Shezza Ansloos: Author

I remember the cozy feeling of sitting on the carpet at the feet of my teacher and listening to her read a story.  This tradition of story time still manages to memorize the heart of a child.  There is something magical about sitting and reading a story. I was fortunate enough to be able to read to a few students at Assinboine School Feb 22, 2011 and Strathmillan School March 7, 2011.  I passed around some items that belonged to my grandmother and we swapped stories about the things we loved to do with our grandmothers.  I heard a lot of stories those days starting with "My Gramma and I like to.....".  I had forgotten how much little children love to tell their own stories.  So grab a niece or nephew, a son or daughter today, (Make sure they are your family :)) and read them a story.  Let the magic happen.

1) When did you start writing? I started writing poetry as a kid.  I entered a poem I wrote called Black in a local arts festival.  (Clearly based on the title alone,  my penchant for all things moody and introspective was burgeoning at that tender age.)  You had to preform your reading in front of an adjudicator and audience.  The only thing I remember about the poem was  a line that said "my french toast is burnt and it tastes like rubber."  I got laughs.  Those laughs fed my fledgling artist ego and I was hooked! I won first place for my poetry and earned a scholarship to an arts camp.  There began my illustrious career. 2) What book do you remember reading that was significant as a child? I lived in rural Manitoba on a farm.  In those days Manitou, Manitoba, my home town, did not have a library.  We sent away for books and they came in this large package in the mail.  I loved looking at pictures and the smell of the bo...

I am very excited to say that my first children's book called I Loved Her is available in McNally Robinson Bookstores across Canada.  You can also purchase them from Pemmican Publishers.  This is a very exciting moment in time for me and I will keep you posted on any updates as they progress. The book is about a young Metis girl’s tender recollection of her wise and loving grandmother. From singing songs together at the piano to playing indoor games on rainy days, their friendship grows deeper and richer. This story is a heartening testament to a love that will never be forgotten.