While the young readers are busy reading and selecting their favourite books, Hackmatack nominated authors are preparing to tour the Atlantic region this coming May. Approximately eighteen of the forty nominated Canadian writers will visit thousands of their young fans in libraries in all four Atlantic provinces from May 7 to May 11.

Writer Bill Slavin will be touring in Prince Edward Island. The tour is made possible through on-going collaboration with Atlantic libraries, including the Confederation Centre Public Library in Prince Edward Island.

As part of the Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book award process, children are invited to cast votes for their favourites in the English fiction, English non-fiction, French fiction and French non-fiction categories by April 1, 2007. The Award Ceremony will be held on May 11 at Pier 21, Halifax. The Hackmatack Award events are part of the Atlantic Book Award Festival, May 6-12.

Backgrounder:

For more information on how to participate in the Hackmatack reading program and upcoming events, visit www.hackmatack.ca. If you would like a copy of the colourful 2007 award poster, contact the Hackmatack office at 902-424-3774 or e-mail hackmatack@hackmatack.ca For information about the Atlantic Book Award Festival go to www.writers.ns.ca.

The tours by Canadian authors are made possible with the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Frye Festival.