Celebrate Munsch Mayhem with Some of our Favourite Books!

Scholastic Canada is celebrating their 25th anniversary of publishing partnership with Robert Munsch this year, creating Munsch Mayhem as a tribute and salute to one of our favourite Canadian storytellers. If you are looking for ways to celebrate, there is no better way than with his new or classic books. Consider combining literary with exercise by taking a Munsch Walk in English or French (excellent practice for French Immersion students), taking place across Ontario and Canada. If you are looking for inspiration, read on for some of our favourite picks. 

“After Robert Munsch’s interview with the CBC’s Shelagh Rogers last fall, in which he disclosed that he has been diagnosed with dementia, there was an incredible outpouring of support and love for him,” says Nancy Pearson, Scholastic Canada’s President of Marketing and Publishing. “We wanted to create a moment for everyone to celebrate Robert and his books.” As a part of Munsch Mayhem, Scholastic will be donating Munsch books to more than 100 Little Free Libraries across Canada.

We agree that enjoying a special Robert Munsch book is a great way to celebrate this month. So, we’re sharing some of our favourite Munsch titles for you to enjoy. Be sure to pick one of these up from a local independent bookstore, and you may even gain a free commemorative tote bag (check for participating retailers)!

The Paper Bag Princess

Princess Elizabeth goes to rescue her prince when her castle is attacked by a dragon. The dragon’s fire burns all her clothes, so she wears the only thing that’s left – a paper bag. We love the reversal of the damsel-in-distress narrative, and the ending is absolutely perfect. Did you see also that actresses Elizabeth Banks and Margot Robbie have signed on for a film adaptation? So, we’ll be able to enjoy it on the big screen soon!  

The Boy in the Drawer

Did you know that this book is one of Munsch’s personal favourites? Shelley finds a tiny troublemaking boy in her sock drawer, and soon enough this tiny terror is making a mess all over the house. Shelley’s efforts to get rid of him only make him grow bigger, and you’ll love how she has to get rid of him.

Angela's Airplane

When Angela's father gets lost at the airport, Angela's love of button-pressing gets her into trouble, and she finds herself in charge of flying a plane. Can Angela make it back down to the runway?

P.S. Angela decides to become a pilot in the end.

Thomas' Snowsuit

Winter is coming, but Thomas thinks his new snowsuit is the ugliest thing he has ever seen in his whole entire life. This book (and Thomas) might just have you laughing out loud.

Love You Forever

A young woman holds her newborn son and looks at him lovingly. Softly she sings to him: "I'll love you forever/ I'll like you for always/ As long as I'm living/ My baby you'll be." And if this book doesn’t make you just a little bit misty, then you’re made of sterner stuff than we are.

If you are interested in something you have not read before, his newest title comes out this fall. Leaves is a Robert Munsch story set in his hometown of Guelph, Ontario, and illustrated by longtime collaborator, Michael Martchenko, who resides in Toronto’s Leaside neighbourhood.

“We have a large collection of stories Robert wrote while he was touring and being inspired by children he met,” says Diane Kerner, Munsch’s editor and Scholastic Canada’s Vice-President of Publishing. “Fans can rest assured that Robert’s stories will continue to be published for years to come.”

Happy Munsch Mayhem to all our readers! Do you have another favourite Munsch book? Feel free to share in the comments on Facebook.