Stories + Science + Seriously Fun Poetry! A Children's Workshop with Maria Marianayagam

SUNDAY SEPT 20, 10:00-11:30AM

What happens when an engineer decides to become a children’s author? You get a workshop filled with physics, poetry, wordplay, and a whole lot of creativity!

Inspired by her book, The Amazing Power of Girls, author and former engineer Maria Marianayagam shares her journey from engineering to writing in this workshop for 8-12 year olds, and gives participants a behind-the-scenes look at how books are created. Workshop participants will explore the forces of physics featured in the book, discover how authors brainstorm and develop ideas, and enjoy a lively read-aloud. Then, they’ll become poets themselves, dissecting the book’s use of diction, double entendres, and personification before working in teams to create their own personification poems.

No engineering or poetry experience required—just curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to play with words!

Maria Marianayagam is an award-winning Tamil Sri Lankan-Canadian engineer turned children’s book author. She fell in love with children’s books (again!) after becoming an Amma (mom). She is the author of over 10 books for young readers, including board books, picture books, and middle grade. Her books have garnered starred reviews, award nominations, and national media coverage. When Maria is not writing, she can be found traveling the world, devouring books, and spending time with her wonderful family. She resides in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband and three daughters.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED. This is an inclusive workshop intended for children aged 8-12 years old. Please include the first name and age of each child when registering. Each family will receive a copy of one of Maria Marianayagam’s books to take home and keep.  

This workshop is presented in collaboration with the Writer's Guild of Alberta as part of their "Stroll of Poets" event happening in Inglewood from September 17-20. For more information on the festival click here.