The Canadian Children’s Book Centre has announced this year’s pick for the TD Grade One Book Giveaway. This fall, every grade one child in Canada will receive a copy of Violet Shrink written by Christine Baldacchino and illustrated by Carmen Mok (Groundwood Books). The book tells the story of a young girl navigating social anxiety and finding her voice.

“Growing up, I spent a lot of my time much the same way Violet does—listening to music, creating art, writing stories, and getting to experience the stories of others through reading,” Christine Baldacchino said in the press release. “I’m honoured that Violet Shrink has been granted such an incredible opportunity to play even the smallest role in helping to foster a child’s love of reading, and all the other wonderful things such a love can yield.”

“As an illustrator who creates art alone every day, I understand the anxiety and nervousness that come with social settings,” said Carmen Mok. “I hope this book provides introverted and shy children with the opportunity to see themselves, embrace who they are, and find the courage to express their true feelings.”

The CCBC, with the sponsorship of TD Bank Group, will distribute more than 500,000 copies to grade one students across the country. Francophone Canadians and French immersion students will receive the French translation, entitled Violette Cent-Souci. The CCBC is also continuing their collaboration with CNIB Beyond Print to produce print braille editions to ensure the book is accessible to children with print disabilities.