Description

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!