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Prix Elizabeth Mrazik-Cleaver pour le meilleur livre d'images canadien (L'Union internationale pour les livres de jeunesse - Canada) For best illustrations. Josepha: A Prairie Boy's Story Jim McGugan Illustrations: Murray Kimber Red Deer, Alta.: Red Deer College Press, 1994, 32 p. ISBN 0889951012 Ages 9 and up

Josepha is the poignant story of a gawky, gangling 14-year-old immigrant boy, at the turn of the century, who is forced to sit in the primary row at his prairie schoolhouse because he doesn't speak enough English. With bold strokes and vivid imagery, the story explores Josepha's relationships with the younger school children and, at the same time, explains his deep need for independence. The award-winning illustrations, which sweep across the pages in rich prairie hues of yellow, gold, orange, and blue, speak of the determination of the human spirit against a backdrop of the vast prairie landscape.

Prix littéraires Desjardins - Littérature jeunesse (Salon du livre de Québec) For the best work of children's fiction by an author who has only had one or two books published. Contes du chat gris Jean-Pierre Davidts Illustrations: Dominique Jolin Montréal: Boréal, 1994, 111 p. (Boréal junior) ISBN 2890526437 Ages 6 to 9

Fantasy and exhilaration go hand in hand in the stories told by Balthazar, Nicolas' grey cat, to amuse or console his little friend. Griffedor, the dragon, Faron the baby elephant whose memory is too short, and the tears of Émile the crocodile prompt smiles and sympathy in this collection of three short stories in which the characters are presented as caricatures in pen and ink illustrations. These narrations are connected to each other with fluid elegance that hints at the sensitivity and wisdom of the feline storyteller.

Prix littéraire du Gouverneur général / littérature de jeunesse (Conseil des Arts du Canada) For the best text. Comme une peau de chagrin Sonia Sarfati Montréal: Les éditions la courte échelle, 1995, 151 p. (Roman +) ISBN 2890212424 Ages 14 to 16

Against a dramatic background, Sonia Sarfati presents two young heroines, Gabrielle and Frédérique, who have been friends as long as they can remember. They must deal with a disturbing and very contemporary situation when Frédérique becomes anorexic. After a series of events: summer job; first love; and a dispute with her parents, Frédérique acknowledges her condition and decides to take herself in hand. This book is a precautionary but honest exploration of a situation in which many teenagers are likely to find themselves; the author makes skillful use of Balzac's La Peau de Chagrin as a backdrop.

Prix littéraire du Gouverneur général / littérature de jeunesse (Conseil des Arts du Canada) For the best illustrations. Sho et les dragons d'eau Annouchka Gravel Galouchko Illustrations: Annouchka Gravel Galouchko Toronto: Annick Press, 1995, 32 p. ISBN 1550373994 Ages 7 to 10 Available in English: Sho and the Demons of the Deep (Toronto: Annick, 1995)

The author tells the story of a young, pure-hearted girl who repeatedly outsmarts the malevolent demons haunting the dreams of the villagers. At the end of the story, these demons are attached to the end of a long string which is offered to the wind in the form of a kite. A worthy successor to ancient oriental tales, this drama is illustrated with pictures that feature breathtaking colour and stunning movement. The book's design and unusual typeface add to its appeal. The richness and depth of the story will ensure numerous readers.