Chuck Temple in British Columbia (Interior)

My tour into the British Columbia interior was amazing! If given the opportunity to tour there – don’t hesitate. The country is breathtaking in its beauty and the people of the region are appreciative and amazing.

The focus for the week was on Kelowna and Kamloops. The trip between the two locations, while majestic, was a little unsettling at the higher altitudes; a little bit of winter driving kicked in. This simply added to the excitement of the week.

The students were incredible in both locations. In practically every school, students had been anticipating the visit. They were aware of the purpose of Book Week and they were more than prepared for me. Students had been busy reading the Brady Brady book series, and were very familiar with the characters and storylines; a tribute to the staff of the various schools visited. Clearly, there was more than reading going on. As an illustrator, I was impressed with the many drawings, colouring pages and signs that hung on school walls.

In addition to emphasizing a love of reading and illustrating, it was apparent that teachers had been busy introducing students to the creative process of making books. When I asked the question, “What does an illustrator do?” a voice from the audience piped up and said, “He writes the pictures.” It was a humorous, hybrid response, with a very good chance of getting it right!

As a primary class dismissed from the hour presentation in Kamloops, and while the students filed by me picking up their Brady Brady hockey card, a young kindergarten girl looked up at me and said, “Mr. Temple, we didn’t have a chance to chat.” She was a little upset and continued, “I had my hand up in your talk.” I apologized that we didn’t have a chance to “chat” during question time, but said that we could chat now. I think she forgot what she wanted to say. She appeared to be content, while walking away. I was relieved… I didn’t want an unsatisfied customer.

I will always remember the BC interior. The kids were incredibly gracious, and in almost every school, virtually every student thanked me for (as one student put it) my show. Thanks, Kelowna. Thanks, Kamloops. You were awesome!