some hidden gems- several stacks of signed books/ARCs!

So, if you are a Canadian librarian who is a fan of mysteries and thrillers, and think that the stack of books depicted below looks like the perfect way to spend your March Break (or summer holidays), be one of the first 2 people to e-mail me at rosalyn.steele@harpercollins.com and I'll ship you out a set. 

Please include your name and the shipping address of your library in your e-mail. 

Ready...

Set...

Go!

Rosalyn

54 Years in the Making...

In 1963, a 10 year old Catherine Hand wrote a letter to Walt Disney about her favorite book - one that had given her hope. 54 years later, A Wrinkle in Time is finally set to hit the big screen, and the now movie producer Hand has nearly seen her childhood dream come true. Here, time explores the journey from dream to reality, and why the book to film adaptation has had such a bumpy road along the way. Based on Madeline L'Engle's 1962 award winning, best selling novel, A Wrinkle in Time hits theaters March 9, 2018. 

What Happens Next

Bullying is no easy issue to tackle, but Susan Hughes' newest release, What Happens Next is a fantastic and powerful starting point for discussions on emotions, empathy, and how we can relate to others. With a brand new trailer, and new discussion guides written by a child psychologist with research background in bullying, What Happens Next is a moving and informative read on the difficult issue of bullying. 

The Shape of Water: Two Stories, One Idea

The novelization of Guillermo del Toro's newest film, The Shape of Water, a collaboration written by the iconic filmmaker and novelist Daniel Kraus, is so much more than a typical adaptation. Born from Kraus' lifelong idea, both the film and novel tell the story of a mute woman and imprisoned, mute creature falling in love in distinctly different ways. For more on this unique tale, and the collaboration of its two writers, check out this gizmodo article. 

Against Amazon

Bookshops: A Reader's History author Jorge Carrion, has come out to defend the traditions of books with his original essay "Against Amazon: A Reader's Manifesto." Carrion's insightful, in-depth piece presents seven arguments against the digital "hypermarket," as well as the "hows" and "whys" it's important to support the little guys. 

Books to Screen 2018!

Modern classics? Sought after-bachelors? Astral travelers and astrophysicists? 2018 will have some insane book to film adaptations that we are crazy excited for! From Red Sparrow to A Wrinkle in Time and more, check here for Publisher's Weekly's 10 Most Anticipated Book-to-Film Adaptations of 2018.

The Showrunner

In the struggle for power in the hyper-competitive television industry, blood feuds are not uncommon. Kim Moritsugu's newest novel, The Showrunner, explores all the nitty gritty and fight needed in struggle to the top. The Showrunner is out June 2, 2018. 

Meet our authors at OLA Super Conference!

Be sure to stop by the HarperCollins Canada and Harlequin Booth (# 730 /732 / 734) if you are coming to OLA Super Conference next week! 

We have a great line-up of authors signing in the booth during the conference, plus lots of giveaways!

Thursday,  February  1

• 10:15 am- JOANNA GOODMAN, The Home for Unwanted Girls
• 11:00 am- CARSTEN STROUD, The Shimmer
• 12:00 pm- HADLEY DYER, Here So Far Away (Young Adult novel)
• 1:30 pm- THOMAS KING, Cold Skies
• 2:00 pm- HANNAH MARY MCKINNON, The Neighbors

Friday, February 2

• 10:00 am- KIMBERLY BELLE, The Marriage Lie
• 11:00 am- KARMA BROWN, The Life Lucy Knew
• 11:45 am- ROY MACGREGOR, The Ice Chips and the Magical Rink (Chapter Book)
• 12:30 pm- A. J. FINN, The Woman in the Window
• 1:15 pm- KRISTEN CICCARELLI, The Last Namsara (Young Adult Novel)

  

Furyborn

A cosmic war, royal conspiracy, and fiercely independent female leads? Sign us up! Claire Legrand's Furyborn has it all. Described as "addictive," by NYT bestselling author Sara Raasch, and "alluring," by NYT bestselling author Kendare Blake, this is one novel you will not be able to put down. Furyborn is out May 22, 2018. Check the video above for Legrand's exclusive introduction. 

The Four Year Olympian

From novice to Olympian in four years? How about winning the silver medal! Jeremiah Brown's incredible journey to becoming a silver medalist in Olympic Rowing is truly inspiring. The Four Year Olympian is out March 24, 2018. 

70 Amazing Facts about Munsch!

His full name? His hobbies? The story behind his coming to Canada? CBC Books has complied a fantastic list of 70 amazing facts about Robert Munsch - Satisfy your curiosity here!

The Man With the Violin

In 2007, violinist Joshua Bell wowed commuters and went viral with his Washington DC busking experiment. It would go on to inspire Kathy Stinson to write The Man With the Violin, and on December 21st his sold-out performance at the Ottawa's National Art Centre wowed thousands. The Canadian premiere of the multimedia suite based on the book was a massive success. For more on the book, check out the trailer here.

We ❤ TPL

Toronto Public Library has done a very cool map showing the most read books by neighbourhood.

Do Not Say We Had Nothing, was a clear favourite. Other top choices were:

• The Couple Next Door 
• Animal Farm 
• The Twenty-Three 
• To Kill A Mockingbird
• The Alchemist
• The Girl on the Train
• The Whistler
• The Wrong Side of Goodbye

Check out all of their top ten lists for 2017.

Jumanji

Is anyone else BEYOND excited for this?? With the release of this fresh remake, be sure to also check out the special 30th Anniversary Edition of the original novel. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is out now. 

Heather O'Neill's Kreisel Lecture

Heather O'Neill was the speaker at the 2017 CLC Kreisel Lecture. Wisdom in Nonsense, the book based on the series is one of the funniest books I have read this year. It is the life lessons her father gave her growing up and is some of the most unusual advice going!

Short History of a Mighty Press

Dundurn Press, one of Canada's largest independent publishers put together this awesome infographic of their company's history.

Write for Rights

Writing has the power to change the world - and Amnesty International is proud to include all in their efforts to do so. For the past 15 years, the organization's global letter writing campaign has inspired millions of written letters to support those whose basic human rights are being attacked. Check out Amnesty's website to explore how the written word has changed the world, and how you too can get involved. 

I Don't Want To Know Anyone Too Well

Celebrated abroad, the late Canadian author Norman Levine was relatively unknown in his home nation. But as The Walrus has described, perhaps with the posthumously I Don't Want To Know Anyone Too Well, that is poised to change. The first-ever full collection of these long out-of-print stories from Levine is a can't miss for lovers of Canadian authors. 

Ira Crumb Makes a Pretty Good Friend

Making friends is tough - but Ira Crumb is determined to find a fun way to do it! From appearances on TVO to features from library influencers, everyone love's Naseem Hrab's  Ira Crumb Makes a Pretty Good Friend.

Best culture trips for families

It's never too early to start planning next year's adventures. Lonely Planet has come up with a bunch of great ideas for family trips. Even if you don't have family, it's still a great list!

11 of The Dreamiest Bookstores Across Canada

Gorgeous interiors, beautiful exteriors, and filled with incredible stories and tales! These bookshops are just as incredible as the books that inhabit them! Chatelaine recently put together their list of the dreamiest bookstores across Canada - from a shop founded by Alice Munro, to a shop in an Edwardian red brick house, these shops are breathtaking! 

In Case I Go

Ever thought of blending a ghost story, adultery drama, anti-racist consciousness, and magical realism, all told by a child narrator? Most would never dare, but Angie Adbou went there! Still hot on the success of Between, in her newest piece In Case I Go. Abdou once again writes a challenging and captivating narrative that "explores the uneasy place where white liberal guilt intersects with the horrors of colonialism." Check out this glowing review in the Edmonton Journal, and grab your copy today!!

Library Bound Rocks!

This month, Library Bound hosted the Dewey's at Richmond Hill Public Library. Susan Wallace, the most charming presenter, welcomed over 40 librarians from 12 different systems. Many thanks Library Bound for all your hard work!

October is National Cookbook Month

And what a better way to celebrate then by reading A History of Cookbooks coming from the University of California Press this Fall. Cookbooks go all the way back to 700 BC. UCP has an excellent excerpt from their book on their blog.

Oh and of course you can also celebrate by eating all the things :)

Waiting for the Punch

Marc Maron hosts an awesome podcast: WTF. His book Waiting for the Punch goes on sale this week. It includes conversations with Amy Schumer, Mel Brooks, Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, Sir Ian McKellen, Lorne Michels, Judd Apatow, Lena Dunham, Jimmy Fallon, RuPaul, Louis CK, David Sedaris, Bruce Springsteen, and most famuosly, President Obama. He was interviewed on Q.