Robert Munsch recovering from cocaine addiction

Beloved Canadian children's author Robert Munsch has shocked many of his fans by announcing this weekend that has been battling addictions to cocaine and alcohol.

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Canadian author Robert Munsch celebrates Family Literacy Day with students from Kimberely School at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Wednesday, January 27, 2010. (THE CANADIAN PRESS / ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation)

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The more honest and open addicts are about recovery the more people they help. Congratulations Robert on your courage to be honest and open!

Diane Byatt

Robert Munsch recovering from cocaine addiction

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Robert Munsch recovering from cocaine addiction

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Mon. May. 17 2010 11:04 PM ET

Beloved Canadian children's author Robert Munsch shocked many of his fans by announcing this weekend that he has been battling addictions to cocaine and alcohol.

In a message titled "Note to Parents" posted on his website, the bestselling author Robert Munsch, 64, admitted he's been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder and manic-depression (also known as bipolar disorder).

He suggested addiction was not new to him and said he had attended 12-step recovery meetings "for more than 25 years." He said the challenges of coping with his mental health conditions had led him to make some "big mistakes."

In a Saturday TV interview, Munsch admitted he had recently grown dependent on cocaine and alcohol in a bid to help him with his mood swings. He said when he was drinking, he would sometimes "do stupid things," including cocaine.

He said he had moved past the addictions and had been sober for about four months.

In his note to parents, Munsch says his mental health and addiction problems are not a secret to his friends and family, who have supported him over the years.

"They have been a big support to me over the years, and I would not have been able to do this without their love and understanding," he wrote.

He said he hopes "everyone will talk to their kids honestly, listen to them, and help them do their best with their own challenges."

Munsch's publisher, Annick Press, applauded the beloved author for going public about his addiction. The company released a statement saying their respect for Munsch in his personal life matches that for him in his professional life.

"We know Bob will be successful in his recovery. We commend him for being so open, for reaching out to others, and we wish him continued strength," Annick Press Director Rick Wilks said in a statement.

A spokesman said Munsch's upcoming shows will go ahead as planned.

This is not the first time the author of such classics as "The Paperbag Princess," "Mortimer," and "Love You Forever" has had health problems. In August 2008, Munsch suffered a stroke that briefly affected his ability to speak properly and left him unable to write new stories.

He said while he was recovering, he would be editing a whopping 51 drafts for new books that had been on the shelf before his stroke. He still has some trouble searching for words and has an occasional stutter.

Munsch was born in Pittsburgh, Penn. and studied to be a Jesuit priest before deciding to work in preschools, where he got his start as a storyteller.

He moved to Canada in 1975 and four years later wrote his first book titled "Mud Puddle". He's since written more than 50 books, which have gone on to sell more than 30 million copies worldwide and become staples of many Canadian children's libraries.

His book readings over the past three decades have drawn thousands at a time, as children flock to watch the author's manic energy as he reads from his beloved stories.

The Guelph-based writer's latest books are "Down the Drain" and "Put Me in a Book."

Munsch was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1999 and was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame last September.

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Richard L. Provencher
said

I applaud Robert for his honesty and reminding adults that we each have demons to deal with. If he had not been successful as a writer, he would not make an impact where we must be tolerant with those who have mental problems. There are very many with similar conditions and too often society strikes them off as not being useful to society. Now look how Robert was able to function in spite of his afflictions. My wife and I are very proud of his achievements in dealing with his personal issues.

Edmontongirl
said

Its courageous for Robert to come it with his addiction and mental health issues. This is happening to many increasingly. You may not know someone with these issues now, but you may in the future. I would like to think that we could be more compassionate and supportive. It is difficult for some people to come out and let people know they need help and that they have problems. Don't worry as much as you criticize Robert Munsch, he probably has done more to himself. One of the basics of the Twelve Steps is honesty, so I guess he is being honest. For many years he has been honest with his closest supporters so I guess he hopes that his fans can support him too, and he has been brave enough to come out with it. Addiction and mental illness has also affected many families which include children. Maybe it is better if we start talking about it so that we can help when it is needed. I would like Robert Munsch to write some books for kids on these tops to help children deal with the affects. How many kids have been taken from their homes because of parents with addictions??? No one supports someone doing this but it happens none the less. How many parents have brought their adult children to drug and alcohol rehab saying "we didn't raise our child like this what happened?". But they are there supporting their child in recovery anyway. We need to be open to support our loved ones and not criticize for you never know who may have problems with addiction. It is more common than you realize, we just don't talk about it. Wonder why????

Irritated in NB
said

I think that all of the negativity focused on him because he has illness, and make "human" mistakes are simply dispicable. This man has touched the hearts of many children over the years with his heartwarming and humorous stories that so many of us have grown up on. My grandmother, now on her death bed gave me my first copy of "love You Forever" when I was born, and as tattered and torn as the book is, I still read it to my 11 month old on a daily basis. No one has a right to judge him. Just because your mistakes don't involve drugs and alcohol does NOT make you any better than him. He made a mistake, owned up to it, now let him get on with his life. He doesn't need your pathetic and shallow criticism to get him by. Robert is a genius and has touched my heart for the mast 25 years and will continue to do so for the next 25. And as for the negativity again, I hope he reads everything that you all have said, finds you and sues all of you for defamation of character. You don't know him and you have no right to say anything. Screw the freedom of speech. What you are all saying is unlawful and wrong. Best of luck in recovery Mr Munsch and keep on writing!

Julie
said

If you have never suffered with depression you are very lucky, but I am sure you know someone that is. And until you walk in a man shoes keep your comments to your self

Kathy
said

I applaud Mr. Munch for coming forward and publically admitting his mental illness and addiction problems. MANY creative authors, composers, musicians have suffered from depression. I think of Charles Schulz, Tchaikovsky, etc. Unfortunately it often comes with the territory. I believe that Mr. Munch's willness to be open will also help with his recovery. Good for him!

Darren Starr
said

As someone who also has Bipolar I commend Mr. Munsch for his honesty. Nobody asks to have a mental illness. It shows that he is taking this seriously by being upfront and honest about everything. Its hard to fight things in the dark but in the light there is freedom.

Diane Byatt
said

The more honest and open addicts are about recovery the more people they help. Congratulations Robert on your courage to be honest and open!

western vancouver
said

So... will his Order of Canada be taken away? That is what is planned for Steve Fonyo who raised 13m for cancer research and ran 8000km with a prosthesis. Mind you, Steve has a criminal record. Of course if Robert had been caught under the influence while driving, and had been prosecuted and found guilty, he too would have a record. Just saying.

Marg in Calgary
said

My kids love his books and I won't stop buying them just because he's made some stupid decisions. To those who criticize - heaven forbid you should make some bad judgment calls - it must be nice to be so perfect. EVERYONE (and I don't care who you are) has made a dumb decision sometime in their lives and wished they hadn't.

He's still a brilliant author and is doing something about his addiction. Kudos to him.

Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. 'Nuff said.

Brenda Rogers
said

My heart goes out to Robert.I have a child who has mood swings and was diagnoised ADHD and there is a possibilty she is bi-polar.It is very difficult dealing with a child with these problems and getting them through the school system is very trying to say the least.People can reconize a physical dissabilty but children with mental flaws are often just called bad kids and are often sent to the office or at her last school a room called theSNAP room.It has been tough and I am sure I am not the only parent to travel this long hard road.I do believe there is a reason for everything and Robert may be the help we need to get the understanding we need and for kids like my daughter to see that she needs help so she doesn't fall into the same black hole!!! Good luck Robert !!! My prayers are with you and your family.

stevo
said

It explains some of the stories he writes. I mean walking hair, dentists from hell on motorcycles, and what the heck is a "murmel"?

biggest fan
said

Munch will continue to be the biggest fan of childrens books, in our home. Our prayers go out to him on his recovery. I takes great guts to be able to come forward and admit an a addiction.

elisa
said

Mental illness is an awful disease, it's a good thing he has caring people around him for support.I took my youngest daughter to see him a few years ago and I wondered if he was on something...he seemed to have a hard time putting his thoughts together. Now things make sense.I wish Robert luck with his disease and treatments/recovery...and hope he can continue to write children's books. My kids love his stories and so do I.

Charles Regina
said

Who cares?Tobacco & alcohol kill more then cocaine could ever dream of yet they are "legal". Funny to think (and this is a fact...) that if you went to South America you'd see that the coca plant is treated more like a "plant from god" then a "coke creating weed".Also, to those who say you have no respect for those who perform illegal activities, I strongly call you ignorant & if anything cowardly.Freedom would not have been acquired otherwise, and probably won't..

jackdaw
said

Joanne...maybe you should pick up one of his books one day, it might teach you some spelling and grammar. I'm sure you've never done anything wrong in your life, much less admitted it to millions of people, so you're qualified to judge others. Glass houses and all that.

ONE DOSE, and you ARE HOOKED!
said

Crack, and Coke are very dangerous drugs. These drugs can be addictive with ONE USE! Yes, if you even take it once, you can become addicted.

I know, because my niece was addicted that way, and is now a hooker to pay for her drugs.

The lesson is don't even try them once. Don't ever leave a drink on your table unattended. Go to a bar with real friends, and watch out for each other. Some of these dealers will try to spike your drink, in order to hook you on the drugs.

Remember, ONE DOSE, and YOU ARE HOOKED forever. Do you really want to try to prove I'm wrong?

ONE DOES, and you ARE HOOKED!
said

Janet
said

Keep your chin up,everyone has demons and at least u are facing yours and with suport u will get through it.God only gives us what we can handle. My chidren and grandchildren have enjoyed your books and will continue to do so.

Kristen Bocking Eaton
said

He has always read stories aloud like that, way before he ever knew cocaine ever existed. It is almost the only time he is loud or animated, he is usually extremely quiet, reserved and shy. It's so easy to get caught up in something when you are trying to escape depression:( Lots of love to Bob and his recovery ��

CalgarySandy
said

In Zanadu did Kubla Khan...

Opium Dream

CalgarySandy
said

Now I see why there is so much difficulty in removing the stigma. There are several people commenting here who are spreading the lie that the mentally ill should not be around children and that writing children's books means you are a child molester. It seems thinking about mental illness makes some people mentally ill and deliberately cruel.

I came out in 1987 in order to show that the mentally ill are neither monsters nor idiots. I need to be treated nicely and not bullied. I was bullied for fun in several companies and am now permanently disabled. This is why people are afraid to be honest. It also means that work place accomodation for the disabled is refused for the mentally ill despite the fact that all they need is to be treated decently and not deliberately preyed upon. Would I do it again? No. I did it to help get rid of the stigma and it just made it worse. Why do so many people think it is fun to hurt others?

CalgarySandy
said

For those of you who would not purchase his books for your kids: Dick and Jane is still available. Stand ready when the neighbours read to their kids the best of children's literature to tear them a new one for not being as smart as you.

The books do come from an altered state of consciousness as that is exactly what mental illness is. Whether genetic or caused by repetitions of pain and abuse over years the disorders are ultimately chemical, possible electrical but I have not researched that. Abuse and catastrophies change how your brain functions. Chemicals in your body do it to the tune you were taught and continue to be taught through the bullies, the deliberately ignorant, the selectively stupid, and the outright cruel. Oh, and the bad doctors who are operating under the same outdated education as that of the people in here who do not know that alcoholism and drug addiction are diseases. They are not a lifestyle choice. They are an attempt to be normal gone wrong.

Think: If you read these comments and had just been diagnosed with a mental illness you would know what kind of cruelty and ignorance you would have to face. You would likely hide the fact from everyone. Families regularly hide their ill members for fear of being painted with the stigma brush themselves. The absolutely worst part of these illnesses is the response of others. It tells you that you don't deserve to live.

erin
said

Kids read his books.

dawn
said

Get well soon Mr. Munch...I read your books to my kids..

Rick in NB, Ste Marie
said

Edgar Allen Poe, Ernest Hemingway, Lewis Carrol, Stephen King and many more all did drugs. If your going to scrutinize personal lives, your library just got really small.

CalgarySandy
said

It just goes to show that a person with intelligence and integrity can be a functional participant in our society even when they are addicts and mentally ill. I love him for his courage in going public. I love his family and friends for doing what many do not: provide love and support.

It is a "crap shoot" to come out of the rubber closet as too many people are ignorant savages who will use this against you. A few will be compassionate. Most will turn the other way when the bullying starts. The by-standers make up most of our society.

You do not learn to live from being seriously mentally ill. You do not move on. It often takes all you have and a very good therapist and a very good drug doctor to get the meds right. It takes counselling and meds and it can take years to find the right combo of meds. I am now in year 41 of trying to get the right combo. I think I finally have but it was no thanks to anyone but my son that I lived long enough to do so. Being out means being bullied in the work place even if you are totally managed. If they find out...

Alcohol and drug addiction are mental illnesses and have been considered so for years. There is the stigma at work: Oh, he is just a whackjob and drunk. Only someone who knows what addition and or mental illness is like can understand how much courage Munsch has. Any one who blows him off is a barbarian.

Paul
said

I have to agree with the 'Professor' on this. I've read Robert's books to my boys while they were growing up and thought the same thing.I truly hope he (Robert Munsch, not Prof Pye Chart!) recovers and can get onto a better road.

MonkeyShine
said

His books are often a bore and this lauded children's author is generally over-rated. Perhaps this news will allow other authors a chance to shine. I'd like to see how his writing will change now that he's 'sober.' Good luck, Mr. Munch.

Aliza
said

It's not uncommon for people with undiagnosed mental illnesses to end up abusing other substances. Depressives binge eat, and research has shown that the chemicals in certain foods do affect seratonin and dopamine. People with chronic pain end up addicted to heavy-duty pain killers. And yes, certain mental illnesses are commonly associated with illicit drug addictions because the drugs mask the disease symptoms. Robert Munsch was talented enough, and supported by loved ones enough, that he was able to function professionally despite his illnesses and addictions. But many others end up on the streets and die young, with their talents wasted. To me, what this means is that we should put more focus on diagnosis and proper treatment of mental illness, so that people's lives aren't ruined by addictions, and mental illness sufferers can contribute to society. Kudos for Mr. Munsch for using his recent diagnoses -- of heavily stigmatized and misunderstood illnesses, no less- - to go public. P.S. @Vince & Owen: while child abuse and drug use are both illegal, one destroys the lives of innocents for the pleasure of the abuser. Mr Munsch was the main person harmed by his actions. One (child abuse) should be a capital crime so they get to a very special Hell all the faster to suffer for eternity, while the other (drug addiction) should be handled based on the circumstances (treatment/jail/etc).

Abby
said

I have always been a fan of Robert Munsch. The truth is most great artists have struggled with addictions. This just proves he is human. People who want to rip his books of off their kid's shelves over something like addictions should be ashamed. Think of all the young minds he has inspired and imaginations sparked. I think it's safe to say everyone struggles with something in their life(cigarettes,booze,drugs,etc) why should he be ridiculed for being human? I sincerely hope the best for him. I know I'll still encourage his work!And for all of the naysayers....I suggest you open your eyes,Robert Munsch isn't the only role model who has problems.

arnpriormom
said

My kids and I love his books!! I wish him all the best, he's brought a lot of laughter to a lot of kids and parents.

Cupkate
said

I was rlly surprised when i heard this, but hope that he recovers soon. I used to love his books soooo much when I was little ^___^. It doesn't really matter to me that he was an addict... It doesn't change the fact that he's a creative and genius writer. He's an inspiration to children and writers everywhere. And anyone who chooses to judge him on that is most likely just a cynical and jealous person. To each his own, people. Who are we to judge when there's plenty to judge in ourselves? We all make mistakes and learn from them.

WESTERNER
said

Robert I wish you well - you have a LONG tough road ahead of you and admitting to your additions is the first step. Second "Thank you" for the books my children read and loved - diversity is a good thing with reading. Also, those who prejudge another human should walk in their footsteps - don't cast stones as "no one is perfect" and we do not have the right to judge another human being as we have not lived their life. Judge Not others - as you can and will be judged by others!

realist
said

@Joanne: the very fact that you put "problems" in quotes as if mental illness isn't a "real thing" shows just how very little you know about mental illness. You clearly don't have the first clue what goes on inside the mind of a bi-polar person, so until you do, I suggest you keep your ignorant thoughts to yourself. Agreed, drugs are not the answer -but in a society where mental illnesses are often treated with the kind of understanding and compassion you have just shown, it's little wonder some people feel desperate enough to resort to things like drugs and alcohol. P.S. I am glad Mr. Munsch is being open and honest, I much prefer than to these celebs that only come forward after they've been caught with their "pants down" and are forced to come forward with it.

reece
said

DEAN SAID " I have no sympathy for any person who decides to partake in illegal activities or drugs." - - - would you feel better if the govt gave its blessing? Seriously, mate, stop being such a boyscout. The politicians who create these laws are commiting more serious offences than getting getting high on legal or illegal drugs. Those laws are the bone they throw at you so you can have something to be sanctemoneous about. If you aint cheating on your taxes, receiving kick backs, getting high, or commiting other offences you probably are living in a cave hating.

io demers
said

i am 36 and still love his books especially the paper bag princess. mental illness is all around us and who are we to judge? having seen that reality close up with my grandmother i think it's great robert can come forward. it doesn't change my great respect for him and his talent!

Alys Pinto
said

Poor man! Mental health issues are so common but they are a big taboo so nobody likes to tell anyone they have one. It is very common to self medicate with drugs and alcohol.

audrey woolsey
said

I have grown up reading Robert Munsch books to my own children and will continue to read to my grandkids.... It must have taken a lot of courage for Robert to openly admit his problems,,, and a lot more courage to take control and deal with his issues. I wish Robert all the best in his journey in life...

Someone
said

Why doesn't he loose "The Order of Canada", just like that other guy who raised money for cancer in BC years ago? Double standards, much????

Mandosa
said

And yet we still look to mere mortals to act as our moral compass and heroes. I know, lets look @ the sports industry next. Our professional athletes seem to have a high level of integrity.

just_lori_lee
said

Wow thank you for going public about your illness. Mental illness is the least discussed illness and like all illnesses we can learn to live with it. Thank you Brave Knight.

Tanya Jorgensen
said

As someone who lives with a mental illness and struggles to get past the stigma that accompanies it, I thank Robert Munsch for having the courage to come out about his struggles. Far too many individuals living with mental illness also struggle with addiction, not always in the form of substance use. I view this as a step forward in a positive direction in eliminating the stigma that accompanies mental health problems and substance use problems.

There will always be those individuals who will be unable to see past what he has disclosed which is a shame and just goes to show how sociey views people struggling and living with these types of problems, but I am seeing many comments here offering empathy, a huge change from 5 or 10 years ago.

I wish him all the best in his ongoing battle; it is not easy and there will be relapses, but with the help and support of friends and family, it is possible to get well.

And I will continue to read his books...even as an adult.

Don
said

@Vince : Robert Munsch didn't abuse any children. Why not allow him near children? Your comparison is flawed. And right now in Canada, they want to send a man to the USA for a 5 year prison sentence for selling marijuana seeds. We EXCESSIVELY charge the "druggies" in this country, my dear friend. Mr Munsch, and other Cocaine addicts are humans who need our help.

christine
said

never liked his wierd stories. Now I know why...

kittywoman
said

I can identify with Robert Munsch=living with the pain of mental illness would probably drive me to use cocaine if I were able to get it. At 72 years of age and always feeling "different"

Erin
said

My brother died from a cocaine overdose, its a terrible addicting drug....I wish him all the best in his recovery and anyone else battling addiction with this drug, its easy for so many to say they have no sympathy for those who do it, with so many it is peer pressure or curiosity and it only takes a time or two to become addicted, that doesn't justify it but nobody is perfect...good luck to him, my children and I will continue to read his books as we always have!

Vince
said

I know there will be lefties outraged by this but here we have another fine example of the artsy crowd and their percieved entitlements. "I do hard, addictive drugs and alcohol and have have depression issues. Oh yeah and I write childrens' books - so it's OK." If his name was Father Munsch we would be demanding he not be allowed near children. Why is he still a member of the Order fo Canada? Don't we charge drugies in this country anymore?

Barbara
said

@thelastjasonWELL SAID

Owen
said

I have nothing against this great story teller who has done and continues to do so much good.However, I do wonder if the outpouring of sympathy and well wishing would be the same if he wore the collar of a Roman Catholic Priest. Not so likely and yet the same aspects apply; we are all broken humans who impact the lives of others; we all deserve a change to begin again; all our crimes deserve justice especially for the victims we create in the process. Justice and mercy are two sides of the same coin but the public is less willing to pay it out when it's a man of the cloth.

KazKamikazi
said

@JoanneWell then your missing out on some really good books. My mother read them to me as a young boy and I learned to read from them myself. He may be a Cocaine addict and Alcoholic but at least he is trying to clean himself of his past mistakes. I suggest to buy Midnight Tow Truck. It's an awesome kids book. One day I will read it to my children

Patti
said

Had some email correspondence with him at one time. He is a very nice man and someone who is very sincere. No doubt he has some troubling issues when he is dealing with bi-polar and OCD. I have mild OCD and sometimes it is a challenge to keep it at bay and to be "normal", what ever that is. People who condemn him probably let their kids listen to The Stones or Britney Spears, who we all know have been in recovery for addiction for one thing or another. People shouldn't judge as we don't know what others are going through and what they think will help with their problems. I'm all for him recovering and bringing forth more wonderful stories for years to come.

savik
said

"He still has some trouble searching for words and has an occasional stutter."This sounds like me -- on a good day! I don't mean to belittle his condition though, as I wish Mr. Munsch all the best in getting through Life's rough spots.

KazKamikaze
said

I love the guy.. wrote some of my favorite stories as a child :) Though i never knew he was a cocaine addict.. Alcohol.. well.. Meh.. just hope he wasnt a lame one.

RE: "Knew It"
said

There is NO way I encourage drug use whatsoever - but you seriously despise his books THAT much?! Are you aware that "I'll Love You Forever", which is by far the most touching and heartwarming children's book in history and a best selling classic is by him? But you are right, shut your children away from such literary geniuses, which he is - addiction or not. His books are fresh and creative and actually encourage intelligent conversation between my daughter and I. I hope he gets the treatment he needs.

canUdigItSucka
said

I loved Mr Rogers and his neighbourhood, Pee Wee Herman and still love Tiger Woods, they are all good at there craft but, addiction can rear its ugly head in peoples' lives!

Chris
said

Cocaine is a hell of a drug.

Joanne
said

I do not feel sorry for him, he is his own person and did this to himself. You got to wonder really was it his *problems* that eventually got him into cocaine...or was it his fame and money. Obviously we know he is rich and cocaine is a rich mans drug. So no, I don't feel sorry for him and would never support his drug habbit by buying one of his books. I am glad I raised my children on classic books rather than support his addictions.

Charlene
said

I am not sure that airing your situations in public are in the best interest...however, on the flip side many people need to realize and see that we ALL have struggles with things. I am appalled that some of you would be so judgemental. I also shiver that some could be so cold...I have seen that the ones that are the most judgemental are either too proud to think that they will EVER have any issues and I have also seen many judmental people fall on their knees when something similar hits their own circle of influence whether themselves or family members close by. Word of advice-> Judge not...lest you be judged!

Heather
said

Nobody inspires to become addicted to drugs and alcohol, it is something that can happen to the best of people, the richest of people and the poorest of people. Everyone starts in this world innocent and then something happens and the spiral begins. Who are we to judge. He openly addmitted to this addiction which would be something very hard to admit when he is looked up to by children and parents.

I hope he recovers and is able to stay sober. Good luck Robert, everyone deserves to be healthy. I hope you find the help you need to stay sober.

thelastjason
said

Dear Dean in Abby,

I normally don't engage in ad hominem postings, however, you should have ended your comment at "I have no sympathy PERIOD" It seems that you have defined yourself to this message board by your lack of humanity. Being famous does not make Robert Munsch "any more special than anyone else", nor does it make him deserving of your judgement or scorn. In addition, according to the article he has been trying to "fis (sic) his own problems" for a quarter of a decade - while bringing joy and literacy to the homes of millions of families.
What have you done?

joe
said

Nobody's perfect period.

T.
said

If Munsch has indeed been attending 12 step programs for "25 years," he should know well enough to leave it out of the media.

Keep the ANONYMOUS in recovery!

Ophelia
said

@Knew It - taste is very subjective, and not everyone needs to like everything. I would rather my kids read Munsch and allowed their imaginations to go harmlessly wild, than have them sit in front of the TV with Dora, learning to scream in Spanish. "The Paper-Bag Princess" is a particular favourite - Elizabeth is resourceful and smart, and when Ronald snubs her for not attending to her looks while on her quest to rescue him, she acknowledges that she doesn't in fact need someone who's going to treat her badly, no matter how handsome and well-dressed he is. What's troubling about that?

I was very startled to see the headline, but am pleased that Mr. Munsch has been seeking help. It's not easy in a society that makes vice accessible and then disparages anyone who partakes of it.

Mary
said

I wish him luck in his recovery, alcohol took the life of my father at 49 years old & has killed many of my friends at a much younger age.

Lz in Edmonton
said

Didn't think his behavior on stage was totally normal. But, most actors and entertainers seem to think they need help with substances. Either way, my kids know him as an entertainer, not as a drug addict and that won't change. Personally, I don't know why people "come out" with their problems. I don't think it is necessary at all and it can actually hurt the career. It might end up that some parents don't want people to see Robert all drugged up on stage or perhaps his acting ability will be perceived as sub-par. Good luck Robert, we still have your books.

JC
said

I hope he gets the treatment he needs. There was always something "off" when I saw him perform. Something "not right" that I couldn't put my finger on. Too bad there was.

Max in Vancouver
said

Why wait until the age of 64 to make this public? He's had these problems for "over 25 years" so why bring it out now. He's made millions selling his children's books and can afford the bad publicity I guess but I wonder the motives and the purpose.

Mom Of Two
said

As a mother of two little girls who love his books,I have to admit that this story caught my attention.And though I don't condone drug use, I do wish him well.I also thank him for his amazing stories that have encouraged my girl's love for reading!!

Winnipeg Jim
said

Good luck in your recovery. There are lots of people in the twelve step community who freely are willing to help.

Knew It
said

This news isn't at all surprising. Munsch's books are both bizzare and troubling. I would never buy one for my kids, nor can I understand his 'appeal' to others.

Carter from Victoria
said

I was very shocked when I first read the headline of this article. In fact I was angry aswell, but as I read the article I realized that EVERYONE makes mistakes (for sir Dean in Abby- everyone needs help sometimes with their issues). Nobody can fix all of their problems by themself. Sure he made some mistakes, but he owned up to them, in front of the whole media, and he's getting help! So before anyone decides to open their mouths and judge him, think of all of the times you've ever made a mistake, think of what would've happened to him if he would've kept his problem to himself, and most of all think about what it would be like to have these disorders.

Dale Kamloops
said

To those who are critical of him, thank whoever you believe in every morning that you wake up without having to live with a mental-health illness.

kentington
said

Perhaps this is another example of why we should leave the drug addiction issue in the hands of doctors rather than the police.

Dean in Abby
said

I have no sympathy for any person who decides to partake in illegal activities or drugs. Why should he be comforted any more than the person living in the street with the same problem. Just because he's famous doesn't make him any more special than anyone else. He can fis his own problem by himself for all I care. No one forced him to do it so heal thyself smart guy.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

As a parent who has treated a young audience to several of Munsch's books, I'm sure that I'm not alone in having quietly (but not seriously) wondered whether the author was "on something." His quirky and kooky style makes a true impression. Yet again, we find that personal demons often reside behind great talent.

Michael
said

Another example that solidifies the belief that anyone who partakes in drugs and/or alcohol has mental problems.

jarvis
said

Huge props to him for seeking help, and being honest. I loved his books as a kid, and have always known I'd share them with my kids (still in the future lol). This is what being a role model and good person is about. Making mistakes, correcting them, and not trying to cover up your humanity.

island girl
said

Sometimes I wonder about the wisdom of going public with ones personal problems. Pros and cons, but mostly cons....

Mortimer
said

Judging by the photo, I'd say it`s going well.

Tracy Nadarajah
said

Everyone has problems and everyone makes mistakes. Hopefully, Robert can learn from them and move on. I wish him all the best in his recovery!