Emma’s Gem marks first Manitoba-published picture book to make Blue Spruce Award shortlist

For many years, the Ontario Library Association has been running an award program called the Forest of Reading. There are several categories of awards, for both English and French.

One of the picture books Peanut Butter Press published in 2019, Emma’s Gems, has been shortlisted for their Blue Spruce Award, which is for the best picture book for ages four to seven. Ten nominees are chosen every year.

Because this is the first time a picture book published in Manitoba has ever been selected, McNally Robinson is having a display of the ten Blue Spruce titles during February.

Besides Peanut Butter Press, the 2020 publishers include: Kids Can Press (three titles), Orca (two titles), Owlkids (one title), Groundwood (one title), Annick Press (one title), and Pajama Press (one title).

Peanut Butter Press has printed 2600 extra copies of the book to meet the needs of Ontario schools and public libraries where the ten shortlisted books will be read. Children will then vote for their favourite one.