The latest from Anansi:

• Alison Pick’s Far to Go has been presented with the 2010 Words Worthy Award! This award is chosen by the staff of Words Worth Books to honour a book that has been overlooked by Canada’s major literary prizes. From the press release: “We are pleased to announce that in our estimation, Alison Pick’s second novel Far to Go is the finest work of Canadian fiction published in 2010.”
• The 2011 IMPAC Dublin Literary Award longlist has been announced — and we are proud to have two Anansi books among the 15 excellent Canadian books longlisted for the award. Congratulations to Lisa Moore (February) and Marie-Claire Blais (Rebecca, Born in the Maelstrom)!

On the Groundwood side:

• Kirkus Reviews has released its 2010 Best Children’s Books list, and we are thrilled to be strongly represented with two Groundwood titles: Roslyn Rutabaga and the Biggest Hole on Earth! (Marie-Louise Gay) and Arroz con leche / Rice Pudding (written by Jorge Argueta and illustrated by Fernando Vilela)! Congratulations to the authors and illustrators.
• Playhouse Disney and Astral made a special announcement today: the Stella and Sam TV show, based on Marie-Lousie Gay‘s beloved books, will premiere on Sunday, January 9 at 10:30 a.m. EST! Read the full press release for more.
• Last, but most certainly not least: today is Gordon Lightfoot’s 72nd birthday! We’re celebrating by reading Gordon’s new book, Canadian Railroad Trilogy, a picture book/gift book that is lavishly illustrated by the brilliant and award-winning illustrator Ian Wallace. Happy Birthday, Gord!