2013 TD Canadian Children’s Book Centre Awards for French Books
Writers and illustrators of children’s books were feted last Tuesday night at the annual TD Children’s Book Awards. It’s always a fun and elegant evening. Waiters floated around the atrium at the Museum of Fine Arts with trays of cranberry vodka cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres. It’s also a great opportunity to meet and mingle with authors, illustrators, librarians, educators, booksellers and publishers. Even though I’m not nominated, the evening makes me feel special and proud to be a writer.
Winner of the 2013 TD Book Award for French children’s books
The winner for French books was Michel Noël for his book A la recherche du bout du monde. The prize for English books was given to Polly Horvath in Toronto the week before for her book One Year in Coal Harbour. Each author was awarded a $30,000 prize.
Marie-Louis Gay, author and illustrator of the popular Stella picture book series, was given the Claude Aubry Award by IBBY Canada for distinguished service within the field of children’s literature. Gay was also honoured earlier this year by Canada Post with a stamp which I wrote about in a post. After the ceremony, it was back to the atrium to celebrate with decadent desserts and champagne.
Day's Lee 
It was a great party celebrating great work for children from Quebec writers and illustrators… and it was nice to see you and other friends like you. So glad I am a member of The Book Centre and I get a chance to get invited!
I always look forward to it, too. Of course, it’s always more fun with friends like you!