National contest will see lucky Canadian family get exclusive visit from author Robert Munsch

Toronto – Beloved Canadian children’s author Robert Munsch will make a special visit to one lucky Canadian family this January, thanks to a contest announced today by ABC Canada Literacy Foundation.

Robert Munsch is honorary chair of ABC Canada Family Literacy Day (FLD), to be held January 27, which encourages parents and their children to read and learn together. This contest gives any family in the country the chance to have him visit their own Family Literacy Day  party on Saturday, January 20 to kick off a week of FLD activities.

“I can’t wait to find out where I’ll be going, and with what family and friends I’ll be celebrating ABC Canada Family Literacy Day,” says Munsch.

To enter the contest, families only need to fill out a form, describing what activities they are planning for their FLD party. Entry forms are available on the ABC CANADA website, www.abc-canada.org, and must be received by ABC Canada by 5:00 p.m. EST, December 12, 2006.

The contest winner will be announced the first week of January, 2007.

“Robert’s been a wonderful honorary chair for us, and there’s nothing he likes better than to share stories with children and their parents,” says Margaret Eaton, ABC Canada President. “This contest provides a unique opportunity for a family and their friends to meet Robert face-to-face.”

Family entries (one entry per family) will be judged for the originality and creativity of the activities they plan to have during their ABC Canada Family Literacy Day party.

New this year: Libraries and Literacy Organizations can win

In addition to winning a visit from Robert Munsch, the family can also name a library or literacy organization that will also receive a visit from the author while he is in town, following the family visit.

For more details, and for entry forms, the public can visit: www.abc-canada.org, or contact ABC Canada at: 416-218-0010, ext. 126 or 1-800-303-1004, ext. 126; info@abc-canada.org.

Media, please contact:

Jim Pollock, Director of Communications, ABC Canada Literacy Foundation: 416-218-0010, ext. 126 or 1-800-303-1004, ext. 126; cell: 416-524-8267; jpollock@abc-canada.org