Book Week Tour Day 1

Day 1 of my Children's Book Week tour of Ontario was superbly, fantastically, dazzlingly, out-of-this-worldly . . . I just ran out of words to adequately describe the day I had.  Thanks to my wonderful hosts at the West Lorne and Aylmer Libraries along with three audiences of enthusiastic, thoughtful young readers, the day was a memorable one.  And not only that, I had my name on a marquis for the very first time.  (Apparently, at night, the marquis flashes brightly and projects the message across passing clouds.  The people of West Elgin are truly amazing.)

Between readings, it was great to be driven around the countryside.  I really felt at home in this rural area of sprawling farms and quaint communities– very reminiscent of the Spallumcheen Valley where I live.  

One of the highlights was seeing the statue of Jumbo the circus elephant in St. Thomas.  Jumbo was struck by a train here in 1885 and died.  Barbara Smucker has written a great novel about this amazing elephant.

This is the Aylmer Library.  What a great old building it is, although the library is jammed into a very small area on the lower floor.  The upper floor is a theatre where John A. Macdonald once spoke.  Here's a photo of the ceiling:

Thanks to everyone for making it such a great opening day of my Book Week tour, including all 160 students.

Off to London . . . Ontario, that is

This morning, Monica Winkler picked me up at the hotel and drove me to the train station.  Thanks to the Toronto Marathon, some key roads were closed, forcing us into a wildly circuitous route. I didn't mind one bit, however, as our drive took us through some great neighbourhoods, including Cabbagetown, over the same bridge twice (the one in the photo), until we finally arrived at the train station.  I'm sure glad she knows Toronto so well.  She even dodged some construction with a well executed U-turn.

The train from Toronto to London was a great trip, enabling me to take in the southern Ontario countryside.

Now, I'm ready to roll for my first readings.  Monday, I'm at the Elgin County Library in the morning, then off to the Aylmer Public Library in the afternoon.

Should be fun.

Book Week Tour Begins

I arrived in Toronto today, flying in from Kelowna.  Downtown Toronto is spectacular– spray-painting street artists, improv. drummers, great reflections . . .

My Favourite Socks

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of paying a visit to an amazing school in Calgary, Alberta–Simon Fraser School. The audiences of grades 5, 6, and 7 students were incredibly attentive, asked great questions, and were willing participants in the silliness that overcame all of us during moments of outrageousness.

Much to my surprise, upon leaving the school, I was presented with a great deal of swag, including the most comfortable socks I now own. Hours after receiving them, I wore them on a long run my daughter and I did along the banks of the Bow River. I'm sure my pace was quickened by the mere fact I wore Simon Fraser School socks.

Thanks to Meghan and her great kids for a very enjoyable morning, delicious lunch, and some great memories.

An Interview With . . .

I'm in the Canadian Teacher Magazine! You can read my interview right here:

http://www.canadianteachermagazine.com/pdf/CTM-JanFeb2012-can-write.pdf.

Thanks to Margriet Ruurs for doing the interview!

Welcome to the World, Sophie!

The best of 2011 was saved to the last . . . Sophie Madeline Bell born on Dec. 31st!

Box of Shocks Study Guide Now Available

These dancers are dancing up a storm . . . Why? Because they've just heard that the all new, fresh off the brain, Box of Shocks Study Guide is available for teachers, parents, or anyone else who wants to dig down into the depths of this new novel.

To get your free copy . . . Yes! You read that right . . . Free copy . . . All you have to do is let me know the general geographic region you live in (just because I'm curious where Box of Shocks has gotten to), and I'll send you the attachment.

I look forward to hearing from you!