Heidi Jardine Stoddart in Ontario

“Would you do it again?” I was asked en route to the airport Friday night.

I’d been in five different cars that day alone, luggage and presentation gear in tow, graciously chauffeured from town to town by kind-hearted, book-loving volunteers. I’d been welcomed by staff and children alike at schools and libraries from Sault Ste. Marie to Thessalon. I’d been inspired by students from JK – one of whom emphatically reminded me of the importance of leaving a ‘finger space’ between each word when you’re a writer, like him -- to Grade 12 students in a “Writer’s Craft” course at Central Algoma Secondary School, about to embark on the creation of their own children’s books.

I’d enjoyed a homemade supper, laughs and card games with the Stinson family, received a big “Miigwetch” (“Thank-you” in Ojibwa) at Eastview Public School, marvelled at a welcoming display of student artwork and writing celebrating favourite “beach days” at St. Joseph Central Public School, and felt right at home when Arthur Henderson Public School played Celtic music in honour of my visit from the East coast.

I got goose bumps when the librarian in Bruce Mines called out, “Here come the kids!”, and I looked out the window to see a stream of students rounding the bend, making the trek to the local public library for a reading.

I felt as though I’d gone back in time at the “Children’s Library” of Richard’s Landing, where children rushed in the door, removed their wet shoes by habit, and gathered on the bear skin rugs by the fireplace. This venue was magical! Antique lamps glowed warmly against fir-panelled walls and hardwood floors, warding off the damp November dusk as stories were shared… in a room filled with books… among children filled with wonder. I’d been energized by the children’s enthusiasm, marvelled at the natural beauty of this region, and was moved by the kindness and warmth of those living here.

Ever so grateful and happily exhausted, I replied, “In a heartbeat!”