Kristin Butcher in Quebec

The Lower North Shore of Quebec is perhaps one of Canada's best-kept secrets. A mere 5,000 people live in the string of fishing villages that dot the ruggedly beautiful coastline at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River. Some of the communities are accessible only by plane or boat, and even then residents are at the mercy of Mother Nature.

So getting around during Book Week was a real adventure. Often I would hop off a plane and immediately jump into a truck — or onto the back of an ATV — to be whisked to my next author talk. It was like that the day I visited Netagamiou School in Chevery. The plane was late, so I was hustled to the school by the principal, relieved of my coat, and shown to a classroom for my first presentation. The kids were ready and waiting — all five of them. One in Grade 2, two in Grade 4, and two (twins) in Grade 6. Normally I like to take a few minutes to set up, but there was no opportunity, so I worked straight from my bag of tricks. I felt like Santa pulling goodies out of my pack — Pharaoh Phil, canopic jar, brain extractor, linen bandages, and so on.

The students' eyes followed my every move. They were totally tuned in. And why not! It isn't every day you get to embalm a pharaoh. Chelsea in Grade 2 did a terrific job of wrapping up the liver in linen bandages and dropping it into the canopic jar, while Grade 4 Michael pulled the brain out through the nose like an old pro.

But the kids didn't just learn about making mummies, and I didn't just introduce them to my book on ancient Egypt. In our short hour together we connected as people, found out many interesting things about each other, and had a lot of fun doing it.

It doesn't get any better than that.