One of Alberta’s most famous promoters of literacy popped into Jasper recently to share her love of books with several school children.

Best known for her book recommendations through CBC and Global and a family bookstore in Edmonton, Laurie Greenwood has been talking books for more than 30 years. She recently sold her own bookstore and has decided to tour schools and libraries promoting literacy at several speaking engagements.

She got the idea to have a book mobile after speaking to a teacher’s conference, and decided to run with it.

“I always loved the book mobile when I was young,” Greenwood said. “It’s exciting.”

Greenwood says she still enjoys books for children and young adults, and is currently reading 100 Cupboards. This is her first tour, which has included stops in Edson, Hinton and Jasper, and she speaks to children of all ages to promote children’s literature.

“It’s so fun and the stories are so good. I keep coming back to them,” Greenwood said.

Greenwood talked books to students at the local high school and public school, exploring picture books and chapter books as well as several new gimmicks.

 She says the book that got her hooked on reading is Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White.

“I’ve read it 180 times and I read it again last year and it reminded my why I read it 180 times,” Greenwood said.

While praising White, she said children today are reading more than ever, thanks to the Harry Potter phenomenon.

“Kids are reading it and their parents are reading with them, which makes a huge difference,” Greenwood said. “It’s phenomenal to see.”

She also criticized the Twilight series, noting the writing isn’t grammatically correct and said the relationship between the two main characters isn’t healthy.

“She has to do everything he says, and that’s not healthy. That’s not the way things are,” Greenwood said.