Fort Simpson (Oct 06/06) - Almost 20 children, accompanied by their parents, attended a presentation by a Metis author Sept. 26.

Jacqueline Guest, who writes for students in Grade 4 through high school, said she hopes to inspire children to read, whatever book or genre it may be. Many of her books involve aspects of Canadian history.

Metis author Jacqueline Guest visited Fort Simpson's John Tsetso library Sept. 26 to show children how important it is to read. - Jessica Gray/NNSL photo

"The key to a future for kids is literacy. I don't care what they read," said Guest.

She said one of her favourite things to do is read to her grandchild, two-and-a-half-year-old Tyler Simmons, just as she did her own two daughters.

Guest's 14th book will be out shortly.

Parents seemed to take the message to heart, many of them already reading to their children at home.

One of those parents is Lauren Muir.

"We read every single night and sometimes while we're travelling in the car," said Muir, who has two boys, six-year-old Nathan Muir-Cressman and eight-year-old Bailey Muir-Cressman.

The Berenstain Bears and Magic Tree House are some of Nathan's favourites.

Librarian Lorraine Ocko said reading is important for youth, which is why she runs a summer reading program in partnership with the Toronto Dominion Bank.

"The kids read probably over 100 books," said Ocko.

It's the third year the program has been offered. Twelve children participated this year.

For every five books students got a coupon for a free swim, popcorn or a balloon.

The grand prize was a Chronicles of Narnia boxed set, which Guest awarded to nine-year-old Golia Cazon during her presentation.