Meeting a new “Buddy”: A Conversation with Maureen Fergus

Maureen Fergus is an award-winning children’s author. She has been an Author Champion since 2016, bringing the joy of her children’s books to multiple Reading Celebrations. Earlier this year, she brought the beloved Buddy and Earl series to students at a high-needs elementary school in Winnipeg. Maureen took a few moments to tell us why she works with First Book Canada.

Why do you like working with First Book Canada?

I love participating in First Book Canada Reading Celebrations! The teachers and administrators are always so welcoming, the volunteers so enthusiastic, the kids so wonderful and the energy so terrific.

There’s a lot of reading, a lot of laughter, a lot of fun.

What are some of your favourite memories of First Book Canada Reading Celebrations?

One time I got to wear fuzzy feet pajamas to a reading because it was Pajama Day at the school; another time, I jokingly told the kids that I was eighty-five years old and every last one of them nodded as if to say, “Yeah, that sounds about right”. Many readings end with hugs – either the kids line up to “hug the author”, or the sight of one seven-year-old hugging me triggers a stampede. There’s a lot of reading, a lot of laughter, a lot of fun.

Why is being an Author Champion with First Book Canada important to you?

My children grew up in a home filled with literally thousands of books. When I am doing a First Book Canada reading, I never for one minute forget that the signed book the children are being given that day may be the only one they have to call their own.

I am proud and honored to be a First Book Canada author.

Thank you, Maureen, for being an Author Champion and getting books to kids!

###

Learn more about our Author Champions!

Are you an author who has worked with First Book Canada and you want to share your experience? Contact our Communications Coordinator.