From my early beginnings as a young introvert, the public library has always been a bit of a refuge.  Years later, not much has changed, albeit with an additional affinity for endless hours spent scouring second-hand bookstores to add to my ever-growing “to-read” pile.

From one bookworm to another, this column will be underscoring and outlining various literary genres, authors, and recent reads and can serve as an introduction for those unfamiliar with these works, as a refresher for long-time aficionados, and maybe as an inspiration for readers to share their own suggested topics.  Do you have a topic that you would like covered in this column?  Feel free to contact me for an interview and a feature in an upcoming column.

Who

This week, we continue with our series on well-known Canadian authors, with a look at US/Canadian children’s writer Robert Munsch.

Munsch was born on June 11, 1945, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  He became a Canadian citizen in 1983, and taught at the University of Guelph.

What

Some examples of Munsch’s works include Love You Forever, The Paper Bag Princess, and Angela’s Airplane.

Other works include Thomas’ Snowsuit, Moira’s Birthday, and I Have to Go!

Where

His works are set in a diverse variety of locations.

When

Munsch’s works primarily take place in the 21st century.

Why

These works could be of interest to AU learners who enjoy children’s literature, with themes of love, growing up, and relationships.

How

AU’s wide range of diverse courses make it easy to study this topic in depth.  Courses related to the works of Robert Munsch are available in a variety of disciplines, including some that may fit into your Degree Works.  (Always check with an AU counsellor to see if these particular courses fulfill your personal graduation requirements!)

AU students interested in learning more about this topic may enroll in ENGL 305: Literature for Children, a senior-level, six-credit course, which “introduces the student to children’s literature, its history and development, and its rich variety of forms and techniques.”  (Please note that this course requires ENGL 211: Prose Forms and ENGL 212: Poetry and Plays as prerequisites).

In addition, student may be interested in PSYC 426: Psychology of Families and Parenting, a senior-level, three-credit course, which” is an in-depth study of the issues surrounding parenting and family relationships, incorporating both theories and empirical research.”  (Note that students must have completed PSYC 228: Introduction to Human Development, PSYC 323: Developmental Psychology, PSYC 350: Adolescent Psychology, PSYC 381: The Psychology of Adult Development, or another course with professor approval).  Happy reading!