First French-language novel without illustrations to win prestigious $25,000 literary prize

MONTREAL, Oct. 25, 2011 /CNW Telbec/ - A compelling, unusual story about a teenage girl who pays daily visits to her best friend in a coma is the winner of the 2011 French-language TD Canadian Children's Literature Award. La fille d'en face by Linda Amyot won over the TD award jury, who for the first time recognized a francophone-authored children's novel without illustrations. For the seventh consecutive year, TD Bank Group and the Canadian Children's Book Centre (CCBC) are proud to honour the best in Canadian children's literature with the award. The announcement was made at a gala event at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, where Quebec children's literary elite were on hand to applaud the author.

La fille d'en face is the coming of age story of a young girl named Élaine who pays daily visits to her best friend who is in a coma at the hospital. These meetings become a form of release for Élaine, who can talk freely about herself and her life to her silent friend. The novel accurately depicts the soul-searching, in matters of love and friendship that inevitably comes with adolescence.

"One of the best ways to motivate young readers is by supporting authors whose works can stimulate the imagination," says Christine Marchildon, Senior Vice-President, Quebec Region, TD Canada Trust. "Loving, sharing and caring characters in books can help explore situations and provide solutions to dilemmas that might otherwise remain unresolved in the minds of our children.  Linda Amyot's story helps children experience a wide range of emotions and better understand the world in which they live."

La fille d'en face was chosen among the following finalists: Le chasseur de loups-marins, written by Claire Vigneau and illustrated by Bruce Roberts (Éditions Les 400 coups); Devant ma maison, written by and illustrated by Marianne Dubuc (Éditions La courte échelle); Oh! la vache !, written by Alain M. Bergeron, Édith Bourget, Colombe Labonté and Guy Marchamps and illustrated by Caroline Merola (Soulières éditeur); and Xavier-la-lune, written by Martine Audet and illustrated by Luc Melanson (Éditions Dominique et compagnie).

"La fille d'en face, by Linda Amyot, is a jewel of a book. Thanks to this remarkable work, many young readers will undoubtedly come to better appreciate Quebec literature," says Charlotte Teeple, Executive Director of the Canadian Children's Book Centre. "We are very pleased that Linda Amyot has won the French-language 2011 TD Canadian Children's Literature Award."

Since the awards were established in 2005, the best of English and French Canadian children's literature has been honoured annually. The entries are judged for exceptional quality and their overall contribution to children's literature. Original French-language Canadian publications across all literary genres for children up to the ages of 12 are eligible for the awards. This year's top English-language prize went to Erin Bow for her book, Plain Kate, at the 2011 Canadian Children's Literature Awards gala held October 4 at The Carlu in Toronto.

This year, the distinguished members of the French-language judging panel included Danièle Courchesne, teacher; Rosette D'Aragon, retired librarian and children's literature facilitator; Brigitte Moreau, school librarian; May Sansregret, bookseller; and Michel Clément, educational consultant.

About the author
Linda Amyot was born in Montreal and works as a script writer, editor and corporate communications professional. In addition to numerous texts that have appeared in publications in Quebec and France, she has written three trade novels and one children's novel published by Leméac, as well as two children's picture books published by Éditions Soleil de minuit. She has a keen interest in languages, including English, Italian and Spanish.

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.

TD Community Giving
TD Bank Group invests in communities to make a positive impact where it does business and where our customers, clients and employees live and work. In 2010, TD Bank Group donated over $50 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, we focus on Education and Financial Literacy, Creating Opportunities for Young People, and the Environment. For more information, visit www.td.com/corporateresponsibility.

Image with caption: "La fille d'en face, is the first French-language novel without illustrations to win the prestigious TD Canadian Children's Literature Award. Author Linda Amyot and Christine Marchildon, Senior Vice President, Quebec Region, TD Canada Trust discuss the award-winning novel (CNW Group/TD BANK GROUP)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111025_C7385_PHOTO_EN_5484.jpg