Yes, lots!

I've met many Canadian authors through CANSCAIP, the Canadian Society of Authors, Illustrators, and Performers. I've met my favourite New Zealand writer, Margaret Mahy, too.

In 1987, I had the chance to travel to England with Jean Little, Monica Hughes, and Camilla Gryski. The Canadian Children's Book Centre sent us there as part of an exchange of Canadian and British authors. (American writer, Katherine Paterson, came with us, too, as Jean Little's "guide dog".)  When the British authors came to Canada, they had dinner at my house. Imagine - Phillipa Pearce, Jan Mark, Jill Paton Walsh, and John Rowe Townsend all in my living room at the same time!

How many of the famous authors and illustrators in this photo can you identify? (Click for an enlarged view.) I will send a free book to anyone who identifies the one who does not live in Canada.

One of the most famous authors (of adult books) I've met was Peter Gzowski. After I met him at the Stratford Book Festival in one of his last public appearances, he ended up writing a column about our meeting.