Reading at Runnymede

Yesterday I did a reading of The Royal Woods at the Chapters Book Store in the old Runnymede Theatre on Bloor Street. It was by far the most fun I've had so far in the year 2008. In fact, it's probably more fun than I had during all of 2007.

The books clubs from three schools came to the reading - Fern, Howard, and Keele Mountain View. I couldn't have hoped for a better audience. The kids were all just unbelievable. I think everyone there had either read the book or were well into reading it. I knew that as soon as I walked in because everyone recognized me from my picture at the back of the book. "Look! He's still wearing that same coat!" I heard one girl say to her friend.

After I finished reading part of one chapter, I asked if there were any questions, expecting to be met with an awkward silence. Instead, about sixty hands shot up in the air. We ran out of time long before I'd finished answering all the questions. What impressed me most of all was how interesting and intelligent the questions were. I think that's because the book club members are not only close and careful readers, but a lot of them are serious writers as well. Some even suggested interesting possibilities for my next book. For example, I got an excellent idea for sequel about Janet, the chicken. I'm now considering writing a mammoth ten part book series based entirely on the adventures of Janet the chicken.

After it was over, I was given a big card with the book's cover beautifully drawn on the front, and inside there are signatures from all the students in the book club at Keele Mountain View. Then I sat down and signed books for everyone, which was great because it meant I got the chance to talk with the kids, learn their names, and find out something about each of them.

The whole thing was a fantastic experience.

I want to thank the teachers and students from all three schools - Howard, Fern and Keele Mountain View - for coming out and being such a great audience.

I also want to give a special thanks to Tessa Griffin for organizing the reading. She's helped to start book clubs at a number of schools, and also organizes book readings for them. Way to go Tessa!