A couple of weeks ago, I was working away in a coffee shop when I noticed a call coming in on my phone. I didn’t notice at first, because I keep my phone on silent most of the time (otherwise, I forget to turn it off and it rings at the most embarrassing times, like in the middle of Taekwondo, for example). I missed it, but since the call was from Toronto, I wasn’t really concerned. It was probably just a telemarketer.

Then I got a voicemail.

It was from a librarian in Ontario. The message? Be Prepared: The Frankie MacDonald Guide to Life, the Weather, and Everythingwas shortlisted for a Yellow Cedar, one of the Ontario Library Association’s Forest of Reading Awards! 

To me, this means that this special book, which Frankie and I made together, is going to reach more young readers across the country. And I couldn’t be more thrilled–because writing this book was one of the highlights of my professional life so far. In honour of the occasion, I thought I’d share this article I wrote for the Quill & Quire, on what it was like working with the incredible Frankie MacDonald.

Congrats to all the nominees! I’m proud to be in such wonderful company.