Linda Demeulemeester in New Brunswick

Armed with maps and a gps (that did not like bridges) I arrived in New Brunswick grateful that the snow the previous week had disappeared. My trip would take me around the perimeter of this gorgeous province of mountains, rivers, the Bay of Fundy and historic landmarks. The trip encompassed 11 readings in rural schools and libraries. Townspeople, librarians and school staff were inclusive and friendly. This was a truly bilingual province where adults and children would slip seamlessly between English and French. Being called Madame had more caché than Mrs. DeMeulemeester. I’m still haunted that when a kind principal offered a bag of snacks for our long drive I grabbed the bag only to later wonder if all of the treats were meant for us. I didn’t have time to drive all the way back so I have to admit we polished them off.

Highlights often come when I invite students to share stories about things that scare us. After all, Grim Hill books are spooky. One young man said, “A scary man has died, Obi Wan.”

“Was Obi Wan real or make believe?” I asked. “Real,” the boy affirmed. Later on in the presentation I realized it wasn’t Star Wars he was telling me about, but Osama Bin Laden. In another school after I’d shared my own story of a scary clown encounter, a little girl shouted enthusiastically, “That’s the best story I ever heard.” One thing I learned, New Brunswick has a lot of cool ghost stories. It was a warm, wonderful adventure. Also there was my final event at a pizza night with moms and daughters of a library book club. Now that was rollicking fun.