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Bolton children’s author completes “My Good Friend, Ted!” trilogy

November 30, 2023   ·   0 Comments

Robyn Gram-Barclay’s books teach inclusion, teamwork, and kindness

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The adventures of Ted, a red blue whale, continue in a local children’s author’s latest book.

On November 14, Bolton’s Robyn Gram-Barclay released her third book: My Good Friend, Ted! in Ted’s Tale of the Tangled-Up Whale.

The book completes a trilogy of books about Ted that teach children about inclusion, kindness, and teamwork.

The latest book features Ted, the grand protector of the ocean, coming across a whale friend who is trapped in a fishing net. Ted tries to save the whale all by himself, but ends up getting tangled in it too. Ted’s sea creature friends must use the power of teamwork to save the day.

“Ted and his friends show that kindness and teamwork help solve tricky problems,” said Gram-Barclay, adding the book brings awareness to threats to ocean life and the importance of protecting the world’s oceans.

Gram-Barclay went through many rounds of edits on her latest book in an effort to perfect its poetic flow. She worked on the book with her father, an English specialist, teacher and principal.

“The book is dedicated to my dad… dedicated to my supportive and loving family, especially my grand protector, my father,” said Gram-Barclay.

Gram-Barclay has an author visit and art event coming soon at the Caledon East branch of the Caledon Public Library to celebrate the launch of her book. From 1 to 2:30 p.m. on December 2, she’ll read her new book, answer questions, and facilitate a watercolour painting exercise. 

“I’ll have the materials (and) pictures of sea creatures,” said Gram-Barclay. “[Kids] can paint their own version of Ted and his friends or their own sea creature painting.”

She said the event will be engaging and she’s looking forward to a great time.

Gram-Barclay illustrated each of her three books with watercolours. Her first book was My Good Friend, Ted! and the second was My Good Friend Ted! The Sea-quel in the Ocean of Colour.

“It’s an exhilarating feeling… it’s been such an amazing creative journey,” said Gram-Barclay of completing her trilogy of books. “I feel I covered all the topics I wanted to in this trilogy.”

She said amazing things have come of it, such as her partnership with the non-profits Save The Whales and Ella’s Way.

The Ella in Ella’s Way stands for “Early Learning Leads to Acceptance”. The non-profit’s goal is to donate and promote books about things like inclusion, diversity and equity to children.

“I feel very honoured to be a part of it,” said Gram-Barclay. 

Those interested in registering for Gram-Barclay’s event can visit the following link: events.caledonlibrary.com/event/9473115.

Gram-Barclay’s book can be found locally at Forster’s Book Garden in Bolton, and online at alittletouchofcolour.com.

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