A children's book written and illustrated by two Steinbach teachers has won an award.

Jonathan Toews and Ryan Polinsky won the Manitoba Writers Guild Manuela Dias Book and Illustration Award in the Children's Illustrated category. Polinsky says their publisher nominated their book  Rudiger and the Painted Door for the award and they were shortlisted alongside three other children's book illustrators.

Polinsky says to have his illustrations recognized is a humbling and honouring experience.

"A lot of work goes into illustrations, so it was neat to have that time I put in recognized."

Toews says literacy is very important and illustrations in a children's book are part of what makes it an interesting and fun experience for kids.

"It's not really anything without the illustrations. It can be words, and the words can be good, but if you have illustrations that are kind of boring or old-style, kids aren't going to want to pick it up. This book kids want to pick up because the illustrations are vibrant and interesting and fun to look at."

Polinsky adds when he was sketching Rudiger he wanted his eyes to be expressive and full of wonder as he went through all his adventures.

"So, a lot of those preliminary sketches came from that and I just wanted to have it bright and exciting because that's what the book is about, that sense of adventure."

Toews adds he and Polinsky are looking into writing another book where Rudiger's sister goes on some adventures of her own and learns very valuable lessons. Rudiger and the Painted Door is available through Amazon.

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