Dear Blue Spruce Readers,

When you read my book, Such a Prince, please keep two things in mind: I don’t actually think that kissing your donkey (or any donkey for that matter) on the lips is a habit worth forming. Nor do I advise you to stand on your head so that your underwear is showing. These are just funny bits in the story, okay? So if your parents write to me to complain, I’ll deny any responsibility.

However, I do wholeheartedly support hugging your grandmother. Hug her once a day and twice on Sunday. There actually isn’t a grandmother in Such a Prince, but the fairy in the story, Libby Gaborchik, reminded me a lot of my grandmother. By the way, I called my grandmother - Bubbie. It’s true, don’t laugh. Perhaps some of you call your grandmother Bubbie or Bubba.

Here’s a tidbit of trivia worth knowing: Such a Prince is based on a very old folk tale often called The Three Peaches. I discovered the story one day while perusing through the library collections. The story came all the way from France. Then I discovered a similar story from Spain. Then I discovered yet another variation from Thailand. And then from Denmark and then from Finland. Holy Moly, that story has been around! But none of the stories were told from the point of view of the fairy. So that’s what I did in mine. And the fairy sounds a lot like my grandmother. The one I called Bubbie.

I am thrilled to be a nominee for the Blue Spruce award. Last year, my book, Things Are Looking Grimm, Jill won the Silver Birch Express Award. That whole year of visiting Ontario schools and meeting students and coming down to Harbourfront in May was an absolute hoot. I hope to do the same this time too.
When I’m not touring around Canada as an author and storyteller, I am at home in Vancouver playing with my new kitten, Sasha, instead of writing more stories like I should be doing. I also live with Dominique who is not a cat but actually a lovely person who teaches and makes amazing jewellery (She uses a blow torch!).

We live in a creative, diverse neighbourhood that has way too many coffee shops for its own good. Our small home is where we live and work, and where we begin and end each journey, whether it's an actual trip, a short walk or just a flight of fancy. Our home is stuffed with ideas, observations and as much laughter as we can fit in.

You can visit Dan's web site at: www.danbar-el.com