Bio: Robyn Gram-Barclay, is an art teacher of two decades, and award-winning artist, author and illustrator.  The My Good Friend, Ted! picture book was published in 2021, My Good Friend, Ted! The Sea-quel in The Ocean of Colour (2022), My Good Friend, Ted! in Ted’s Tale of the Tangled-Up Whale (2023), and My Good Friend, Ted! The Red Whale Tale Begins (2025). 

The My Good Friend, Ted! books, perfect for children ages 3-8, are written in rhyme and illustrated in vibrant watercolour. The series involves Ted, a beautiful Blue Whale who is Red, as he navigates his ocean friendships and adventures with kindness, respect, diversity, acceptance, and teamwork. The Ted series has won four awards including the Purple Dragonfly Book Award, the Mom’s Choice Award, the Story Monsters Approved Award, and Ella’s Way Recognition of Kindness Award. Ms. Gram-Barclay is a sponsor and partner of the world-renowned organization SAVE the WHALES to which a portion of proceeds are donated to protect our global oceans and marine life.

Literary Inspiration: Sea creature-loving son

Genre: Children’s picture books, poetry     Writes for: Children