Winnipeg teacher pens kids' book focusing on Manitoba

Gwen Smid, a Winnipeg English and Social Studies teacher has written a book she hopes will “provide the antidote for students who feel disconnected with the outdoors.”

A teacher at Kildonan-East Collegiate, she says the book, Mary’s Atlas: Mary Meets Manitoba, focuses on the diverse geography of Manitoba through the lense through a story involving flying bison and the north wind.

“Students sometimes think that geography is boring because they are missing a sense of connection with nature,” says Smid. “Learning about coniferous trees and topography is much more fun if a flying bison is involved.”

Facts about Manitoba are sprinkled along the path of Mary, the book’s main character who partners with Bou the flying bison to track down the Golden Boy’s torch, stolen by the north wind.

The book, launched last month, is illustrated by Sonia Nadeau. It is available at all major book stores in Winnipeg and published by Peanut Butter Press.