What made you choose an A-Z structure to tell Terry’s story?  

“There are many books about Terry, but none written especially for preschoolers or very young readers. I wanted to use the familiar alphabet format to tell his story in a simple yet powerful way.”  

Which letter do you most connect with in Terry’s story?  

“I love ‘J is for joke’ because it gives us a glimpse into Terry’s personality. Even in the midst of something as remarkable as the Marathon of Hope, he was still a regular young man who loved to joke around with his brother and best friend.” 

What kind of conversations do you hope this book sparks?  

“I hope kids and families will read this book together and talk about their own wildest dreams and the importance of never giving up. One of the messages in the book is that anything is possible if you try. Terry really believed that wholeheartedly, and his life is proof of it.”  

How do you think Terry’s story continues to inspire new generations of Canadians?  

“Terry is synonymous with Canada and will always shine as a bright light in our history. I think his story is timeless—it’s about courage, perseverance, and, above all, helping others. I think that’s why each new generation continues to connect with him, as it reflects the very best of who we are as Canadians.”  

What book feels like home to you?  

“It depends on the time of year. Cozy books feel very seasonal to me … a Martha Stewart cookbook during the holidays, a memoir in the fall, a steamy romance in the summer.”   

What is your favourite word to use in prose?  

“Since I write children’s books, it’s less about a single word and more about playful descriptions—like, ‘the purple dress looked like an ocean of grape juice.’”  

What’s the strangest thing in your workspace?  

“My young son brings home ‘treasures’ like snails, rocks, and empty soda cans filled with leaves for me.”  

What Canadian season best matches your writing style?   

“Fall—for its surprising burst of beauty before a time of quiet and reflection.”   

Your favourite Canadian author, past or present?  

“I adore Carley Fortune and was lucky to work with her when she was my editor at Toronto Life.”  

What was your favourite book as a child?  

“Millicent and the Wind by Robert Munsch.”    

What’s one thing every great bedtime story needs?  

“A reassuring message.”