Underneath the Sidewalk Released

Underneath the Sidewalk, Claire Eamer‘s new picture book for 3-to-6-year-olds, features a fantasy world of strange creatures lurking beneath an ordinary sidewalk – and a little girl who accidentally falls into that world. Illustrated by Montrealer Thomas Gibault, Underneath the Sidewalk was published by Scholastic Canada. It has also been published French under the title, L’aventure sous le trottoir.

Claire has also had two kids’ science books published in the last few months: Inside Your Insides: A Guide to the Microbes That Call You Home (Kids Can Press) and What a Waste! Where Does Garbage Go? (Annick Press). Information about all her books can be found on her website: www.claireeamer.com.

CLI-FI: Canadian Tales of Climate Change

Exile Editions’ latest anthology, CLI-FI: Canadian Tales of Climate Change, includes stories from SF Canada members Holly Schofield, Geoffrey W. Cole, and Nina Munteanu.

With the world facing the greatest global crisis of all time – climate change – personal and political indifference has wrought a series of unfolding complications that are altering our planet, and threatening our very existence. Reacting to the warnings sounded by scientists and thinkers, writers are responding imaginatively to the seriousness of changing ocean conditions, the widening disappearance of species, genetically modified organisms, increasing food shortages, mass migrations of refugees, and the hubris behind our provoking Mother Earth herself. These stories of Climate Fiction (Cli-fi) feature perspectives by culturally diverse Canadian writers of short fiction, science fiction, fantasy, and futurist works, and transcend traditional doomsday stories by inspiring us to overcome the bleak forecasted results of our current indifference.

Derek Newman-Stille reviews the book, and several individual stories, on the Speculating Canada blog.

To find out more or pick up a copy, visit the book’s Exile Editions or Amazon page.

“Arrivals” from JM Frey

SFC member J.M. Frey has launched a new novella, the second in her Accidental Turn series.

After seventeen years of adventuring, Bevel Dom and Kintyre Turn are finally returning home.

Forsyth Turn—brother to Bevel’s long-time questing partner and newly Paired lover—has left both Hain and a hell of a lot of responsibility behind. He’s bequeathed the Shadow’s Mask and position of the king’s spymaster to Bevel, and the seat of Lysse Chipping to Kintyre. It’s a lot to take on, and it will mean an end to questing forever if they do.

But it might also mean a chance for Bevel and Kintyre to find a Happily Ever After of their own.

Unfortunately, Turn Hall seems to be infested with eligible young maidens out to snatch away the freshly returned Lord of Lysse, determined to destroy the fragile happiness that Bevel has built. Faced with more decisions than he was prepared for, Bevel battles with foes unfamiliar, making him wonder if life on the road really wasn’t all that bad.

But if there’s one thing Bevel Dom isn’t afraid to do, it’s fight for the man he loves.

An Accidental Turn novella set between The Untold Tale and The Forgotten Tale, Arrivals follows Kintyre Turn and Bevel Dom as they step into Forsyth’s vacated life and face the surprising responsibilities he’s left in his wake. Arrivals is available on AMAZON or SMASHWORDS.

Not sure you’re all caught up on the series? Check out the suggested reading order here, and you can pick up a FREE copy of the first book in the series, THE UNTOLD TALE, by signing up for J.M.’s newsletter.

New Releases from Five Rivers Publishing

SFC member Lorina Stephens shares some news about new releases from Five Rivers Publishing:

May 1 saw the release of Michael Skeet’s debut fantasy, A Poisoned Prayer.

En garde! Paris, in the 1680s. Dashing swordsmen compete for the favours of licentious women, and magic—God’s Blessing—is strong enough that prayers really are answered.

Into the City of Light comes Lise de Trouvaille, a young noblewoman of modest means and no apparent Blessing, searching for an advantageous marriage. But the first eligible man she meets—during a werewolf attack, no less—is exactly the wrong person…

You can read an interview with Michael on the Five Rivers site or visit the book’s page to order.

 

Coming on June 1, a new YA fantasy release from Ann Marston, Diamonds in Black Sand.

Iain dreams of sailing beyond the treacherous Barrier Reefs to the tumultuous Wildesea, to become an Outsider like his father before him. But he is bound in service to his uncle Durstan for raising him after the death of his parents, and may not go until he has paid back the time he owes.

The new King of Celyddon bans the magic that keeps the Out-ships safe on the demanding Wildesea where Iain longs to be, and makes outlaws of those who work that magic. Neither the ships nor the men and women who sail them are allowed in the Realm. Iain has no means of escaping his bondage.

He is almost resigned to his fate and trying to make the best of it when he himself develops some of that banned magic, and becomes an Outlaw on the run from the authorities.

You can read an interview with Ann on the Five Rivers site or visit the book’s page here.

Archipelago

SFC member Charlotte Ashley has a new Patreon-enabled serial novel, Archipelago, in progress, in collaboration with authors Kurt Hunt and Andrew Leon Hudson.

“What is Archipelago? It’s a serial novel, and more. Every month, subscribers will get three episodes delivered to their inboxes, one from each of three nations. As the storylines interweave, the writers will start to compete – trying to outwit and out-write each other for dominance of the new world they’ve build.

But that isn’t all. Readers get a say too. Vote for the fates of your favourite factions, support your favourite ships, try to sink your enemies. Pick a side, read along, and help uncover the secrets of the Archipelago.

May’s stories are public, available to be read by all.  Starting in June, three Core Episodes a month will go out to subscribers.  For $1/month you can get all three storylines and the right to interfere in their plans. That’s 10,000-15,000 words a month of sea monsters, tall ships, powerful artifacts, and politics – you’ll love it!”

Find out more (the Kickstarter runs for five more days at the time of this posting):
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/andrewleonhudson/archipelago-a-serialised-online-fantasy-adventure
Twitter: @Archipelagoers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Archipelagoers/

The Meaning of Water

water-is-pbook-coverFrom Nina Munteanu…

For those of you in the Toronto area and interested in the environment and water, I am hosting a Water Event and book launch of my recently released book “Water Is…” on June 12th (Sunday) at Islington Golf Course (1-5pm) in Etobicoke (near Islington and Dundas W).

Just to entice you, we start with a blessing of Mimico Creek–known to be unruly at times–by a Mississauga nation knowledge keeper. That will be followed by a short talk about Mimico watershed by a TRCA naturalist. Then we move inside to mix and meet. Councillor Tovey will talk about the coolest things he is doing about city planning and water. Then we will have some awesome poetry. Tasnim Jivaji will exhibit her water art and bazillion other interesting people will be there … including you.

Bring family, friends, anyone who cares about water… Then let Debby know with an RSVP: debby@mdgassociates.com.

Writers are encouraged to bring their work and promo material; there will be a show and tell table and plenty of time to mix and share.

In some very important ways, this book is my life’s work and the culmination of a lifetime of work, play and dedication. If you want to know more about “Water Is…” you can visit www.TheMeaningOfWater.com

Or go straight to this page: https://themeaningofwater.com/water-is/