Sheree Fitch

Sheree Fitch

Doctor of Letters

Sheree Fitch has a way with words, especially when it comes to children.

Fitch's fascination with words began at an early age. The award winning children's author began writing poems and reciting them to her son Jordan and his friends on rainy days. After attending several writing workshops she began submitting work but had a lot of difficulty getting published. She completed her first book, "toes in my nose," while completing her degree and this book continues to be a best selling Canadian children's book.

Fitch grew up in New Brunswick. and she graduated from Fredericton High School as valedictorian of her class. She originally chose to pursue a career in nursing, but marriage and motherhood altered those plans. At the age of twenty-four, as a single mother with two children, she began her education in earnest.

Fitch has published nine books for children including "I Am Small," "There Were Monkeys In My Kitchen" (Mr. Christie Children's Award Winner), "Merry-go-day," "Sleeping Dragons All Around" (Atlantic Booksellers' Choice Award Winner), and "Mable Murple" (Winner of the Ann Connor Brimer Award). All of her books are characterized by exuberant word-play and humour.

She writes for adults, too. Her book, "In This House Are Many Women," tackles serious issues such as unemployment and domestic violence and it has gone into its fourth printing. Her first play "Like a Little Candle" was produced in 1996 by Eastern Front Theatre. She has since written a second play and is working on a third.

Fitch has done extensive work for the cause of literacy including being six time Poet Laureate for Peter Gzowski's literacy fundraising golf tournaments. In 1994, Fitch became the Atlantic provinces Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF Canada.

Her work for literacy and the joy she brings to the lives of children throughout the world has earned her an Honourary Doctor of Letters.