While he's known as one of sa国际传媒's most loved children's authors, it's not just kids who love Robert Munsch.
The author of more than 49 books remembers walking through a university campus when he was recognized by a student.
"People started running to their rooms to get the copies of my books they had in their room," he said. "I though 'Oh my God.' That was quite overwhelming. When I wrote the books I didn't expect that at all, it's kind of off the scale."
Munsch will bring his family show to Nanaimo's Port Theatre on Sept. 17 at 3:30 p.m.
He said the show is quite simple in that it's just him up there on stage telling stories.
And while he doesn't ask for audience participation, when you're one of the country's most popular authors, you get it. He'll use children's names who are in the audience in his stories and goes off the beaten path, telling stories that he hasn't written yet.
"They start screaming the stories," he said, adding he's always sure to tell I Love You Forever, and the Paper Bag Princess. "If I don't, the people get mad."
With so many books to choose from, Munsch said he tries planning his shows before, but they change depending on what the audience wants. Keeping children entertained, even for someone like Munsch isn't easy. He enjoys performing and writing because it's a nice mix for his career.
"It's fun to catch an audience of young kids, if you lose them it's horrible though," he said. "I can't stop for a second. They're always saying 'what's he done for me in this second.' It keeps me on my toes, especially with new stories. It's a good way to test out a story, you can tell right away if it's not working."
Munsch last performed in Nanaimo about three years ago. His new book is called No Clean Clothes, based on a young girl in northern sa国际传媒 Munsch met in her school.
She was wearing a shirt that said 'Kiss me I'm perfect.' When he commented on her shirt, the young girl replied 'It's a stupid grandma shirt, my mother made wear it.'
The book will be launched in Smithers at the public library on Oct. 21.
Munsch said a lot of the characters in his books are based on children he's met. I Love You Forever is an exception to that. It was written after Munsch and his wife had two babies born stillborn.
When asked what the appeal of the book was, Munsch said it's an easy way to show people you care without being too cheesy. It has sold 20 million copies world wide.
"When you give it somebody, it's a way of saying you love them, but it's not smarmy, like all these cards with angels and stuff," he said. "Here's a book where the mother says five times, 'this kid is driving me crazy.' People identify with it."
The book is always fun to read during his shows.
Parents will pick up their children and start rocking them in the audience.
Munsch, who counts Dr. Suess among his favourite children's author, said his father used to tell him stories when he was a child, using funny voices and plenty of drama.
"I guess he was teaching me and didn't know it," he said.
For more information you can check Munsch's website at www.robertmunsch.com.
Tickets for the show are available at the Port Theatre's ticket centre at 1-250-754-8550 Monday to Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and two hours before the show.