In prehistoric times, a large body of water, called the western interior seaway, covered most of North America and large parts of Manitoba as well. This is where Bruce, the world-record holding mosasaur, would have lived. Now, a Winnipeg author has written a book about the seaway and the dinosaurs, like Bruce, who ruled those waters.

Larry Verstraete is the author of Dinos Of The Deep, a new book just released which highlights the importance of fossils found in Manitoba, particularly near Morden.

"The book is about the seaway," said Verstraete, "how and way we know so much about it, and in particular why Manitoba is a hot-bed for that kind of thing."

Verstraete has written many non-fiction books, but said he was inspired to write this one because of his interest in paleontology and the opportunity to write about his home province.

"Years ago I wrote an alphabet book about Manitoba, and while researching different topics I came across the word mosasaur, which I didn't know too much about."

His research into mosasaurs and the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre (CFDC) built onto his existing curiosity about what sort of treasures Manitoba had to offer paleontology. Then, last year, he agreed to write the Dinos Of The Deep book in collaboration with Turnstone Press and the CFDC.

"To actually write about my home province and all the wonders that were in it, that was kind of amazing," said Verstaete.

Verstaete added that he believed the CFDC is a source of pride for Manitoba, calling it a "hidden treasure."

"A lot is being known about the seaway and its creatures through Manitoba's efforts as well."

The book is illustrated by Julius T. Csotonyi who is a prominent paleo-artist who creates vibrant, action-filled scenes of what life might be like for dinosaurs who lived in the ancient seaway that once covered the Pembina Valley.