A children's book by two Manitoba authors is teaching everyone about the true meaning of gratitude. Writer and illustrator Linda Szyszkowski says "The Secret Adventures Of Tiny Toba" concerns the importance of bringing gratitude into the life of each and every person. Book designer Daniel Clement notes the story was based on a motorcycle trip they took from Winnipeg all the way to Labrador, adding on their journey they met incredible people all across this great country.

Szyszkowski says sometimes when you stumble, it's amazing the people who will pick you back up. She gives as an example a wonderful gentleman who helped them out when they had a tire in need of replacement. Szyszkowski notes she's been in the process of writing this book for several years, adding it originally started when she was teaching in Australia and found a little toy bear she named Tiny Toba who went on to accompany her and Clement on the motorcycle adventure across Canada. She says they've included a lesson plan in the book and have also integrated the Manitoba curriculum for English, Social Studies, Phys Ed and guidance counsellors, so everyone can use it in the classroom and in their homes.

Both authors add their message is that anything is possible if you follow your dreams. Szyszkowski says "The Secret Adventures of Tiny Toba" is available for purchase locally at Mil-Jeanne flowers. She notes one dollar from the sale of each book will be donated to charity, adding here in Portage la Prairie those proceeds will go to benefit the Portage Plains United Way. You can check out the authors' website here.