MANITOULIN—Each year, the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (CCBC) celebrates excellence in Canadian books for young people by choosing exceptional work by Canadian book creators from across the country. Their nominated titles capture the imaginations of young readers and are chosen by juries to represent the best in their category. The winners of these awards will be announced at an event in downtown Toronto on Monday, October 27, where $52,500 in prize monies will be awarded.
Out of the seven categories announced for the 2025 awards, two local authors find themselves nominated in two very different genres. Mark Morton is one of five vying for the Arlene Barlin Award for Science Fiction and Fantasy, with his Young Adult novel, ‘The Headmasters,’ and Danielle Daniel is short-listed for the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award for ‘I’m Af raid, Said the Leaf.’
The Expositor reached Mark Morton at his home in Providence Bay, where he was scraping paint and appreciated the diversion. He and his wife, Melanie Cameron, have a home in the Kitchener/Waterloo area, but also reside in Providence Bay for part of the year. His wife’s family has been here since about 1896, he explained.
‘The Headmasters’ is Mr. Morton’s first novel, having written four non-fiction books previously. After a lengthy hiatus from writing as he and his wife raised their four adopted children, he decided to write fiction. “I was older, and I just knew that my brain wouldn’t be able to hold all those facts like it used to,” he said. “I wanted to write a fictional story, and I’ve always loved science fiction. I wanted it to be creepy, but I wanted the novel to explore resilience, hope and love.” The protagonist is a young girl named Maple, and the story is set in Northern Ontario. “They have the book set for ages 12 and up, but I think that’s a bit young for the material,” Mr. Morton said. He believes 15 years and up is more appropriate.
“Certainly, being one of five finalists for my category will help get the book attention. Librarians really keep a close eye on the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s nominations, so I’m hoping that will help.” Mr. Morton admits to being excited about this recognition. “Getting some accolades has been motivating, it’s put a spring in my step these past few weeks,” he added with a laugh.
The Expositor could not reach Danielle Daniel for comment, but she is well known on Manitoulin Island for her art and her many books for all ages. Her book ‘I’m Afraid, Said the Leaf,’ is nominated for the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award and was also a 2024 Governor General Literary Awards Finalist. Ms. Daniel is no stranger to the CCBC awards, as her book ‘Sometimes I feel like a Fox’ won the Marilyn Baillie Picture Book Award several years ago, and ‘Once in a Blue Moon,’ and ‘You Hold Me Up’ (illustrator) were both shortlisted in 2018.
Ms. Daniel, once an elementary school teacher, now writes and paints stories in her studio full-time. She lives on Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island) with her family.
In October, the votes will be cast, and the decisions will be made. As Mr. Morton pointed out, it’s not like a math test, with only one right answer. “It comes down to who’s on the jury. There’s a lot of subjectivity in the awards,” he said.
We congratulate Mark Morton and Danielle Daniel on their nominations and wish them juries who see and reward their excellence.
by Margery Frisch