Rachna Gilmore in Alberta

I arrive in Alberta to a colder than usual May, with nary a trace of green. I’ve brought sweaters and some bright clothes, because aren’t we all tired of winter black, a hopeful pair of sandals that I do use, and my books and stories.

It’s a packed schedule – seventeen readings in five days, from Grande Prairie to Edmonton and environs – so it’s all a bit of a blur, but a happy blur thanks to the superb and meticulous organization of Richard Chase.

May seems to be a super busy time in schools but teachers, librarians and volunteers are welcoming. The wonderful people at the Grande Prairie Library organize a potluck before I board my flight for Edmonton, and I leave replete with good food and laughter.

I meet wonderfully enthusiastic kids with great questions, and keen, appreciative teachers and librarians. I’m honoured when many kids ask their teachers if they can use one of my novels as their class read. Others ask where they can get my books. They laugh and groan at all the right parts in my new novel THAT BOY RED, which was inspired by my father-in-law’s anecdotes about growing up in P.E.I. during the 1930s. I first read from this book on May 2nd, the anniversary of his death.

There are poignant moments. I meet a girl who shows me her art and then asks if she can see me again. We’re both tearful when I tell her I don’t live there. After a reading a boy eagerly asks where he can get THAT BOY RED, because he has to read it – his urgency reminds me of the urgency I felt as a kid, when I had to find ANNE OF GREEN GABLES. Teachers tell me afterwards that this boy doesn’t normally read.

I fly home knackered, but also satisfied and grateful for a week of rewarding interactions with amazing kids, teachers, volunteers, librarians and the Canscaip members who meet up with me during my brief spare time. My thanks to the Canadian Children’s Book Centre for the privilege of participating in this grand tour.