A Little Touch of Colour
Award-Winning Artist, Author and Illustrator: Robyn Gram-Barclay
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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 and a winner of the Gold Award for Promoting Kindness through Children's Literature. 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
I am a Sponsor of and Partner with 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 the My Good Friend, Ted! Series
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
First of many Book Signing Events!
Stay Tuned For Upcoming Events!
Earth Week Tour: Chapters & Chai Ltd. - April 19-26, 2026
Book Signing (on my behalf) at Chapters & Chai Ltd. - Friday April 24, 2026 10:00 am to 12:00 pm - 42 The High Street, Stockton-on-Tees, UK - +44 7896 823919
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!
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Fine Art Prints
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"Bolton artist transforms Caledon library reading garden with ‘whimsical and uplifting’ installation"
Visitors to the Southfields branch of the Caledon Public Library, in Caledon, ON, Canada, will have more than just books to spark their imagination.A new outdoor installation, unveiled on June 16, transforms the reading garden into a place where stories and art meet, according to Jill Jambor, the library’s communications and cultural development manager.She described the eight-foot-square mural by Caledon artist Robyn Gram-Barclay as “whimsical, uplifting and full of life. It invites curiosity, encourages young imaginations to take flight and stands as a joyful reminder that creativity is for everyone,” Jambor wrote in an email to the Caledon Enterprise.
“We looked at our Artful Caledon lineup and Robyn was selected because she is a local author and artist as well as a library champion. She illustrates children’s books and her style relates well to all ages,” Jambor explained.Gram-Barclay, who has always dreamed of painting a large mural for public appreciation, said it was a “tremendous honour and privilege” to have been chosen for the project.
According to Jambor, the installation funded by the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative (CHCI), brings art and local culture into the library’s outdoor space.
“At Caledon Public Library, we believe public spaces should spark connection, imagination and a sense of belonging,” she wrote. “Robyn’s artwork accomplishes all of this and more. It transforms this garden into a place where stories and art meet — a place for families, readers and dreamers of all ages.”
“I hope that the CPL reading garden at Southfields Village branch becomes a peaceful, inviting and happy destination for readers of all ages, while surrounded by both natural and painterly beauty,” said Gram-Barclay.
- Sabrina Almeida, Reporter, Caledon Citizen Full article available here!
“At Caledon Public Library, we believe public spaces should spark connection, imagination and a sense of belonging,” she wrote. “Robyn’s artwork accomplishes all of this and more. It transforms this garden into a place where stories and art meet — a place for families, readers and dreamers of all ages.”
“I hope that the CPL reading garden at Southfields Village branch becomes a peaceful, inviting and happy destination for readers of all ages, while surrounded by both natural and painterly beauty,” said Gram-Barclay.
- Sabrina Almeida, Reporter, Caledon Citizen Full article available here!
The ArtstoHearts Project:
The ArtstoHearts Project is proud to present "The Great Book of Art Makers" highlighting the top 100 international artists across the globe! My painting "A Thirst for Life" (painting shown above) is showcased in the book along with my artist statement. You can order the book on the artstohearts.com website and through Amazon.
The Great Book of Artmakers – 2025 Edition100 artists. Infinite dreams. One shared love for creation.
"The Great Book of Artmakers – 2025 Edition is a luxuriously produced collector’s volume celebrating the creative brilliance of 100 exceptional artists from around the world . Wrapped in an elegant gold-foiled jacket and featuring the captivating work of cover artist Olaf Hajek, the book merges timeless craftsmanship with visionary curation. Each page invites readers into the minds, studios, and stories of the artists who are redefining creativity in our time."
I was also honoured with the opportunity to be a highlighted artist on their website!! Check it out at:
https://artstoheartsproject.com/how-a-mothers-poem-turned-into-a-picture-book-series-for-children/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPjecdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeABZnzBoDhOR6WXZtltvoAO4ot_SMcMMyfyrKBHkeGqwm4LR54b50vKsycYA_aem_aO8tJMgTuP3F6nHUJ7Ax-Q
You can explore the virtual exhibition here (my art piece is in the second room - navigate the gallery by clicking on the arrows to locate it):https://artstoheartsproject.com/the-art-makers/
"This immersive online exhibition unfolds across thoughtfully designed virtual rooms, each bringing together a range of meaningful and striking artworks. Some pieces feel quiet and personal, while others are bold and powerful, but all speak to shared experiences, ideas, and emotions. Together, the artworks create a sense of movement, resilience, and connection, inviting viewers to slow down, reflect, and engage with the many ways art helps us understand ourselves and the world around us." -ArtstoHearts.com
"This immersive online exhibition unfolds across thoughtfully designed virtual rooms, each bringing together a range of meaningful and striking artworks. Some pieces feel quiet and personal, while others are bold and powerful, but all speak to shared experiences, ideas, and emotions. Together, the artworks create a sense of movement, resilience, and connection, inviting viewers to slow down, reflect, and engage with the many ways art helps us understand ourselves and the world around us." -ArtstoHearts.com
Art Teacher, Award-Winning Artist, Author and Illustrator, and Muralist...
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, My Good Friend, Ted! in Ted's Tale of the Tangled-Up Whale, and My Good Friend, Ted! The Red Whale Tale Begins" 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
I would love to hear from you!
I look forward to answering any queries you may have about my products, commissioned art and illustration services.