This year marks the 35th anniversary of recognizing excellence and fostering diversity of Ontario’s writers and writing. The depth of creativity and excellence span from international love stories to gripping poetry, capturing the minds of booklovers across Canada and around the globe. Enjoy these selections from the shortlist and watch for the winner in June!

In a portal fantasy someone travels from one reality to another, often by means of a particular object – think of the classic stories Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. (Science fiction variations may involve alternate realities, the multiverse, time travel, or wormholes – but we’ll look at those another day!)

There is no life without bees! But many bees are endangered owing to habitat loss, pesticides, climate change, and disease. World Bee Day is May 20 each year, acknowledging the role of bees and other pollinators for our ecosystems.