A 'pensive' of authors gather at Forster's Book Garden

A group of rhinos gathering for a chin-wag is called a "crash." When blue jays meet we call it a "party." Should bears congregate, it's a "sleuth;" caterpillars, an "army;" ducks, a "raft;" elk, a "gang." Leopards form a "leap," lions a "pride," and giraffes a "tower." A "bouquet" of pheasants wouldn't smell so sweet nor would a "bed" of clams provide a good night's sleep.

So what should we call the group of 18 authors that will gather at Forster's Book Garden Sunday, April 29 between 12 and 4 p.m.? How about a "pensive?"

This "pensive" includes the following best-selling and acclaimed authors and their latest (most recent) offerings.

Kelley Armstrong: The adventure continues in Kelley's best-selling Women of the Otherworld series. "No Humans Involved" is her latest (for fans: starring Jamie the Necromancer and Jeremy) and we'll have it for sale April 29 (ahead of its general release date).

David Berger: "Living Education: The Power of the Circle" was recently reviewed by Kay MacDuffee, who praised it highly, giving it a Wow! She wrote: "David Aubrey Berger, lecturer, former university professor and current head of the Living Education Institute, has written from his soul about teaching and learning and living on this small planet. His message reaches the reader at that same level of heart and soul and we know instantly that it is the truth."

Sean Cassidy: A prolific illustrator from Orangeville. Sean will be on hand with his latest picture book "Wake Up Henry Rooster", the story of a rooster who couldn't wake up in time to crow, and the creative way he solved his problem.

David Chesterton: His two books are adventures. "My Caravan is a Rainbow" is the story of a boy with synaesthesia who, with the help of a troupe of gypsies, discovers he has a gift rather than a burden. "ST. Vincent Passage" is an adventure at sea good for adults or teens.

Rose Daniel: Rose's book, "West Lights," is set in Scotland in the late 1800s. It is a supernatural mystery based around a wellresearched historical event. Rose is a local woman, a retired nurse who has gone back to school to study creative writing.

Diane Dupuy: As founder of Famous PEOPLE Players a blacklight theater group made up of "challenged" young adults, Diane has achieved notoriety as one of the most inspirational Canadians of our time. She will be on hand to chat and sign any of her books which include "The Little Girl Who Did What?," a picture book about being different, "Daring To Dream" a book about Diane and the Famous PEOPLE Players, and her most recent, "The Teacher and the Soul," a book about making life choices for children and adults.

Catherine Gildiner. Many will recognize Catherine as the author of the very funny memoir Too Close To the Falls. This book drew all the Caledon Public library branches' book clubs together for an evening of nostalgia (for some), incredulity (for the younger group) and a rip roaring good time. Catherine has also written an excellent mystery weaving information from her scrupulous research on Freud and Darwin. This is a not-to-bemissed intelligent and thought provoking novel.

Alyxandra Harvey- Fitzhenry. Alyxandra has written a lovely little tome for teens about staying positive and enjoying life in spite of life's obstacles and individual differences. She pulls this off without being preachy … through the believable characters she has created.

Chris Hamilton. Chris has self-produced a very entertaining cookbook aimed at men whose wives don't cook, entitled, what else?, "The Cookbook for Men Who's Wives Don't Cook." (Anyone recognize themselves?).

Elaine Litster. Elaine is an Orangeville resident who's clever mystery, "A Cover Too Deep," is designed to keep you turning those pages until the very end.

Mary Morsilli (author) & Daniela Easter (illustrator). Mary and Daniela are local residents. Their picture book, "Emma's Jungle Adventure" is a beautifully written and illustrated story of an imaginary trip to the rainforest at bedtime. Emma is introduced to a variety of jungle animals and the beauty of the rainforest as the story is told lyrically through the rhyming text. Mary has been to several Caledon area schools recently to read and talk about the book.

Pete Paterson & Lesley Kelly. Pete and Kelly's "Little Chicken Book" flew off the shelves at Christmas. (and they say chickens can't fly). When you see the chickens in this book, you'll see why. Books will be available for purchase or bring in your previously purchased copy for signing.

Shelley Peterson. Girls have been avidly reading Shelley's books since Dancer hit the shelves in 1996. Dancer was followed by Abbey Malone, Stagestruck and now, Sundancer. All of them are sure to please the horse lover in your family. Meet and chat with Shelley Peterson April 29.

Nicola Ross. Nicola is an environmentalist. Nicola's timely and beautiful books "Caledon" and "Oak Ridges" have been best sellers for years. Meet Nicola and get your own signed copies. She is currently working on one about the Humber River which is just as likely to grace everyone's coffee table as soon as it hits the shelves.

John Steckley. John, an anthropology professor primarily concerned with native issues, has written several books. With his knowledge of the dying Huron language, John's most recent "Words of the Huron" was a labour of love. He also speaks fluent Huron. As well as his own classes, John is a frequent visitor to area schools where his enthusiastic presentations concerning native culture and myths are always well received.

Shirley Teasdale. Shirley's book, "Hiking Ontario's Heartland," is a runaway hit with the outdoor crowd.

Ken Weber. Ken, the author of The 5 Minute Mysteries, whose books have been translated into 17 languages, has a new trivia book with a twist. He shows the interconnectedness of seemingly unrelated bits of knowledge. You'll find yourself exclaiming "I didn't know THAT!" over and over.

David Field. David, of Giant Beaver Publications, will be on hand for anyone who feels they have a book itching to get "out there." Not only did David produce Mary and Daniela's "Emma's Jungle Adventure," but he will be producing the book that we will publish when we choose the winners of our short story contest (more on that another time).

As a special treat, Billy Munnelly and Kato Wake will be on hand with their book "Billy's Best Bottles" (2007) and they will be facilitating a wine-tasting at 1 and again at 2:30.

The Caledon Public Library is proud to support this year's event.

So, for an afternoon of stimulating conversation with a great lineup of creative Canadian authors, get your questions about publishing answered, refreshments and a winetasting all under one roof, come to Forster's Book Garden Sunday, April 29, noon to 4 p.m. For more information, please call Donna or Paul at 905-951- 1501.