CALGARY – Canadian astronauts and jazz great Diana Krall launched learning into space with a musical, literary, scientific and artistic adventure that will make the hearts of students and teachers soar for many years.

With funding from the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and expertise from some of Calgary’s—and Canada’s—best artists and scientists, Lord Beaverbrook High School students combined the arts and sciences in a year-long collaboration.

The result of this amazing collaboration is a children’s illustrated hardcover, audio and eBook entitled from Blue to Red, written, illustrated and musically composed by students. It is the inspiring story of fictional astronaut Elizabeth Owens, commander on the first mission to Mars. Through a holographic diary, Elizabeth tells her grandson about the mission and sacrifices she made to be an explorer. While creating this book, a group of innovative students had the opportunity to marshal their creativity, talent, skills, research abilities, and imaginations.

The idea came from the school’s music teacher, Ross McIntyre.

“This collaborative project is the best example of cross-curricular student work that I have ever experienced. From Blue to Red is the highlight of my teaching career,” says Ross McIntyre, a former CBE student and current educator for more than twenty years. “Beaverbrook students proved yet again that when given the opportunity to succeed, they always rise to the occasion. We assembled world-class artists as mentors for this project led by renowned Calgary artist and storywriter, Samantha Whelan Kotkas.”

Naomi Johnson, Chief Superintendent of Schools, says, “We are delighted that our students had this remarkable opportunity to learn from the best and be actively involved in such a creative experience. It’s an example of the opportunities available to students in the CBE’s world-class education system.”

CSA astronaut Robert Thirsk, a former student of Lord Beaverbrook High School, and fellow astronauts Julie Payette, David Saint-Jacques, along with Diana Krall, narrate the book.

“It was a pleasure to participate in the From Blue to Red book project, which creatively engaged a large number of Lord Beaverbrook students. I expect their imaginative story will inspire young Albertan readers who dream of space flight.”