Two Canadian children’s authors will be visiting Lethbridge schools, as part of Book Week with the Canadian Children’s Book Centre, to connect with local students through readings and presentations.
Ted Staunton and Maria Marianayagam will also be hosting a public meet-and-greet and book signing at Analog Books on Apr. 29.
Staunton is an award-winning author of over 40 books, including young adult, mid-grade novels, non-fiction, and early chapter books.
Marianayagam is an engineer and author of over 10 books for young readers, including STEM-related books and middle grade books.
Marianayagam is excited to be a part of Book Week. “It gives authors the chance to connect directly with young readers. I’m going to be visiting a local school to talk about books and creativity, the publishing journey, and the power of seeing yourself in stories, and we’re going to be able to meet families at Analog Books afterward.”
According to the author, school visits are incredibly important because they provide an opportunity for children to see real-life authors.
Within the Alberta and Canadian literary landscape, authors are making a living writing books and sharing book joy across the country, she shared. “I think that can be really important. To see books are made by real people and these stories can come from their own lives, and their voices matter.”
With a background in engineering, Marianayagam talks about her background and becoming a writer with students.
“One of the things I really want kids to take away is our society kind of silos those two things. They kind of say you’re either the science nerd or you’re the artsy type. I like to leave students with the message you can be many different things, and you can find your passions and incorporate all of them into whatever career you choose,” she explained.
“I find students are often really intrigued by that and asking questions about bridging that gap and how they include a love of science into their art they might be interested in, or art into science.”
In terms of the cultural books she has written, the author shares thoughts from Dr. Rudine Bishop, who said books are mirrors and windows.
“I think for some kids, they provide windows into experiences they’re not familiar with. For others, they’re mirrors to their own experiences. I think both are important, and I think it’s really special, especially for the kids who see their experiences reflected, to see they belong in books,” she added.
Last year, Marianayagam was fortunate to see four books released, including No Purchase Necessary.
Other books released last year included Wait ‘Til You’re Older, Curry Means More, and a title from her Baby Virtue series.
“I kind of write all the way from zero to 18. I just love the whole range of the childhood experience,” she said.
The event at Analog Books runs from 4 to 5 p.m. on Apr. 29.
For more information about the author, visit her website at marianayagam.com.
