These are just a few of the many lessons imparted to us by the Canadian author. One day you’ll be singing the same songs as your mother, so enjoy every stage along the way. #5: Value what you have because a real house is better than a playhouse, and real parents are better than play parents. Be careful what you promise, or you’ll have the Qallupilluit to reckon with. #3: Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, until it isn’t. #2: Be respectful, even to animals-or they might trample you. #1: Character is more important than what you wear or how you look: you can wear a paper bag and still be royalty, or you can look like a prince and still be a bum. After revisiting some of his most iconic stories, I’ve attempted to compile a short list of what I believe are some key insights-moral takeaways, if you will-from Mr. Munsch’s statement that, “the stories will be the last to go” certainly strikes a chord with fans, who remember his tales not only for their hilarity, but also for their cheeky wisdom. With over 100 million books sold worldwide and a spot on Canada’s Walk of Fame, the 76 year old writer has played a significant role in households, schools, and libraries across Canada and abroad. The unfortunate news saddens fans across the world, who have been reaching out on social media in support of the author. So it’s been really whittling away on who I thought I was,” stated Munsch. “I can’t drive, I can’t ride a bicycle, I can’t write. That literary rollercoaster comes from none other than the beloved, best-selling children’s author Robert Munsch, who disclosed, in a recent interview with CBC, that he is suffering from dementia.

“You don’t have a brain in your heads,” retorts Stephanie, in response to her pathetic classmates who copy her hairstyles. “I’ll love you forever,” a young mother sings to her newborn baby. “Hey, you dumb pigs!” baits Megan to a pen full of pigs, who promptly respond by trampling her. “Ronald…you look like a real prince, but you are a bum,” declares the Paper Bag Princess as she breaks off her engagement to her useless fiancé. Josephine Murphy, Associate Opinions Editor

Photo Credit: Alex Urosevic, Toronto Sun Lessons from our favourite storyteller

I will love you forever childrens book