Robert Munsch tells his stories one last time

Beloved children's author, Robert Munsch, has told his last tale here in Guelph. 

On Saturday, the Guelph Guild of Storytellers saw over 130 men, women and children attend the family-friendly storytelling event at the Enabling Garden in Riverside Park to hear Munsch.

"This is the last time I'm going to tell stories," said Munsch, who is diagnosed with dementia. 

Munsch kicked things off by telling the crowd two of his popular children's books, The Paper Bag Princess and Love You Forever.

Laughs could be heard as people enjoyed the many facial expressions, actions and sounds Munsch made to tell the stories. 

While Munsch left the event early, Guelph Guild Storyteller member Sya VanGeest said Munsch told her he 'very, very much loved' performing.

"I think this man was born telling stories," VanGeest said about Munsch. "He is a Guelph treasure."

Brian Holstein said Munsch had been coming to storytelling events and is neighbours with VanGeest.

"Sya said to him one day, 'Hey Robert, would you like to tell stories?'" said Holstein, noting the turnout for the event today was amazing to see.

Jenn Reniers came to the story session to hear Munsch with her husband and two sons. She said their favourite story by Munsch is Mortimer.

"I really loved it, it was really memorable to my childhood," said Reniers. 

Kimberley Powley, said she and her daughters got to the Enabling Garden early after learning about the event through Facebook on Friday.

"I consider us very fortunate because he read our two favourites, The Paper Bag Princess and Love You Forever," said Powley. "Up close and personal with Robert Munsch. How much better can it get?"

VanGeest mentions Munsch has also been invited to share stories next Friday for an adult storytelling session at the Enabling Garden. The next event will feature guest storyteller, Sarah Abusarar.