A Little Touch of Colour
Artist and Award-Winning Author and Illustrator: Robyn Gram-Barclay
Come and Join My Good Friend, Ted! the Beautiful Blue Whale Who is RED!
My Good Friend, Ted! is the award-winning picture book series about Ted, a beautiful Blue Whale who is RED! Ted, the grand protector of the ocean, and his friends, navigate their adventures through kindness, respect, diversity, acceptance, support, teamwork, and understanding. Written in rhyme and illustrated in vibrant watercolour for ages 3-8, readers will be engaged in, enlightened by and educated about exciting marine life as well as what they can do to protect our global waters.
Please visit the fabulous and fun animated read aloud of all three books at https://youtu.be/aaBmSCkuYaw - "Story Time With Karyn" hosted by the incredible Karyn Johnston! More information and awesome book-related activity sheets are available through her website at changetheworldwithkaryn.com
Ella's Way
Ella's Way - Early Learning Leads to Acceptance (E.L.L.A.)I am honoured to be a member of the Ella’s Way Author’s Collaborative. Our picture books address sensitive topics such as diversity, equity, acceptance, disabilities, and inclusion in a friendly and approachable way. Ella's Way children's books provide great conversation starters for teachers, librarians, parents, and other caregivers. At Ella's Way, kindness starts early. Our mission is to promote kindness and encourage acceptance of differences as young children begin to form their first friendships. Our specialty children's picture books provide the perfect opportunity for creating these sensitive and age-appropriate conversations. Ella’s Way is a non-profit charity. Check us out at https://www.ellasway.com
SAVE the WHALES™
I am a Sponsor of SaveTheWhales.org! This world-renowned organization's mission is as follows:
"Our mission is to preserve and protect the ocean and its inhabitants.Save the Whales was founded in 1977 when Maris Sidenstecker was 14 years old, and focuses on educating the public, especially children, about marine mammals and the fragile ocean environment.SAVE the WHALES™ believes children, the future of the planet, need to be empowered and know that their actions can promote change. Education is the key to saving whales, oceans, and ourselves."
A portion of every sale from the My Good Friend, Ted! picture book series and merchandise, as well as marine life art prints will be donated back to SAVE the WHALES™ to help further educational programming and preserve and protect the oceans and magnificent marine life! When you see a SAVE the WHALES™ logo with an item, some of the sales proceeds will be donated! Click on the logo below to visit SaveTheWhales.org and learn about this wonderful non-profit organization and how you can make a difference in protecting our beloved whales and oceans!
A portion of every sale from the My Good Friend, Ted! picture book series and merchandise, as well as marine life art prints will be donated back to SAVE the WHALES™ to help further educational programming and preserve and protect the oceans and magnificent marine life! When you see a SAVE the WHALES™ logo with an item, some of the sales proceeds will be donated! Click on the logo below to visit SaveTheWhales.org and learn about this wonderful non-profit organization and how you can make a difference in protecting our beloved whales and oceans!
Partnering with Story Drama Suite!
"Benefits of story drama in the classroom Story Drama workshops are for teachers and educators looking to bring more imaginative play to their curriculum. Story Drama helps students understand varying perspectives, build empathy, and gain a deeper understanding of themes in books, poems or other text. They also encourage problem-solving, teamwork, creativity, openness, and imagination."
Click on the Story Drama Suite logo to be taken to my sister Michelle's exciting website to find out more about how you can immerse story drama into your classroom, learning space and teaching repertoire!
Check out the wonderful lesson plan built around Book Two: My Good Friend, Ted! The Sea-quel in The Ocean of Colour!
Contact: Michelle Gram Giesen, Director
Awards for My Good Friend, Ted!
Purple Dragonfly Book Award for Excellence in Children's Literature
"The Purple Dragonfly Book Award Contest is a worldwide book competition that began in 2009 to celebrate the best in children’s books in 57 categories. We are looking for stories that are original, innovative, and creative in content and design. We want to recognize and honor accomplished authors and also highlight up-and-coming, newly published, and younger writers in the field of children’s literature." Learn more about the Purple Dragonfly Book Award by visiting: www.storymonstersbookawards.com
Story Monsters Approved Award for Excellence in Literature
"The Story Monsters Approved book designation program recognizes and honors authors in the field of children’s literature whose books inspire, inform, teach, or entertain. What makes this book program unique is that every book submitted is judged on its own merit. Each book competes only with itself. And since kids assist our industry experts in judging submissions, when a book earns the Story Monsters Seal of Approval, it means that children are recommending the book for other children to read, too!" Learn more about the Story Monsters Approved Award by visiting www.storymonstersbookawards.com
Mom's Choice Award
"The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA) evaluates products and services created for children, families and educators. The program is globally recognized for establishing the benchmark of excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. The organization is based in the United States and has reviewed thousands of items from more than 60 countries." Learn more about the Mom's Choice Awards by visiting www.momschoiceawards.com
What Readers say...
My Good Friend, Ted!:
Adorable story with lovely rhymes and vibrant illustrations. So fun reading and learning about different sea creatures. - Lily L. (Reader on Goodreads)
A cute picture book about a blue whale that is red. The watercolor paintings are nicely done and the huge variety of sea creatures makes it a fun read.- Carolyn Watson-Dubisch (Reader on Goodreads) ★★★★★
Adorable story with lovely rhymes and vibrant illustrations. So fun reading and learning about different sea creatures. - Lily L. (Reader on Goodreads)
A cute picture book about a blue whale that is red. The watercolor paintings are nicely done and the huge variety of sea creatures makes it a fun read.- Carolyn Watson-Dubisch (Reader on Goodreads) ★★★★★
My Good Friend, Ted! The Sea-quel in The Ocean of Colour:
This book does a wonderful job of demonstrating that it is a good thing to be unique. By being our true selves we make the world so much better. Wonderful resources in the back of the book too! - Kristina Andrews (Reader on Goodreads) Beautiful illustrations that are very colorful and sends a message of the importance of accepting our differences and it’s ok to be different - Linda Updyke (Reader on Goodreads)
This book does a wonderful job of demonstrating that it is a good thing to be unique. By being our true selves we make the world so much better. Wonderful resources in the back of the book too! - Kristina Andrews (Reader on Goodreads) Beautiful illustrations that are very colorful and sends a message of the importance of accepting our differences and it’s ok to be different - Linda Updyke (Reader on Goodreads)
★★★★★
My Good Friend, Ted! in Ted's Tale of the Tangled-Up Whale:
This book not only captivates children with its charming sea critters but also delivers a powerful message for both kids and parents alike. Through vivid illustrations and a heartwarming tale of friendship and teamwork, it sheds light on the importance of environmental conservation. A delightful and impactful read. - Dahlia (Reader on Goodreads) Kudos to the author of this book. I like this book so much because of its cute characters that will for sure interest the readers. The readers will learn to value friendship and show kindness every time one friend is in trouble. Such a good book for kids. - Danna Rose (Reader on Goodreads) All young children will adore the latest in this series of delightfully illustrated, rhyming books by award winning author/illustrator, Robyn Gram-Barclay. In this latest tale, Ted (the RED whale) tries to help his friend who has become entangled in a discarded fishing net, but in doing so, manages to get himself into lots of trouble too! This series of interactive picture books provide valuable educational material, fun facts and great conversation starters for all carers of young children, promoting issues including the acceptance of differences, diversity and the importance of kindness. The world will become a better place if the author continues to add to the series of 'Ted' books! - Jane Clack, The Book Dragon Book Store
This book not only captivates children with its charming sea critters but also delivers a powerful message for both kids and parents alike. Through vivid illustrations and a heartwarming tale of friendship and teamwork, it sheds light on the importance of environmental conservation. A delightful and impactful read. - Dahlia (Reader on Goodreads) Kudos to the author of this book. I like this book so much because of its cute characters that will for sure interest the readers. The readers will learn to value friendship and show kindness every time one friend is in trouble. Such a good book for kids. - Danna Rose (Reader on Goodreads) All young children will adore the latest in this series of delightfully illustrated, rhyming books by award winning author/illustrator, Robyn Gram-Barclay. In this latest tale, Ted (the RED whale) tries to help his friend who has become entangled in a discarded fishing net, but in doing so, manages to get himself into lots of trouble too! This series of interactive picture books provide valuable educational material, fun facts and great conversation starters for all carers of young children, promoting issues including the acceptance of differences, diversity and the importance of kindness. The world will become a better place if the author continues to add to the series of 'Ted' books! - Jane Clack, The Book Dragon Book Store
★★★★★
First of many Book Signing Events!
***Upcoming 2024 Events***:
Book Signing #2 - Saturday November 2 at The Book Dragon Bookstore in Stockton-on-Tees, UK on behalf of the fabulous Author Partners!
Saturday November 16 at the Erin Holiday Marketplace at the Erin Fairgrounds in Erin, ON, Canada from 10 am to 5 pm
Saturday December 7 at the Princess Margaret Public School Holiday Market 51 Wellington St., Orangeville, ON from 9 am to 3 pm
Rewinding time to Sunday June 12, 2022, it was such a beautiful day at Chapters Woodbridge in ON, Canada. I was the first author/illustrator to be welcomed back in-store, at this location, for a book signing event post-pandemic. What an honour! It was a great success with 42 books signed and sold. This glorious experience included a storytime reading for children in the afternoon.
On September 10, 2022, I was invited back to Chapters Woodbridge to attend the Indigo Bookstore 25th Anniversary. I loved being called upon to help celebrate this milestone event! Ted swam into the homes of 30 more families!!
Furthermore, there have been book signings in both Lockwood Book Store and Master's Book Store, author visits in schools (Toronto District School Board and York Region District School Board), libraries, international virtual author visits for schools in the United States (Hawaii and Oregon!) and book signings on my behalf at The Book Dragon Book Store in the UK. I have had the wonderful opportunity to attend many markets, events, fairs, and author and artisan festivals. Please contact me for more information about arranging an author visit or book signing event!
Where Can I find the My Good Friend, Ted! Series?
Pre-Order a brand new Hardcover copy of Book One: My Good Friend, Ted! from: Amazon.ca
Readily available from:
Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.com.au
The My Good Friend, Ted! Series is available at the following book stores, gift shops and libraries:
Forster's Book Garden 266 Queen St. S., Bolton, ON - (905) 951-1501
Lockwood Books 488 Talbot St., St. Thomas, ON - (519) 207-7323
Master's Book Store 195 Highland St., Haliburton, ON - (705) 457-2223
The Book Dragon 6 West Row, Stockton-on-Tees, UK - +44 7896 823919
The Hippie & the Witch Ltd. 27 Wellington Sq, Stockton-on-Tees, UK - 44 7930 359476
Cards N' Such 511 Maple Grove Drive, Oakville, ON - (905) 849-0851
Bolton Art Den 27 King St. E Unit 2B Second Floor, Bolton, ON - (416) 505-2052
The Book Re-View Book Store 2-438 West St. N, Orillia, ON - (705) 327-2579
Caledon Public Library - Albion Bolton Branch 150 Queen St. S, Bolton, ON - (905) 857-1400
CPL - Southfields Village Branch 225 Dougall Ave, Caledon, ON - (905) 857-1400
CPL - Caledon East Branch 6215 Old Church Rd. Caledon East, ON - (905) 584-1456
More Websites:
www.magicbeansbookstore.com
www.savethewhales.org
www.ellasway.com
www.thebookdragon.co.uk
www.forstersbookgarden.ca
www.changetheworldwithkaryn.com
Leave a review at: www.goodnightreads.co (not .com) OR www.goodreads.com
My Good Friend, Ted! merchandise available in the store: Keepsake Keychains, crochet sea creatures and illustration postcards
Fine Art Prints
Gallery - 8x10" Fine Art Prints @ $19.99 CAD - Visit the Store! Watch for the images with the Save the Whales logo!
About Robyn Gram-Barclay...
Art Teacher, Artist, Award-Winning Author and Illustrator...
Welcome to A Little Touch of Colour! I am thrilled you are visiting. I am an art teacher of nearly two decades and love what I do immensely. I appreciate the opportunity to instill the confidence in my students that any dream is possible, be it in the Arts or another field of choice. Creativity and self expression exist within. There are myriad outstanding possibilities for all careers and along any avenue of life!
Having attained an Honours Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences (USA), a Specialized Honours Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Arts, Montessori Teaching credentials, a Bachelor of Education in Visual and Dramatic Arts (Visual Arts Specialist), and Certification as a Life Coach in Therapeutic Arts - not to be confused with a qualified Art Therapist (Canada), I have enjoyed every moment of my educational journey. It has helped shape me into the successful and compassionate teacher I am today, hopefully inspiring and making a difference along the way!
I am a self-published award-winning author and illustrator. I have also illustrated two previously published books for different authors. I am a painter using the preferred media of Acrylic and Watercolour and find it is a wonderful and therapeutic artistic outlet. I love leading others to discover their inner artist.
I am a wife and a mother of twin daughters and a son. I cannot express how much I cherish the support of family and friends, as I continue on this fabulous creative adventure! Along with my human family, I also reside with a cat, Ball Python and plethora of fish, in Ontario, Canada.
Please contact me if you wish to order a custom-inscribed copy of "My Good Friend, Ted!, My Good Friend, Ted! The Sea-quel in The Ocean of Colour and My Good Friend, Ted! in Ted's Tale of the Tangled-Up Whale" or if you see any fine art pieces or Ted merchandise, which strike your fancy. I am available for illustration projects and commission pieces as well.
Thank you again for stopping by. I look forward to hearing from you soon. In the meantime, take good care and be well.
Artistically Yours,
Robyn Gram-Barclay
We would love to hear from you!
I look forward to answering any queries you may have about my products, commissioned art and illustration services.