-TD awards $30,000 to author Kathy Stinson and illustrator Dušan Petričić for excellence in children's literature -

TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2014 /CNW/ - TD Bank Group and The Canadian Children's Book Centre announced that author Kathy Stinson of Rockwood, Ontario, and illustrator Dušan Petričić of Toronto are the  recipients of the 10^th annual TD Canadian Children's Literature Award for their book The Man with the Violin. As part of their award, which was presented at a gala ceremony in Toronto on November 6, Stinson and Petričić will share a $30,000 prize.

"For the past 10 years, we have had the privilege of gaining exposure to so many talented Canadian authors and illustrators through the TD Canadian Children's Literature Awards," says Frank McKenna, Deputy Chair, TD Bank Group. "At TD, we take pride in encouraging and celebrating Canadian authors and illustrators through our children's literature programs like this one. It is our pleasure to honour Kathy and Dušan with this award for their outstanding work."

Based on the true story of Joshua Bell, the American violinist who famously took his instrument down into the Washington D.C. subway for a free concert, The Man with the Violin is a charming story written for those five and older that reminds us all to stop and appreciate the wonder that surrounds us. Young readers will find themselves swept into a world where one small child is able to find joy and inspiration in the music of this street corner violinist, in an age when people are bombarded with noise and distraction from every angle.

"This year's finalists have written exceptional and powerful stories that are sure to captivate Canadian children for years to come," says Charlotte Teeple, Executive Director, The Canadian Children's Book Centre. "The Man with the Violin is a beautiful story filled with important messages for both the young and young-at-heart, complemented with striking illustrations. We congratulate Kathy Stinson and Dušan Petričić on their win."

To celebrate their outstanding efforts, TD also awarded $10,000 to be shared among the four finalists:

Young readers were also able to vote online for their favourite book from this year's finalists to select the TD Canadian Children's Literature Fan Choice Award. In the Tree House, written by Andrew Larsen and illustrated by Dušan Petričić, was selected as this year's Fan Choice Award winner, which was also announced at the ceremony. As the winners, Larsen and Petričić will share a $5,000 prize.

Now in its 10^th year, the TD Canadian Children's Literature Award recognizes the year's best in children's literature. All entries were written and illustrated by Canadians for children ages one to 12 and judged on the quality of text and illustrations, in addition to the book's overall contribution to Canadian children's literature.

The TD Canadian Children's Literature Award for the most distinguished French-language book of the year was presented in Montreal on October 28, 2014, to author Andrée Poulin for his book La plus grosse poutine du monde.

About TD Community Giving
TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates and where its clients and employees live and work. In 2013, TD donated over $74.7 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people and the environment. For further information, please visit www.td.com/corporateresponsibility

About The Canadian Children's Book Centre
The Canadian Children's Book Centre is a national, not-for-profit organization and registered charity founded in 1976 to promote, support and encourage the reading, writing and illustrating of Canadian books for children and teens. With book collections, programs and services and extensive resources in five cities across Canada, the CCBC is a treasure-trove for anyone interested in Canadian books for young readers. For more information, please visit www.bookcentre.ca

SOURCE TD Bank Group

Image with caption: "Author Kathy Stinson and illustrator Dušan Petri?i? celebrate winning the 10th annual TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award for their book "The Man with the Violin" with Charlotte Teeple, Executive Director, Canadian Children's Book Centre, Daryl Novak, President of the Board, Canadian Children's Book Centre, and Kerry Peacock, Executive Vice President, TD Bank Group. (CNW Group/TD Bank Group)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141107_C7739_PHOTO_EN_7678.jpg