Tag Archives: children’s author

Author of the Month

Author of the Month: Children’s Author Elizabeth Retter

Exploring the world of The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet: An interview with author Elizabeth Retter

Just put pencil to paper and go for it.

Elizabeth Retter

Join us in an insightful conversation with Elizabeth Retter, a recently retired teacher of twenty-five years, whose love for children’s books and dedication to animal rescue shine through her debut series, The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet. Discover the inspiration behind Easton’s character and how Elizabeth aims to impact young readers’ perceptions of rescue animals and adoption. Gain insights into the adoption process, challenges, and rewards from an advocate for rescue pets. Elizabeth also shares valuable tips on finding reputable rescue organizations and her childhood inspirations, and provides encouraging advice for prospective children’s authors. 

Don’t miss this engaging interview with a passionate storyteller and advocate for both literature and furry friends.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind The Adventures of Easton the Rescue Pet? What motivated you to write a children’s book centred on a rescue pet? 

As a recently retired teacher of twenty-five years, I have always had a great love for children’s books. Easton has proven to be quite a character who gets himself into a lot of silly situations that I believe children and pet owners can relate to. I also wanted to raise awareness of the importance and need of rescuing animals of all kinds. 

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Book Giveaways

A treasure trove of page-turner giveaways!

Let Tellwell take you to another world this September as we bring something even more magical than the changing seasons: an abundance of captivating stories waiting for you!

We’ve got extraordinary tales that will transport you to far-off realms, introduce you to unforgettable characters and their adventures, and ignite your imagination like never before.

Prepare to dive into our September book giveaway, where the treasures of captivating stories await!

A wonderful poetic journey

A must-read poetry masterpiece in Alysha Potente’s Heart Expressions.

Creative expression is one way of communicating across your thoughts and emotions. It is about conveying what it is that your heart and mind want to others in an artistic way. Included in this book are 80 poems that analytically showcase this, along with beautiful imagery to each poem and three extra chapters at the end of the book that are all based on English poetry, a bit about it’s history, the different styles and how you too can analytically write.
It’s more than just a book of the author’s poems.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

An adventurous tale awaits

Enjoy a fun-filled and heartwarming adventure that embraces differences with Crystal Beach’s book, One Polar Bear.

One Polar Bear is a delightful rhyming book filled with lovable animals from the Canadian Arctic. Polar Bear is home sick and alone. Many animal friends drop by to cheer Polar Bear up. This counting story celebrates individuals with a variety of abilities and disabilities, and the text helps teach the numbers one to ten. Canada is a country made up of many peoples and cultures. This book reflects this diversity by featuring the word “welcome” in different languages amongst its pages. One Polar Bear is a wonderful bedtime story and a beautiful way to educate and celebrate the differences in our world.
If you can be anything, be inclusive.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

A love story in poetic lines

Feel the love in every page, where love meets the written word, with Marina Quindiagan’s poetry book, My Thoughts are Coloured Purple.

This is a book of poems on love. Love is a universal language. Love yourself, love your neighbours, love your parents, love your siblings—even love your enemies. Most of the poems are on romantic love. When you are in love, you get an awesome feeling. You walk on the clouds. However, love can be unrequited, unanswered and can bring an awful feeling. Love is in the movies, in songs, and in music. Love is in this book of poems, ever so strong and powerful.
It’s there for you to enjoy.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

For every little tot who loves books

Come along on a wonderful journey with Summerton Thompson Connor’s children’s book, The Adventures of Captain Jimmy Jams.

A bedtime storybook for parents to read to their children, depicting the excitement for possible adventures in dreams and the sensation of letting thoughts wander as you drift off to sleep.
Meant to invoke soft imagery and imaginative thoughts of adventure and fun, it’s a relaxing read for pleasant sleep.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

Looking for another must-read fantasy story?

Look no further than this magical tale by Ailan McAndrew, Royal Souls.

The year: 963 AD. Prince O’Manus and Princess Sadreen are murdered at their wedding by the evil self-ordained Queen Sorcha. The souls of the royal couple, wrapped in magical protection, are cast from their bodies. The Prince’s search, to reunite with his bride, begins, and Queen Sorcha goes on a thousand-year killing spree trying to destroy either soul and enslave the magical world.
Beth, unaware of the prophecy, has been alone for fifteen years, training to become the most powerful witch alive in the 21st century, and now her life is about to explode into a battle of survival and trial by fire. Then she meets Karse, the son of a Scottish clan chief, and her Lysa bloodline curse ignites. Beth fights to control her desires for Karse as an unknown world unfolds and threatens to devour her very soul as she goes from a carefree witch to the key of victory. The soul of Prince O’Manus, hidden in unsuspecting Rhynan Doon, must get from the West Coast of British Columbia to Rainsford Island in the Boston Harbor, where Princess Sadreen’s soul awaits, before Queen Sorcha slaughters the magical world to prevent the reunion.
Nine days. Win or lose.
The clock starts on August 29 at 3 a.m. The ‘Day of Dust’, 9-6 3 a.m.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

Searching for your next historical read?

Embrace the past one page at a time with Leonida Teohari’s memoir, Mama Dida.

Leo Teohari was born in Constanta, Romania. Leo holds both a law degree and a degree in international economics. Leo defected from Communist Romania in 1980, and settled with his family in Toronto, Canada, where he became a businessman. Today he writes about his experiences and runs an international food trade business.
In 2004 he published his first book, Hawala, based on a true story about a government cover-up and diversion related to the Romanian revolution in 1989.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

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Book Giveaways

June literary delights!

Every flip of the page is a delightful treat for all our book lovers!

This month, may our book giveaways be an invitation to take you to new adventures, explore new authors, and expand your literary horizons.

And look no further for your next favourite read! Tellwell offers you a pack of fun-filled books for free.

Looking for a must-read non-fiction?

Let us take you to a transformational journey with Tania Kiaizadeh’s book The Joy of Spirit.

“Re-examine all you have been told. Dismiss what insults your soul.” – Walt Whitman Tania

Kiaizadeh’s debut book, The Joy of Spirit: Spiritual Living to Discover Wonderful You, is a prescriptive non-fiction. These celestial teachings are carefully crafted to share the wisdom of the spiritual world, the importance of joy and how to reconnect to one’s divine self. Spiritual guides want nothing more than to connect to each and every soul on earth. They only need an invitation.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

Sci-fi and fantasy reads!

If you are up to an adventurous read, check out Andrew S. M. Berger’s book The Demons Rising

A heart blackened by time, now reserved for hatred and despair. Vengeance—achievable through reaching the afterlife and gaining ultimate power—is the only way to satisfy an unquenchable thirst for justice. But, when a resurgence of hope blurs the line between retribution and madness, the blackened heart seeks to preserve what beauty is left within its grasp.
Neeksus had hopes of life, until death seemed the only path. A voice beckons him to commit a final atrocious act: he must take the lives of as many individuals as possible, as well as his own. Once in the underworld, all will be made clear.
A boy named Gabriel suits the requirements for Neeksus to attain his goal, residing in an earlier time and among space separate from the Milky Way. This boy holds a single hope: a girl dear to him, belonging to a fate worse than death.
Neeksus can save her, but only if the boy kills and collects countless souls. Many will die, who will be sacrificed in Neeksus’s quest for revenge…

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

Take your passion in sports to new whole new level!

Be inspired, motivated, and empowered with every page. Signed by Coach Tim Burris brings us a book that shares football knowledge and inspiration!

It’s time to get serious and start preparing to take your football talents to the next level. But understanding the multiple recruiting pathways and signing to a postsecondary football program can be challenging. Don’t worry, though . . .
Coach Burris of IRONWILL Football will help guide you through the recruiting process.
Signed is a guide for Canadian football players in Grades 9 to 12 who aspire to play post-secondary football. Coach Burris gives you the football recruiting blueprint so you can make informed recruiting decisions for your future. With a dedicated chapter for parents, Signed breaks down everything you need to begin your journey toward the U Sports, NCAA, Junior football, CEGEP, and Junior college.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

Searching for your next transformational book?

Intelligent Digital Ecosystems by Janak Alford will challenge your mind as she shares knowledge and fascinating information on technology.

The way you are using technology today is wrong. It is hurting your mental and physical health while damaging the environment and the economy. It is limiting your potential. But there is a better way. Drawing inspiration from the human microbiome, entrepreneur and tech executive Janak Alford illustrates a compelling new world of human and technological potential.
Using simple language and rich visuals, Alford offers a blueprint for how to rebuild your digital life from the ground up. By replacing your operating systems, apps, and personal devices with intelligent ecosystems, he shows how you can use this template to grow your personal agency and become a powerhouse in the digital domain.
Intelligent Digital Ecosystems is an inquiry into a universe where technology becomes a symbiotic partner capable of expanding human intelligence in new and powerful ways. Navigating the many numerous opportunities and pitfalls ahead, this generation-spanning exploration challenges our understanding of intelligence, culture, and creativity while providing a conceptual glimpse into the humans we might become tomorrow.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

Searching for a fun book for your kids?

A fun, playful read with a good lesson all in one! Here’s a perfect tale for your kids: Kim MacLean’s Playtime Clothes.

The young boy’s room is an undeniable mess. Did he actually clean his room, as he is telling his mom? Or do his clothes come to life and play?! They are, after all, playtime clothes. Is he learning a lesson to tell the truth and be accountable, as we all do in life? Or is it a world of make believe? It is for you to enjoy while you decide.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

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Book Giveaways

Your May book treats await!

Your book adventure continues this May, as we bring you bookish delights full of information and fun-filled stories.

Discover your next favourite read in our May book giveaways!

Ready for another adventure?

Let us take your imagination to another world! Come along on another exciting journey with this book: One Polar Bear by Crystal Beach.

One Polar Bear is a delightful rhyming book filled with lovable animals from the Canadian Arctic. Polar Bear is home sick and alone. His many animal friends drop by to cheer him up. This counting story celebrates individuals with a variety of abilities and disabilities, and the text helps teach the numbers one to ten. Canada is a country made up of many peoples and cultures. This book reflects this diversity by featuring the word “welcome” in different languages amongst its pages. One Polar Bear is a wonderful bedtime story and a beautiful way to educate and celebrate the differences in our world. If you can be anything, be inclusive.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

Fuel your aspirations, and take your sports passion to new heights!

Delve into chapters in a book that is more than just a guide—it’s a source of inspiration and motivation. Be inspired, informed, and empowered as you turn every page of Signed by Tim Burris.

It’s time to get serious and start preparing to take your football talents to the next level. But understanding the multiple recruiting pathways and signing to a postsecondary football program can be challenging. Don’t worry, though . . . Coach Burris of IRONWILL Football will help guide you through the recruiting process. Signed is a guide for Canadian football players in Grades 9 to 12 who aspire to play post-secondary football. Coach Burris gives you the football recruiting blueprint so you can make informed recruiting decisions for your future. With a dedicated chapter for parents, Signed breaks down everything you need to begin your journey toward the U Sports, NCAA, Junior football, CEGEP, and Junior college.

Click HERE to get your FREE copy

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Author Success - In the media, awards, reviews

Celebrating Tellwell’s August authors success stories

We’re always proud to celebrate with our authors, and share how amazing they are!

August has been an incredible month for Tellwell authors. Keep reading to find out our most recent author celebrations, including awards, media mentions, reviews, and events!

Awards

We’re starting strong on this one. Kyrie Wang received a Bronze award from the Readers’ Choice Spring 2022 Book Awards for Enemy’s Keeper: Forbidden Ties!

Are you a fan of an adventurous and thrilling read? Grab your copy of Enemy’s Keeper here!

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Author of the Month

Tellwell children’s author Rishma Govani talks diversity, equity and inclusion!

Rishma Govani is an experienced communications professional with over 20 years of experience in the media industry.  She is passionate about creating tangible change in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion. She is the author of the children’s book, Sushi & Samosas: a trip of tasty transformations, and is currently working on her second children’s book, Bright Lights & Forever Flights, a journey of loss, love and hope around the world.  She is the proud mother of her two kids Khalil, and Mila and their puppy, Hero.

Rishma has been featured by several media outlets, including Global News, Reading With Your Kids Podcast & Salaam Storytime! Her social media presence is booming and her work with popular creators and influencers has provided visibility for her book Sushi & Samosas: a trip of tasty transformations!

Read on to learn what advice she has for authors!

What inspired you to write Sushi & Samosas: A Trip of Tasty Transformations?

The genesis behind Sushi & Samosas is a little dinner club idea called TFLC which stands for Toronto Food Luck Club. The club’s mission was to try a different ethnic cuisine once a month. The club was active for 13 years trying over 100+ cuisines in the GTA with over 150 members.

The dinners started to slow down when our children were born but the essence of the book remained true for our children – try something new and your world expands!

Check out Toronto Food Luck Club.

How have your personal experiences influenced your book?

I was born a traveler, literally and of perspective – of word, of food, of music. I consider myself a world citizen and I am determined to raise our children as growing humanitarians who are open to every possibility that exists globally. 

The book sets out on a journey of changing perceptions by the mouthful. I know first hand that knowing a bit about other cultures, about your neighbours, about different cuisines allows the ease of talking to strangers and bringing the world close together. It connects and unites us by our similarities and does away with our differences.  I personally live by this ethos and my experiences have influenced the book.

What has the author’s journey been like for you? What are some successful and challenging moments?

It’s been a very long journey from start to finish. At times, it’s been exhausting especially during the recent publicity blitz I’ve been on, but I’m very proud of the book and the central message of it. It’s timeless and universal. I’ve been successful getting the word out through school readings and other media opportunities.  

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Author Success - In the media, awards, reviews

In the News and Receiving Excellent Reviews – Tellwell Author Success Stories

Good Morning, Blake: Growing Up Autistic and Being Okay

by Blake “Crash” Priddle

Read IndieReader’s interview with Blake “Crash” Priddle, author of Good Morning, Blake, where he also shares his advice for other indie authors.

Blake also had great interviews in the National Autism Canada podcast, Calgary City News, and CTV News!

What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?


I feel that others on the spectrum, their families and those in their lives like teachers, might find comfort in many familiar issues autistic people face. Some may be inspired from reading what I’ve gone through, survived and thrived.  Readers who have little or no experience about autism (besides Rain Man or the Good Doctor), will gain compassion for folks that are ‘different’.

Blake “Crash” Priddle, author
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Author Success - In the media, awards, reviews

Tellwell author success stories: Celebrating milestones in the media

Book marketing is a crucial aspect of a book’s success. It takes a lot of hard work and effort, but the payoff can be worth it. We are celebrating a number of authors this month who have done a wonderful job promoting their book in the media, speaking at events such as TEDx and even starting their own podcast. One of our authors even invested in a huge ad campaign with her local transit line.

Lisa Bournelis’ TEDx Talk is now live. Watch here!

Louie and the Dictator

by Lisa Bournelis

My Life is Nuts! and the Nutmeg the Chipmunk series

by Renata Quattro

Following her release of the Nutmeg the Chipmunk series, Renata Quattro held her second book signing at Chapters – Vega, in Mississauga, Ontario!

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Author Success - In the media, awards, reviews

Tellwell author celebrations: reviews, publicity and events

From book signings to rave reviews and exclusive interviews, our authors had a busy end to 2021! Congratulations on your terrific accomplishments, everyone! We’re thrilled to highlight your successes.

REVIEWS

Blake “Crash” Priddle’s insightful memoir, Good Morning, Blake: Growing Up Autistic and Being Okay, received a 4.5/5 star review from IndieReader!

“A clear, thoughtful memoir with an upbeat tone, GOOD MORNING, BLAKE is both a delightful read and a valuable perspective on growing up autistic in a neurotypical world.” – Catherine Langrehr for IndieReader.

You can read the full review here.

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Tellwell News Uncategorized

Tellwell Books on Mental Health

For May’s Mental Health Awareness month, we are acknowledging some of our Tellwell authors whose books include themes of anxiety, depression, insecurities, and emotional expression. These books aim to give the reader a better understanding around mental health and how to recognize and communicate various feelings.

I Don’t Want to Go to School

Abosede Oderinde

I Don’t Want to Go To School is a book that is intended to help children and families deal with separation anxiety, especially when it’s their first time at school. For some children, every day is like the first day because they are afraid their families will not return to pick them up. I wrote this book to reassure children who are still working on a secure attachment, that school is fun and families always come back because they are loved. Most books that address these issues use animal characters, but I chose real-life illustrations that the children can relate to. Lastly, this book will help teachers present classroom transitions to little children more effectively.


Worry!

Karli Coulter Gillespie

A story about a young girl who has a worry bully that keeps visiting and making her tummy and her head hurt. Whether it’s when she’s trying to join a game with friends, speak in front of her class or go for a check-up, he keeps showing up. He seems to be EVERYWHERE! But with help from some people who care and a big dose of bravery, she begins to learn just how to send her worry bully away.

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