This year, I had the honour of participating in the Canadian Children’s Book Week, organized by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. I delivered eight virtual presentations to elementary students in B.C., Saskatchewan and Quebec. I also ran a contest, encouraging my young readers to build tree forts of their own. I received so many extraordinary entries. Delightful! I will be posting all the entries on my Dear Reader blog over the months ahead. It was a real challenge to pick winners for the three contest categories: Most Canadian Tree Fort, Most Original Tree Fort and The Happiest Tree Fort. Here they are:
Congratulations to Noya from Elizabeth Ballantyne Elementary (Quebec), who provided the winning entry for Most Canadian Tree Fort. No matter where you live in Canada, summers are all too short. Therefore, Canadians try to cram in as many outdoor activities as possible. This composition beautifully captures that cramming feeling, complete with eating outdoors and wading in a pool. I just love the floaty dinosaur. Noya will receive an autographed copy of Martin Bridge: On the Lookout, which contains a story about tree fort adventures.
Congratulations to Maddison for her entry, which wins Most Original Tree Fort. This was submitted by the Gaspesie Literacy Council/New Richmond High School in Quebec. This tree fort is completely charming and demonstrates a skilled use of pipe cleaners and other mix media. My favourite detail is the orange flame, or is that a firework going off? No matter. To me, this tree fort screams fun, fun, fun. Maddison will receive an autographed copy of Martin Bridge: On the Lookout, which contains a story about tree fort adventures.
Congratulations to Kingston, whose entry wins the category of The Happiest Tree Fort. Kingston is also from the Elizabeth Ballantyne Elementary (Quebec). This drawing includes all the elements that guarantee happiness for me, even when I’m feeling glum. There’s a gorgeous full-bodied sun that’s blazing down, an established tree with a massive trunk that’s seen so much history linking the past to the present, and a safe, quiet little space to think, a place where I can climb down the ladder whenever I want. Kingston will receive an autographed copy of Martin Bridge: On the Lookout, which contains a story about tree fort adventures.