Claire Eamer in Ontario

Southwestern Ontario is a long way from the Yukon, but the kids aren't much different. They love big, weird animals and exotic places almost as much as I do. Here are a few snapshots from my Book Week tour.

Day One: A long day's flying takes me from snowy Whitehorse to Toronto in the grip of a late, warm autumn. Bonus!

Day Two: Up at 6:00 a.m. for the bus to Guelph. That's 3:00 a.m. Yukon time, and it hurts! Breakfast, coffee, and a drive through pretty villages of old stone buildings help. The icing on the cake is Fergus’s brand-new library and a small but friendly audience that likes my purple plush squid. Who wouldn't?

Day Three: No presentations today. Instead, a stroll through Yorkville and prep work for the rest of the week.

Day Four: Associated Hebrew Schools of Toronto Middle School, and two large groups of Grade Six students. We talk about research and how to find out about places you've never been. One kid has been to four continents. I'm jealous!

Day Five: Two Grade Six classes in Dutton Library near London. They like the purple squid too. And then, almost a hundred Grade Sevens fill the heritage theatre above Aylmer Library. Under a ceiling painted like a huge Union Jack, I tell them about giant sloths and monster crocs. This really is Ontario!

Day Six: Back to London and two schools with audiences ranging from Grade Two to Grade Seven. And my name in lights! Well, in really big letters on the billboard outside the school. I am impressed.
Day Seven: Guelph, and my first television gig. Kortright Hills Public School has invited another school to join us by video link. To my amazement, it all works. The only glitch: the tech expert accidentally pulls a plug. Blushing, he reconnects us in seconds.

Day Eight: Back in Toronto, and a day at St. Brigid Catholic School. We talk about big beasties, giant doorways and monsters of the deep to our mutual satisfaction. I sign the wall of the school library – a St. Brigid tradition.

And I'm done. I've met fascinating teachers and librarians. I've shared my favourite animals and places with enthusiastic kids. And I've seen a new-to-me part of the country. Book Week has been a whirl and a rush and a joy.