Books in Larger-Than-Life 3D Look At... series

Rocky Mountain Book Award Shortlist, 2011 No Canadian can fail to recognize the name Tim Horton. For many, however, the name suggests coffee and donuts, especially "donuts with sprinkles". But Tim Horton was more than that. He was a tough but fair sportsman renowned as the "strongest man in hockey". This junior biography presents his true story to young Canadian readers.

This third installment of the Larger than Life series details the astonishing success of a Canadian horse-racing legend. Northern Dancer was born in 1961 at the famed Windfields farm of Oshawa, Ontario. As a colt, he was unimpressive - small and stocky in stature, and ornery and mischievous by disposition. An auction buyer refused to take him, even for free, but breeder E.P. Taylor stuck by him. Eventually, the colt nobody wanted took the racing world by storm. Unwanted for $25,000 as a yearling in 1962, he became champion of the most sought-after crown in thoroughbred racing in 1964 - the first Canadian-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby. He went on to win the Preakness Stakes of Baltimore, and nearly won the Belmont of New York. His seven wins earned him the title of champion three-year-old of 1964. On retirement, Northern Dancer became the greatest stud horse in history, worth over $40 million by 1981. Today, it is estimated that his bloodlines extend to 50 to 70 per cent of all thoroughbred horses. Northern Dancer earned his place in Canada's Sports Hall of Fame, one of only three non-human entries.

Young readers may be amazed to learn that Canada's bestselling author (30 million books so far) started off in Pennsylvania and struggled in school. A solitary daydreamer, raised in a large, boisterous family, he found solace in books at an early age. Considered a slow learner by the nuns who taught him, his creative gifts were eventually recognized by a sympathetic librarian who encouraged him to keep reading.

Northern Dancer was born in 1961 at the famed Windfields farm in Oshawa, Ontario. As a colt, he was unimpressive, small and stocky in stature, ornery and mischievous by disposition. Eventually, the colt that nobody wanted took the racing world by storm. Northern Dancer won the Kentucky Derby, and went on to win the Preakness Stakes of Baltimore, and nearly won the Belmont of New York. His seven wins earned him the title of champion three-year-old of 1964. On retirement, Northern Dancer became the greatest horse stud in history, worth over $40 million by 1981. Today, it is estimated that his bloodlines extend to 50-70% of all thoroughbred horses.

2015 Golden Oak nominee A biography for young readers of activist Rick Hansen. Rick Hansen suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of 15 after a car accident. But it didn't stop him - during the 1980s he was active in the Paralympics as a wheelchair basketball player. He became inspired by Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope and when Terry Fox was forced to end his run across Canada prematurely, Rick Hansen made a vow to carry on. This vow became the "Man in Motion" tour. Rick circumnavigated the globe in his wheelchair raising awareness and money for spinal cord research. It was a 26 month trek across 4 continents and 34 countries. Rick's activism and the foundation he created after the tour continue to this day.

From his childhood in the hard-scrabble Ontario north, to the rinks of St. Michael's College School in Toronto, to the NHL and entrepreneurial success, Tim Horton worked hard-and played hard-his entire life. The tough defenseman with the bullet-hard slapshot helped the Leafs to win four Stanley Cups. Before his tragic and untimely death in a car accident at the age of 44, he also established a chain of donut shops that has become an enduring Canadian icon. Tim Horton's story of hard work and perseverance will inspire young hockey players and donut fans alike. In full colour with archival photographs, statistics, and illustrations throughout.

Young readers may be amazed to learn that Canada's bestselling author (30 million books so far) started off in Pennsylvania and struggled in school. A solitary daydreamer, raised in a large, boisterous family, he found solace in books at an early age. Considered a slow learner by the nuns who taught him, his creative gifts were eventually recognized by a sympathetic librarian who encouraged him to keep reading.

Rick Hansen suffered a spinal cord injury at the age of 15 after a car accident. But it didn't stop him - during the 1980s he was active in the Paralympics as a wheelchair basketball player. He became inspired by Terry Fox's Marathon of Hope and when Terry Fox was forced to end his run across Canada prematurely, Rick Hansen made a vow to carry on. This vow became the "Man in Motion" tour. Rick circumnavigated the globe in his wheelchair raising awareness and money for spinal cord research. It was a 26 month trek across 4 continents and 34 countries. Rick's activism and the foundation he created after the tour continue to this day.