A Little Touch of Colour
Award-winning Author and Illustrator: Robyn Gram-Barclay
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
“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!”
What an incredible honour to be commended in three amazing categories:
Picture Books 3-8 (Fiction)
Cultural Diversity
Illustrations/Photography/Artwork
Super exciting news!! I am now 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!
"My Good Friend, Ted! and My Good Friend, Ted! The Sea-quel in The Ocean of Colour" are both Mom’s Choice Awards® Silver Award Recipients!
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What a wonderful way to end a week - January 20, 2023! This organization reached out to me back in September 2022 to submit my book(s) as they felt the stories and messages meshed well with their values and beliefs. I am very honoured to have been presented with these accolades! 😃 "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 entries from more than 55 countries. Around the world, parents, educators, retailers, and members of the media look for the MCA mother-and-child Honoring Excellence seal of approval when selecting quality products and services for children and families. Learn more about the Mom's Choice Awards by visiting their website: www.MomsChoiceAwards.com."
Please reach out if you would like a custom-signed copy of one or both books! As well, some fun book share and signings are coming up...stay tuned. Hope everyone is keeping happy and healthy in 2023 thus far! 🥰
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Outstanding win for My Good Friend, Ted! The Purple Dragonfly Book Award for Excellence in Children's Literature: Second Place for Picture Books 5 and Younger!!
First of many Book Signing Events!
Sunday June 12, 2022 was such a beautiful day at Chapters in Woodbridge, 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 the 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!!
The My Good Friend, Ted! Series is available at the following book stores 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 - 01642 670906
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
Coming Soon! CPL - Caledon East Branch 6215 Old Church Rd. Caledon East, ON - (905) 584-1456
Coming Soon! Kleinburg Library 10341 Islington Ave. Kleinburg, ON - (905) 653-7323
Come and join my good friend Ted, a beautiful blue whale who is RED, as he gathers his friends in a grand game of tag and togetherness. He is the great protector of the ocean after all! Written in rhyme and illustrated in wonderful watercolour, readers of all ages will enjoy this sweet story while being enlightened by the unique sea creatures encountered along the way!
Come and join Ted in another adventure in the ocean! Ted, the beautiful Blue Whale who is RED navigates true friendships in a meaningful and heartfelt tale of kindness, respect, diversity, and acceptance. Once again, this book is illustrated in watercolour and written in rhyme!
Keepsake Illustration Keychains! single keychain for $2.00 OR packaged with "My Good Friend, Ted!" Book One for $15.00
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Art Teacher, Artist, Award-Winning Author and Illustrator...
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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), 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, snake, hamster, 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