Toronto...or is that Torona?

I managed a five day trip to Toronto for the annual Usborne Books at Home convention last month. No big awards this year, but some highlights none the less. I earned a breakfast with none other than Peter Usborne himself...an amazing 2 hours. Jenny Tyler (new editor and chief), amazing in her own right, was also there. Shared a thousand ideas for books, trends, criticisms of the Usborne books (hard to criticize something you love!), best parts of the books and plans for the future. Such insight into a children's publishing company...felt like being on the inside!

There was also a contest as part of the convention...two in fact. One was for new title suggestions. I have come in first or second the last 4 years in a row, with the help of a couple of Usborne friends. Neither of those friends attended convention this year, so I submitted my own list. I have been compiling this list over the last year, and so duly submitted it. The other contest was an essay on "How Children's Books can be Made Better than they are". I had no notice for this, so spent a couple of hours working up a rough draft and truly handed in my rough draft. But...nothing ventured, nothing gained. First prize was $500 for each contests. I HAD to try!

And the winner is...........

I also got to see a very good friend from times past..in fact her and her husband most generously offered their place while I was at my convention. Meet my friend, Marguerite Ethier, grade 9 and on! It was so good to see her...so much that hadn't changed, so much that had! It was great to see where she was in her life...I love happy endings!

Anyway...it was a great weekend with such a variety of experiences...all SO positive. But, as always, it was good to be home to the hugs of all my boys! C