Renowned author of children’s books, Robert Munsch, did not typically invent stories while on tour, but as stated on his website, “sometimes stuff happens.” Over two decades ago, at the Lord Beaverbrook Hotel in Fredericton, inspiration struck when little Victoria Campbell, now 27, became his unexpected muse.
Campbell reminisced, “It was my sixth birthday, and my grandmother treated me to a fancy lunch at the hotel as a part of my celebration. We were the only patrons in the restaurant, apart from two men at a nearby table. I immediately recognized Robert Munsch sitting close by and was thrilled.”
This chance encounter at the Crowne Plaza hotel resulted in the creation of “Swamp Water,” a book published in 2013 by Munsch, known for his timeless works like “The Paper Bag Princess” and “Love You Forever.” With over 80 million books sold in North America and translations into 20 languages, Munsch is a beloved figure in the literary world.
During their encounter at the hotel, Munsch signed Campbell’s book, sparking a connection that led to the development of a story inspired by their meeting. Despite not knowing Campbell’s full name, Munsch crafted a tale about a girl named Victoria, recounting her lunch outing with her grandmother.
After a fortuitous newspaper article titled “Victoria, read this story!” helped connect them, Campbell and Munsch corresponded, shaping the story that eventually became “Victoria’s Lunch.” Despite some creative liberties taken in the story, the essence of the lunch outing remained true.
Years later, Munsch sent Campbell the illustrated version of the book, which was published in 2013. Their continued correspondence and subsequent visit to Campbell’s school left a lasting impression on her. Today, working as a laboratory technologist, Campbell treasures the book and memories shared with her late grandmother.
Although Munsch has stepped back from writing due to health challenges, his stories remain cherished by readers like Campbell. She continues to share “Swamp Water” as a special gift, celebrating Munsch’s enduring legacy and the magic of storytelling that transcends generations.