Author Success - In the media, awards, reviews

Inspiring Stories to Start the Year!

Jan 29,2026 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

January is a great time to highlight our Tellwell authors and their work. This month, we’re sharing a collection of author spotlights and book reviews, celebrating the creativity and dedication that goes into each story.

Through these features, readers can discover engaging new books while learning more about the people behind them. It’s a way to celebrate the talent and passion that bring stories to life.

Author Spotlight

Lucas wants a tarantula—not a toy, not a picture, but a real eight-legged friend! The only problem? Mom is terrified of spiders.

In this sweet and funny story, Lucas uses patience, courage, and plenty of fun facts to win her over. Now featured in KidlioMag, K.M.’s book, Lucas Gets a Tarantula is capturing young readers’ hearts and sparking brave conversations at home. Perfect for kids, parents, and anyone learning that courage sometimes comes with eight legs. 💛

The Adventures of Gregg the Fainting Goat by Steve Mo is also featured in KidlioMag! 🐐

Gregg isn’t your ordinary farm goat—he faints whenever he gets too excited or scared. When he dreams of joining the rodeo, his kindhearted friend Sharon helps him take on the goat-tying event. Full of humor, heart, and farmyard fun, this story shows that what makes you different can also be your greatest strength. Perfect for ages 3 to 7, it’s a tale that will leave kids laughing, cheering, and celebrating themselves.

Discover the magic of The Lonely Dragon: The Adventures of Astrid the Viking by Ruth Tobiassen, now featured in KidlioMag! 🐉

When a lonely dragon meets a brave Viking girl, a story of friendship, courage, and kindness unfolds. This beautifully rhyming tale shows that true friendship begins with understanding and heart. Perfect for bedtime or quiet reading, it blends gentle rhythms, memorable characters, and a message young readers will cherish.

Review

Wendy Maclean’s Santa Also Forgets has earned a five-star review from Reader’s Favorite! Based on true events and inspired by Wendy’s family trips to Santa’s village, this heartwarming story captures the magic of the season and the joy of kindness.

Santa Also Forgets by Wendy Maclean is built around humor, warmth, and relatable holiday moments. The writing is gentle, making it easy for young readers to read, while Amelina Jones’s illustrations bring all the pages to life.
-Readers’ Favorite Book Review

Cody Cole’s Auke-wingeke-tawso, or, ‘Defender of His Country’ has received a five-star review from Reader Views! This detailed account of Charles de Langlade’s life highlights the bravery and endurance of the Green Bay forest settler, whose actions in the French & Indian War earned him lasting respect. Rich in historical detail, the book brings to life a fascinating figure often overlooked in history. Cody Cole, a history enthusiast from Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, combines meticulous research with a passion for storytelling to make this remarkable tale accessible to readers today.

Overall, Auke-wingeke-tawso is a solid work of historical scholarship that successfully conveys the history and influence of one of the most important Métis war captains, traders, and diplomats of the colonial era.
-Reader Views Book Review

A Look at November’s Author Wins!

Nov 24,2025 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

November brought a fresh wave of milestones for our authors, and we’re excited to shine a light on a few of the standouts. From a well-deserved book award to an inspiring author spotlight and a glowing new review, this month was full of moments worth celebrating.

Award

Tellwell author Maurice Jones is a 2025 finalist for Author of the Year at the International Impact Book Awards!

His inspiring children’s book encourages young readers to believe in themselves and reach for their dreams, emphasizing the importance of love, guidance, and the role of teachers in every child’s growth.

Maurice E. Jones, a certified chef, poet, and writer from Detroit, brings his life experiences and passion for giving back into his work. From his early poetry publications to supporting causes like Children’s Hospital of Michigan and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Maurice continues to uplift his community while sharing stories that inspire.

September Reads to Celebrate

Sep 26,2025 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

September was full of wonderful moments for our authors. This month, we saw books recognized with awards, celebrated at events, and shared with new readers. It’s always inspiring to watch these stories connect with people in meaningful ways. Here’s a closer look at the highlights and achievements that made September worth celebrating.

Awards

We’re happy to share that Amy and the Magic Forest by Zlata Prudyus has been named a winner of the Golden Wizard Book Prize. This heartwarming story follows Amy as she enters a magical forest, meets a kind fairy named Freya, and learns valuable lessons about bravery, friendship, and kindness.

Zlata first wrote this story as a school project before turning it into the delightful book we know today. This recognition is a wonderful celebration of her creativity and imagination.

Celebrating Our Authors and Books This August

Aug 25,2025 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

August was filled with exciting moments for our authors! From positive book reviews to award recognitions, this month highlighted the dedication and creativity behind their work. It’s always inspiring to see stories reach new readers, gain appreciation, and earn acknowledgment for the impact they create. As we close out the month, we’re taking a moment to look back and celebrate the authors and books that made August stand out.

Awards

Tellwell author Prescilla Goraya has been recognized with an Honorable Mention at the 2025 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards for her debut picture book, Liz, in the New Author: Fiction Category.

In Liz, the story is told through the eyes of Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved dogs, gently exploring themes of grief, healing, and cherished memories while honoring Her Late Majesty’s legacy. An Australian-born author, teacher, and mother of two, Prescilla draws on her own experiences of loss and resilience to create stories that inspire compassion and hope.

Stash! Little Horse, Big City received an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Purple Dragonfly Book Awards in the Charity and Making a Difference category.

This heartwarming story follows Stash, a miniature therapy horse who brings comfort and joy to hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and more. With his gentle nature, Stash shows the power of kindness, compassion, and the big difference one small horse can make.

Written by sisters Rhiya and Aarya, passionate equestrians and community advocates, the book is inspired by the real Stash—the only certified therapy mini equine in Toronto. Along with illustrator Roksolana, they’ve created a touching reminder that sometimes the smallest among us carry the biggest hearts.

Zlata Pryudyus has been recognized on the 2025 American Book Honor Awardee list by Writers Global.

Her book, Amy and the Magic Forest, follows Amy, a young girl who stumbles into a magical realm after a fight with her best friend. Guided by Freya the fairy, she faces challenges, learns the value of teamwork, and discovers the true meaning of friendship.

Zlata, a sixth grader from Vancouver, first wrote the story as a school assignment at HongDe Elementary. With encouragement from her teachers and her mom, Roxi, she turned it into a published book. Passionate about storytelling, she hopes to inspire other children to embrace creativity and imagination.

Publicity

Local author Joe Lyons-Rising has released a heartfelt self-help book on coping with grief and loss, drawing from his own experiences to guide others through healing.

The book was recently featured in BarrieToday, where Lyons-Rising shared his hope of inspiring readers to face their struggles and find peace.

With honesty and compassion, his work stands as both a personal story and an encouraging resource for anyone navigating life after loss.

Dr. Mark Tyndall is taking a stand for tobacco harm reduction, sharing his insights in his new book Vaping: Behind the Smoke and Fear. With decades of experience in HIV care and harm reduction, he frames safer nicotine products as a “safe supply” for people who smoke.

In a feature by FilterMag, Tyndall reflects on how strict smoking bans often force patients into unsafe situations, showing the need for compassion and practical solutions instead of prohibition.

Reviews

Author Mala Khiroya received a glowing 5-star review from Reader Views for her book Pundalik & Lord Vitthala: The Man Whom God Visited Because He Served His Parents Selflessly with Love. This beautifully crafted children’s story shares the tale of Pundalik and Lord Vitthala, teaching young readers about love, kindness, and selfless devotion.

Pundalik & Lord Vitthala: The Man Whom God Visited Because He Served His Parents Selflessly with Love,” by Mala Khiroya, is more than an inspiring children’s book on the subject of respecting parents. It’s also a guide and fun workbook for children to explore, write in, and engage with to find deeper meaning in service to parents.
-Reader Views Book Review

Author Philippe Le Blanc received a glowing 5-star review from Reader Views for his book Advantage Equities: Invest Between the Lines and Win. Blending lessons from the tennis court with the world of stock market investing, Le Blanc offers readers a fresh and practical approach to building financial success.

Advantage Equities: Invest Between the Lines and Win, by Philippe Le Blanc, teaches you the ins and outs of investing and the stock market by merging two things: tennis and the stock market. This is a fascinating look at the stock market through the lens of tennis, and the world of tennis through the lens of investing. They have more to do with each other than you might think, and this big, bold book shows you how and why.
-Reader Views Book Review

May’s Author and Book Buzz!

May 27,2025 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

May brought plenty of moments worth celebrating in the world of books and authors. From public recognition to engaging events, it’s been a month of spotlighting the voices behind the stories. Whether through panels, signings, or special features, authors had the chance to connect with readers and share their journeys.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights and familiar faces from this month’s literary celebrations.

Events

The 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books marked its 30th anniversary on April 26–27 at the USC campus, drawing over 150,000 attendees to celebrate storytelling, creativity, and community. As the largest literary event in the U.S., the festival featured author panels, book signings, exhibitor booths, and live performances—creating a space where readers and writers could connect.

The vibrant atmosphere also included storytelling for kids, food trucks, cooking demos, and live music. Among the many authors in attendance were a few familiar faces from Tellwell Publishing, including Richard Lowy and Peter Gribble, who were spotted engaging with readers and celebrating their literary journeys.

Maximiliano Moreno Sastre, author of Ain’t No Way This Is Real recently held his first-ever book signing at Indigo Langley. It was a meaningful experience for him, especially as it took place at one of his favorite bookstores.

Grateful for the opportunity, Maximiliano shared how special it felt to talk about his story and meet readers in person. Signing copies of his debut book, he marked an exciting moment in his publishing journey—one that he won’t soon forget.

Stories to Start Your Year: January’s Author Spotlights

Jan 27,2025 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

We’re kicking off 2025 by celebrating authors who are leaving a mark with their incredible stories. Dive into their journeys, explore their works, and discover the inspiration behind their books!

Publicity

Johnny Stanz, one of our talented Tellwell authors, was recently featured in Readers Views Kids for his heartwarming book, Everyone Is Perfect for Just Who They Should Be.

The answer to what inspired me to write this book would be the same answer if I were asked, “What inspires you in everything you do in life?” And that is an easy question to answer, but keep in mind, it is not so much what as it is who! Without question, my determination to do everything I can do in order to guide my daughter Charlotte toward being the best version of a human that she can possibly be throughout her life, which I’m confident will lead to her complete happiness, has become my sole purpose for existing on this earth!
– Johnny Stanz in an exclusive interview with Reader Views

A December Celebration of Stories!

Dec 20,2024 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

This December, we’re sharing the latest author events, achievements, and success stories. From book launches and awards to exciting milestones and reader highlights, our authors have had a month full of meaningful moments.

Join us as we celebrate their hard work, creativity, and the impact their stories are making.

Events

Tellwell author Monica Buchanan, author of Outsider, attended the 2024 Miami Book Fair alongside Tellwell’s head of marketing, Monica Martinez.

Russ Grabb recently shared his book promotion for Traces of a Boy in West Vancouver, Canada, engaging with readers and celebrating his work in the local community.

November Author Highlights: Celebrating Success

Nov 16,2024 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

It’s been a November to remember!

With new book launches, glowing reviews, prestigious awards, and public recognition, these success stories are a testament to their talent and dedication.

Join us in celebrating their incredible success stories this month!

Book Awards

A huge congratulations to Tellwell author Peter Gribble for his incredible achievement at the 2024 L.A. BookFest! Peter’s debut novel, Threat, the first installment in his City of the Magicians trilogy, has won Gold in the Literary Sci-Fi category. This thrilling series, which also includes Within and Quickening, has captivated readers with its imaginative storytelling and now boasts a prestigious award for its outstanding debut.

To celebrate his well-deserved win, Peter paid a visit to the Tellwell office, where he was warmly welcomed by our head of marketing and his editor. It was a special moment of recognition for a truly talented author whose work continues to inspire and delight. Congratulations again, Peter—this is only the beginning of an amazing journey!

Tellwell Author Success Stories July 2024

Jul 26,2024 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

This month, we’re excited to highlight our authors’ journeys and celebrate their successes. From the initial idea to publication and beyond, these stories showcase their dedication, hard work, and passion in creating incredible page-turners and sharing them with the world!

Events

Tellwell author Alexandra Labrie recently launched her debut book, The Shadow of Her. Alexandra began her journey of self-discovery two years ago, turning personal milestones and past traumas into a compelling fictional narrative with the help of her therapist.

The essence of this book is to inspire readers to do the same with their own stories and to find hope amidst adversity. Based on my own experiences, I chose to share this story to bring hope to those who have encountered challenges early in their lives.
Alexandra Labrie,
in her recent Instagram Post

Celebrating another successful book launch, Tellwell author Cristina San Martin presents Married to Fiji: A Tale of Love Based on a True Story. Her journey through love, loss, and everything in between became the catalyst for rediscovering her heart and embarking on a healing journey.

This book, Married to Fiji, is dedicated to my family who lived through this journey with me. It’s also more than a memoir of a wild time of my life. It’s a testament to my resilience, dedication, and healing journey.
Cristina San Martin
in her recent Instagram Post

June Author Highlights

Jun 22,2024 / By Trixie Raboy / No Comment

This month we’re showcasing Tellwell authors who have shared their unique journeys, each serving as an inspiration in the literary world!

Publicity

Peter Gribble, the Tellwell author behind the The City of the Magicians series, was recently featured in Reader Views!

Writing a story can be a strange experience and has parallels with what happens in reality. There’s an occasional sense of being lost but that’s good. Some ideas come fully formed from some underlayer of the creative process. Many times, I just won’t know until it writes itself.
-Peter Gribble
in an exclusive interview with Reader Views

BL Ryan, the author of the book Greystone, also graced the pages of Reader Views Kids!

The work is writing the scenes using the best possible language and connecting the scenes to form a coherent story, usually with many plotlines because I find the back stories of the characters so interesting.
-BL Ryan
in an exclusive interview with Reader Views Kids

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