Renowned children’s author Robert Munsch did not plan to create stories during his tours, but unexpected inspiration struck him during a visit to the Lord Beaverbrook Hotel dining room in Fredericton over two decades ago. This incident involved a young girl named Victoria Campbell, who happened to be celebrating her sixth birthday at the time.
Campbell, now 27, vividly remembers the encounter, where she and her grandmother were dining at a nearly empty restaurant when she spotted Robert Munsch seated nearby. Excited and star-struck, she pointed him out to her grandmother.
This chance meeting led to the birth of the book “Swamp Water,” published in 2013, adding to Munsch’s extensive collection of beloved children’s stories such as “The Paper Bag Princess” and “Love You Forever.” Despite not knowing Campbell’s last name initially, Munsch was inspired by the encounter to create a story, initially titled “Victoria’s Lunch.”
Campbell was later surprised to hear from friends about Munsch telling a story about a girl named Victoria at a show. To reconnect with Campbell, Munsch reached out to the local newspaper, resulting in a heartwarming exchange between the author and the young girl.
The story, which features Victoria requesting an unconventional meal at a fancy restaurant, resonated with Campbell despite her actual meal that day being a hot dog and chocolate milk. The book “Swamp Water” holds a special place in Campbell’s heart, symbolizing the cherished memories shared with her grandmother and the bond formed with Robert Munsch.
Years later, Munsch sent Campbell illustrations for the book, which was eventually published in 2013. Their continued correspondence and Munsch’s visit to Campbell’s school further solidified the lasting impact of their initial meeting.
While Munsch has stepped back from writing due to health reasons, his stories remain timeless treasures for readers of all ages. Campbell continues to share “Swamp Water” as a cherished gift, embodying Munsch’s enduring legacy in the world of children’s literature.