I was honoured to be among 55 authors, illustrators and storytellers invited to “Sail into Stories” as part of the 45th annual Canadian Children’s Book Week tour.

“Sail into Stories” poster created by the Fan brothers ~ Devin, Eric and Terry Fan.

For this national tour, artists usually travel out of province to speak with young readers and writers in different parts of Canada.

Of course, little has been “usual” these past few years. The 2022 tour once again happened virtually, with artists connecting with teachers, librarians and students via Zoom and Google Meet.

So wonderful to feature  my cherished protagonists: Jean-Luc of PICKPOCKET and Brett of UNITY CLUB.

To better showcase my virtual journey across Canada, I followed the advice from librarian Claire from the London Public Library and plotted my travels on a map.

my (virtually) well-traveled week

Over the course of the week, I presented to students in:

• Victoria, BC (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday morning and evening)
• Maple (near Vaughan), Ontario  (Wednesday)
• Whitehorse, Yukon (Thursday)
• London, Ontario (Thursday)
• Terrace, BC (Friday)

Of all of my virtual visits, Victoria BC is the only place I have visited in real life… so far!

A former math teacher, I also felt the need to crunch some numbers:

Total # of presentations: 8

grades: 5-10 + one adult group

total # of attendees/book lovers: 320

total # of grateful authors: ONE

one grateful touring author

CCBC Book Week has certainly left its mark on me. My heart is full as I savour the new connections, smiles, and warm memories of the magic that happens when book lovers converge and share their love of stories.

Many thanks to the Canadian Children’s Book Week organizers and coordinator, generous sponsors, and all the wonderful hosts and students who welcomed me into their classrooms and libraries. It was a great pleasure!