My Good Friend Ted!
Cover Blurb
Join Ted, a beautiful Blue Whale who is RED, as he gathers his friends in a fun-filled game of tag and togetherness. After all, he is the great protector of the ocean! Written in rhyme and beautifully illustrated in watercolour, Ted navigates his adventures and friendships through kindness, respect, diversity, acceptance, and teamwork. Children of all ages will enjoy this sweet story, while being enlightened by the unique sea creatures Ted encounters along the way.
Other Titles By the Author
Robyn Gram-Barclay
Author Bio
Hi there! My name is Robyn Gram-Barclay, and I am an art teacher of two decades, a practicing artist, and an award-winning author and illustrator. Having been previously published twice as an illustrator, I ventured into the world of becoming an author AND illustrator in 2019, when starting to pen a picture book inspired by my son's intrigue and affinity for sea creatures. The picture book, “My Good Friend, Ted!” was ultimately self-published in 2021, with a follow-up book: My Good Friend, Ted! The Sea-quel in The Ocean of Colour, in 2022, and a third book: My Good Friend, Ted! in Ted's Tale of the Tangled-Up Whale. The books, written in rhyme and illustrated in vibrant watercolour, revolve around Ted and his friends navigating their ocean adventures and friendships through kindness, respect, diversity, acceptance, and teamwork. My books are currently sold in several Indie bookstores across Ontario, Canada, as well as in The Book Dragon in the UK. I have graciously received wonderful feedback from families and children of all ages. The books have been awarded the Purple Dragonfly Book Award, Mom's Choice Award and the Story Monsters Approved Award. I have also received a Certificate of Recognizing Kindness, from the American charity organization, Ella's Way, while being a member of their global Author's Collaborative, which focuses on donating our picture books highlighting themes of kindness, inclusion, diversity, and accepting those with differences, to schools, hospitals, libraries, and institutions supporting literacy. These are most honourable achievements for my premier series in children’s literature and exciting recognition and acknowledgement! I have also established a fabulous connection with the world renowned organization of SAVE The WHALES™ to where a portion of my proceeds are donated to help further their educational programming and preserve and protect our global waters and magnificent marine life. I reside in Ontario, Canada with my husband, twin daughters, son, as well as a cat, ball python snake, and a plethora of fish!
The Book Tour
Day 1 - Favourite Quotes
Day 2 - Character Summaries
Ted! He’s the star of the book and is so full of love and positivity. He is an excellent friend to his fellow creatures in the sea and always ready to have fun. He makes for a wonderful focal point to the story and is a fantastic role model for children. (Michelle Marshall)
Blobfish It was nice to see the Blobfish get some representation. I feel like we don't see enough of them in stories and they are fascinating creatures! All of the artwork in the book was lovely but this one stood out to me. (Tim Marshall)
It has to be Ted himself! The story tells that Ted wants to share fun with every sea animal he encounters, because it is important to play and share, but also he is cautious that nobody loses their way - shows responsibility. He is like a big brother to them all, which shows his character development as the story progresses. We can’t help but love him! He is a well created character that will stand out in children's minds long after the book is closed. (Yvonne Marrs)
Manta Ray I loved the manta ray, he remains sadly nameless but I loved the art, his big ol’ smile and how his face looks a bit like he has a ‘fu manchu’ moustache. (Ralph Booth)
Ted. My favourite character has to be the main character Ted! With a heart as big as the ocean, Ted is a gentle giant who brings joy and unity wherever he swims. He models kindness and respect and the magic of embracing differences, making him a great role model to young readers. (Bronwyn McKay)
Day 3 - Favourite Excerpts
Underneath the ocean blue, Daisy Dolphin swims on through. Her shiny body shimmers bright, she glides and glimmers left and right. I love the imagery here! (Michelle Marshall)
I really enjoyed the creature feature that provides names for the sea creatures featured throughout the book. (Tim Marshall)
“This game calls creatures great and small. A splendid time is had by all!” (Yvonne Marrs)
Ted likes to play with Narwhal Ned. “Come join our game of tag!” Ted said, to their friends on the soft seaweed bed. (Ralph Booth)
Underneath the ocean blue, Daisy Dolphin swims on through. Her shiny body shimmers bright, she glides and glimmers left and right (Bronwyn McKay)
Day 4 - Video Interview
Day 5 - Reviews
5 Stars. My Good Friend, Ted is an utter delight to read. The illustrations, which are also done by the author, are colourful and eye-catching and will especially appeal to young children. I love that the book celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and embracing differences. It also helps children realise the importance of protecting our sea and the life within it, and Robyn donates proceeds to Saves the Whales. I thoroughly recommend this book and it’s two sea-quels! (Michelle Marshall)
5 Stars- A lovely book for introducing children to various sorts of marine life through fun rhymes and cute illustrations. I commend the author especially for supporting Save the Whales through proceeds from the book. (Tim Marshall)
5 Stars- A fantastic colourful children's book that teaches young readers about sea animals. “Join Ted, A Red Blue Whale and the grand protector of the ocean, as he gathers friends in a fun-filled game of tag and togetherness.” (Although I am disappointed there’s no seahorse!) Showing that togetherness knows no bounds, and friendship is the way to go, it is an educational ‘tale’ (pun intended). Robyn’s illustrations are bright and fun, it is easy to differentiate between the different animals because of how they have been created. The fun rhyming word play introduces younger readers to poetry and reading. I would have no reservations about recommending this book. (Yvonne Marrs)
5 Stars- A beautifully illustrated book introducing children to various forms of marine life. A lovely pace, appropriate language and clear rhymes makes the book engaging for children to be read to or to read themselves. (Ralph Booth)
5 Stars- My Good Friend Ted is a delightful rhyming tale that makes a big splash in the world of children’s literature. There is a perfect balance between fun and meaning. Ted is more than just a playful ocean giant—he’s a gentle leader and protector who shows children the value of inclusion and friendship in an age-appropriate, engaging way. It’s a warm, whimsical journey through the deep blue sea—with a big red whale you’ll never forget. (Bronwyn McKay)
Book Tour Reviewers
