Deirdre Kessler named P.E.I.'s 6th poet laureate

Deirdre Kessler has been named P.E.I.'s sixth poet laureate.

Kessler has written two dozen books for children and adults. She also teaches creative writing, children's literature and a course on LucyMaud Montgomery with the English department at the University of Prince Edward Island.

The poet laureate's role is to create awareness of the important role that poetry plays in the literary life of the province and to serve as a cultural ambassador.

"My first response to being asked to be poet laureate was to feel completely daunted. The former poets laureate have set the bar high. My second responses were to be honoured and delighted," said Kessler in a news release issued by the province Thursday.

Kessler plans to gather the surviving retired poets laureate Diane Hicks Morrow, Hugh MacDonald, David Helwig and John Smith for an afternoon public reading of their poems. (Frank Ledwell, who died in 2008, served in the role from 2004 to 2007.)

Kessler also plans to work with the PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada to present poems from around the world read aloud in their original languages, with brief commentaries or translations.

"From her works of poetry and children's fiction, to her work teaching creative writing, Ms.Kesslerhas already made a significant impact on our Island culture," said Education, Early Learning and Culture Minister Doug Currie in the province's statement.