Victoria Campbell, now 27, reminisces about the day 20 years ago when she unexpectedly became the inspiration for renowned children’s author Robert Munsch. It all started during her sixth birthday celebration at a fancy restaurant in Fredericton, where she coincidentally dined alongside Munsch. This encounter at the Lord Beaverbrook Hotel sparked the creation of the book “Swamp Water,” published in 2013.
Munsch, famous for works like “The Paper Bag Princess” and “Love You Forever,” has sold over 80 million copies of his books in North America alone. The encounter with Campbell led to the creation of a new story, initially titled “Victoria’s Lunch.” Following their meeting, Munsch improvised a story about a girl named Victoria during one of his shows, inspired by their brief interaction.
Despite not knowing Campbell’s last name, Munsch sought to share the story with her. He reached out through a local newspaper, resulting in Campbell reconnecting with him. Over the years, they exchanged letters, leading to the publication of “Swamp Water” in 2013, complete with illustrations sent by Munsch.
Campbell cherishes the memories of her correspondence with Munsch, who even visited her school during a show in Fredericton. While Munsch, now 80, has discussed his health challenges, he believes his stories will endure. Campbell continues to treasure “Swamp Water” and appreciates Munsch’s lasting legacy, sharing his stories with new generations as a cherished gift.