Ottawa, Ontario, Monday, January 18, 2016

Hi, everyone!

Let me start by saying happy 100th birthday to Elmwood School! You’re looking good!

I’ve been looking forward to this, the first-ever Kids’ Lit Quiz in Ottawa!

That’s pretty amazing when you consider that this quiz takes place all over the world. In fact, the winners of the national final in February will have a chance to represent Canada at the international finals in New Zealand this August!

This is kind of like the Olympics of literary quizzes, so it’s fitting that the theme of this competition is “The Sport of Reading.”

And you’re like the Olympians who have been training hard for this competition!

I love books, and in fact, as the grandfather of 12 grandchildren, I’ve read quite a few great children’s books over the past few years.

Two of the best kids’ books I read last year were Sidewalk Flowers and The Gospel Truth—have any of you read either of them?

Those two books won the Governor General’s Literary Awards for English-language children’s literature last year.

The French-language winners were also wonderful: Le voleur de sandwichs and Marie Réparatrice!

Do you know what? I read so much my grandkids even call me “Grampa Book.” I’ve been a reader my whole life.

I read all the time—just like many of you, I’m sure! That’s why you’re taking part in this quiz.

Reading is one of the very best things you can do for yourself. It’s kind of like gymnastics for your brain!

Today, you’re going to have a chance to apply what you’ve learned through reading and win fame and glory in this contest.

So let’s get started! I’ll read each question twice for emphasis.

Question 1
In Charles Pachter’s Canadian alphabet book, “M” stands for what animal?

Question 2
What animal is Franklin the Turtle’s best friend?

Question 3
What was the name of the wolf that was a friend of Mowgli in the Jungle Book stories?

Question 4
What was the name of the pig, taught by a collie dog named Fly, to round up sheep?

Question 5
What was the name of the anthropomorphic (having human characteristics) hedgehog that can run faster than sound?

Question 6
What adjective was used by Roald Dahl to describe a crocodile?

Question 7
Who was the mild-mannered mouse that got involved in adventures with his sister Thea, his cousin Trap and his nephew Benjamin?

Question 8
Billy found two of these animals in a book by Farley Mowat. The book was titled _____ in the Family.

Question 9
Who was the famous doctor who could talk to the animals, and had a monkey companion called Chee-Chee?

Question 10
In a book by Kenneth Oppel, what type of animal was Silverwing? 

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Working in teams, you’ve pooled your knowledge and done your best. I’ll bet you’re as curious as I am to know whether you answered correctly!

Let’s find out, shall we?!

Question 1
In Charles Pachter’s Canadian alphabet book, “M” stands for what animal?
A: Moose

Question 2
What animal is Franklin the Turtle’s best friend?
A: Bear

Question 3
What was the name of the wolf that was a friend of Mowgli in the Jungle Book stories?
A: Akela

Question 4
What was the name of the pig, taught by a collie dog named Fly, to round up sheep?
A: Babe

Question 5
What was the name of the anthropomorphic (having human characteristics) hedgehog that can run faster than sound?
A: Sonic (the Hedgehog)

Question 6
What adjective was used by Roald Dahl to describe a crocodile?
A: Enormous

Question 7
Who was the mild-mannered mouse that got involved in adventures with his sister Thea, his cousin Trap and his nephew Benjamin?
A: Geronimo (Stilton)

Question 8
Billy found two of these animals in a book by Farley Mowat. The book was titled _____ in the Family.
A: Owls

Question 9
Who was the famous doctor who could talk to the animals, and had a monkey companion called Chee-Chee?
A: Dr. Dolittle

Question 10
In a book by Kenneth Oppel, what type of animal was Silverwing?
A: Bat