Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Oct 13/00) - They weren't just book readings, they were an interactive extravaganza.

Ted Staunton, author of several children's books, visited Fort Simpson last Wednesday and Thursday as part of literacy week.

With his extraordinary props, such as a giant peanut butter sandwich, he spent time entertaining children and adults at Bompas elementary, John Tsetso Memorial Library and at the Open Doors Society.

Close to 50 people showed up at the library for his book reading, a forum that accentuated Staunton's animated talents. He had the enchanted children participating frequently as he read from his debut book Puddleman.

"Mud, mud, mud," the youngsters cheered on cue.

Later, he read from Forgive Us Our Travises, a story that follows the misadventures of the main character named Travis. At one point Travis winds up with eggs in his underpants -- how that came about would take some explaining, but needless to say the kids were amused by the notion.

Staunton, a resident of Port Hope, Ont., closed out the evening by pulling out his guitar and singing his tribute to the watermelon. To include the children, he had them perform his "patented wave slurp," a verbal version of the sports stadium "wave."

He also managed to take a few questions from the audience.

Sure enough, one inquisitive youngster asked, "How old are you?"

"I'm 12," Staunton replied to fits of laughter. "Really I'm 44."

"Is this fiction or non-fiction?" one young boy wanted to know about the stories he had heard.

Staunton responded, "Some of the things in all my stories, in fact, are true. It's the silliest things that actually happen."

Afterwards, Amber Erasmus, a Grade 3 student, said she had a good time.

"I liked the stories," she said.

"I'm a book fan. I love books."

Coleen Canney, a Grade 3 double award winner in the NWT literacy contest Northern Writes, added, "I've got The Wizard of Oz, Disney Books, all kinds of stuff."

Other Fort Simpson literacy award winners -- Elisa Hardisty, Billy Joe Burrill, Kali Kwong, Tyler Pilling and Victoria Nirlungayuk -- were also recognized for their achievements.

As for his part, Staunton said he hopes he may have fostered the importance of reading in a few more children.

"I genuinely enjoy doing this. Kids are a great audience. They always want you to succeed," he said.