Hay River Reserve (Mar 22/04) - After 20 years, famed children's writer Robert Munsch returned to the Hay River Reserve last week, bringing along 'Smelly Socks' -- his new book inspired by a story he first told to several children at the Chief Sunrise Education Centre back in 1984.

One of those children was then six-year-old Tina Fabian, whose bright socks caught Munsch's eye. He made up a story about a girl who kept switching her dirty socks for other people's clean socks.

"I always thought it would be a book someday," Munsch said, noting he has 200 unpublished stories competing to become books.

Fabian said it was good to see Munsch again, "even though I still think of him from 20 years ago with a beard and darker hair."

Fabian, the inspiration for the main character in 'Smelly Socks', had a surprise for Munsch. It was a version of the story she and her Grade 1 classmates put together after his first visit. It was saved by Fabian's teacher Jenny Turvey.

"The kids' versions are always better than mine," Munsch said.

His books are obviously popular with northern families -- about 150 people showed up for Saturday's launch.

"They're funny," said Victoria Boyce, 8. "They're really good stories."

Sharon Norn said her daughter Shayla loves the books. "She's a great fan of Robert Munsch. She has been for years."

'Smelly Socks' -- illustrated by Michael Martchenko -- features many local sights, such as the Eh Dah Cho Store, Chief Sunrise Education Centre and the Hay River highrise.