InkyThink

I was lucky enough to be able to visit the Calgary Children's Book Fair and Conference recently. I had a lot of fun! I have always wanted to review more Canadian literature, and this seemed like a great place to start.

Right when I walked in, I could hear the warm buzz of talk around the room. I entered the draw at the door for a basket full of books, and from there I started making my way around the tables. There were a lot of great people to meet, and a lot of good books to look through! I handed out many InkyThink cards.

I tried to make sure I visited every table. I hope I didn't miss anyone. I had only brought a limited amount of cash with me, so it came down to an important decision. Who's books do I buy and review?
After thinking about it for a while, I decided to buy two books from Shirlee Smith Matheson; Flying Ghosts and The Gambler's Daughter. Loretta, the gambler's daughter, is also a character in Flying Ghosts. She was so popular that people kept asking Shirlee what had happened to her. In response, Shirlee wrote The Gambler's Daughter. 

Shirlee also thoroughly researches her books, and I admired that about her right away. She has actually been up in the frozen north, experiencing what it's like to be in negative forty degree weather. Since I grew up in Dawson Creek myself, I was intrigued to hear tales of that area; especially in Flying Ghosts where they're helping build the Alaska Highway. (Dawson Creek is Mile 0 of that highway, and I still remember driving by the Mile 0 post throughout my childhood.)

Along with buying those two books, I also recieved a review copy of Dead Frog on the Porch, a Megabyte Mystery by Jan Markley. I am eager to read all the books I recieved!

I was pleased to have met all the people I did. I am glad I went, and am looking forward to next year!