Renowned children’s author Robert Munsch once drew inspiration for a story during an unexpected encounter at a hotel dining room in Fredericton over 20 years ago. Victoria Campbell, now 27, vividly remembers the fateful day when she, accompanied by her grandmother, found themselves in the presence of Munsch, who later immortalized the experience in his book “Swamp Water.”
Munsch, known for iconic works like “The Paper Bag Princess” and “Love You Forever,” met Campbell while she was celebrating her sixth birthday at a local restaurant before attending his show at the Playhouse theater. The chance encounter led to the creation of “Swamp Water,” published in 2013, adding to Munsch’s extensive collection of over 80 million books sold in North America and translated into various languages.
During their meeting, Munsch personally signed Campbell’s books, sparking a connection that would inspire him to craft a story about a girl named Victoria. Despite not knowing Campbell’s last name, Munsch’s determination to share the tale led him to contact the media, resulting in a newspaper article that eventually reunited him with Campbell.
The story, initially titled “Victoria’s Lunch,” depicted a young girl’s whimsical culinary preferences during a special outing with her grandmother. While the details in the book differ from Campbell’s actual meal that day, the essence of the story captured the essence of her memorable birthday celebration.
Years later, Campbell and Munsch maintained correspondence, leading to the publication of “Swamp Water” in 2013, accompanied by illustrations that added depth to the narrative. Their enduring bond saw Munsch visiting Campbell’s school and leaving a lasting impression of kindness and friendship.
As Munsch reflects on his legacy amid health challenges, Campbell continues to cherish the book and the memories it holds, passing on Munsch’s stories to new generations. For Campbell, Munsch’s storytelling remains a timeless gift, resonating with readers of all ages and preserving his remarkable literary legacy.
Despite no longer actively writing, Munsch’s stories endure as a testament to his enduring impact on readers worldwide, embodying the sentiment that “the stories will be the last thing to go,” as he once expressed.