Finalists for the 2010 Atlantic Book Awards have been announced, and a Cape Breton University Press publication is among them. Sydney artist Marie Moore has been shortlisted for the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award for Illustration for her artwork in the book Cape Breton Wonders, published by CBU Press. Cape Breton Wonders is a children’s book for all ages by Shirley Everett, Chris Augusta Scott and Ms. Moore. The book consists of a series of Cape Breton curiosities all prefaced by the question: “Did you ever wonder why…?”
“Did you ever wonder why… your mother re-washed the wash?”; “Did you ever wonder why… the lighthouse lights, or why the miners risked their lives?” Educators Everett and Scott wondered, and by teaming up with Marie Moore, they authored a charming little piece of Cape Breton for young and old alike.
“Marie’s timeless watercolour paintings proved to be the perfect way to illustrate–and to answer–the question,” says Mike Hunter, Editor-in-Chief at CBU Press.
“Her originals and prints cover a wide variety of subjects and have been popular among Cape Bretoners and visitors alike for many years. Accordingly, the book is as much a keepsake of Cape Breton as it is a children’s book,” he said.
“We are delighted with this new recognition for her work.”
Moore’s works hang in thousands of homes and offices across the country and around the world. Her work has also been featured as book illustrations and covers, calendars and in numerous exhibitions.
The Atlantic Book Awards ceremony will take place Wednesday, April 14, 7pm, at Alderney Landing, in Dartmouth, NS. In addition, there are numerous literary events in the week prior to and following the awards, including in Sydney on Tuesday, April 13, 7 pm, at the James McConnell Memorial Library.
Lillian Shepherd, for whom this award is named, was a long-time buyer for The Book Room in Halifax and a life-long lover of books who died suddenly in 1997. Customers and authors visiting The Book Room were always put at ease by Lillian’s ready smile and laughter, but her love of life shone through most clearly when she spoke of her husband Fred and their two daughters, Lynn and Cynthia. In 2002, Lillian’s legion of friends and colleagues from Halifax, Lunenburg and Bermuda created the Lillian Shepherd Memorial Award to applaud the book that combines Lillian’s love for illustrated children’s books and her affinity for locally produced work.
Visit CBU Press’ website for more information on Cape Breton Wonders.
