With Father’s Day this month, it’s a great time to explore stories that reflect the people who guide and support us. In this collection, we’re highlighting books that capture those quiet, everyday moments of care, strength, and presence.
From lighthearted adventures to more heartfelt reflections, these stories offer different perspectives on the bonds that shape us. Each one is a simple reminder of how lasting an impact those relationships can have.
Papa the Shoemaker by Kyra Kalweit
Step into William’s world and discover the art of shoemaking through fun and meaningful lessons.
Hi there, my name is William and I have a question for you! Would you like to know how your shoes are made? I invite you to come inside my papa’s workshop and learn all the secrets of the ancient art of shoemaking and more.
Let’s embark on a creative adventure of fun challenges and life lessons along the way.
Sometimes Daddy Cries by Todd Rennebohm
A gentle story about a child learning to understand his father’s depression.
Sometimes Daddy Cries is told through the eyes of a boy whose father suffers from depression. He sees his dad get sad, rest and even go to the hospital, all while comparing his father’s depression to a physical ailment.
Is My Dad a Superhero? by James J. Caparosa
A fun story about discovering the everyday superpowers that make a dad truly special.
Have you ever wondered if your dad has special powers? What makes him so amazing? Follow along in this fun story and try to unlock the mystery of what makes one father a real superhero. You will be surprised that the power is something we all can possess.
My Time With Papa by Shauntae Spaulding
Through a young girl’s eyes, a heartfelt journey of remembering and cherishing a beloved Papa.
This is a loving story about a little girl who lost her Papa and finds a way to remember all the wonderful memories she had of him that she will cherish forever. Walk down memory lane and recapture the memories of lost loved ones from the imagination of a young girl.
A Day Out With Dad by Riley, Enzo, & Zoe Pugliese
A playful beach day adventure with Cookie and her dad.
Cookie loves going on adventures with her dad, whether it’s on the farm, heading into the bush or at the beach. Join Cookie for a trip to the beach and see what she gets up to.
Stories of love, memory, and gratitude come together in a celebration of the many ways mothers and mother figures shape our lives. From quiet guidance to powerful acts of sacrifice and care, these books reflect relationships that leave a lasting imprint on the heart. Each page offers a moment to reflect on the bonds that ground us and the love that stays with us.
Here are some heartfelt reads that honor motherhood, family, and the enduring power of love, with curated Tellwell titles featured this year that beautifully capture these themes across different voices and stories.
The Magic of Mom’s Hugs by Moments de Joie
A heartwarming bedtime story that celebrates a mother’s love that lives on in every hug .
Some magic you can’t see — but you can always feel.
The Magic of Mom’s Hugs is a cozy, heart-filled adventure about love, laughter, and a little bit of magic. But when that magic suddenly disappears, Mom sets out on a tender journey to find it, asking the fastest, bravest animals for help. What she discovers is something even more powerful: the magic of a hug isn’t something that can be stolen — it lives forever in the love we carry inside our hearts. The Magic of Mom’s Hugs is a beautifully told story about love’s quiet strength, the bond between parent and child, and the invisible threads that tie us together — no matter where we are. A timeless bedtime tale that will comfort, inspire, and remind readers that real magic is found in the love we share.
Mommy, Is My Hair Nice? by Tanika J. Baker
A heartfelt journey of two sisters discovering identity and confidence with their mother’s support in a new country
“Mommy, is my hair nice?” That’s what Kaliah asked her mom one day after dinner. Kaliah and Asara migrated from Jamaica to Canada four years ago with their parents.
The girls attend the local elementary school and love to share stories of their daily encounters with their parents. Most situations are fun, and problems are usually easy fixes for Mom and Dad, but others not so much. How does Mom help Kaliah and Asara to understand that people are different and assure them that there’s beauty in being different, no matter what others might say?
Join Kaliah and Asara for their adventures and experiences growing up and learning to adjust to their life in a foreign country.
Who Loves Mama? by Cathy J Schmidt
A sweet story about family love, teamwork, and little ones showing Mama Mouse just how much she is cherished
Mama Mouse is sure that her mice do not love her. Can Tiny convince her siblings to help her surprise their mama? Join this mouse family in their little home where they learn the importance of working together.
I Call My Grandma Gigi by Carole Aldred
A rhyming celebration of the special bond between grandparents and grandchildren, filled with warmth and connection
Read along in this heartwarming and whimsical celebration of the relationship between grandmothers and grandchildren, the special names we give them and the fun times we share that turn happy days into lasting memories.
Written in rhyme, it is sure to delight young and old alike. The beautiful watercolour illustrations capture the fun and warmth of this special bond in an inclusive way.
Lil’ Cloud and Momma by Dayna Young
A gentle story of a curious baby cloud learning from Momma about rain, love, and the life-giving water cycle
Lil’ Cloud and Momma is a short story about the water cycle. A baby cloud asks its mother questions like, “Why do we cry?” This tale tells about the importance of the raindrop and its part in keeping living plants and animals alive.
From Grandma with Love by Bella Neville Cruz & Mom (Katia Quintana Cruz)
Imagination, small missteps, and love that never changes between granddaughter and grandma
From Grandma with Love was created by Bella, a five-year-old with a very vivid imagination. Her Mom, Katia, has been her accomplice since the moment Bella said, “Mamá, I would love for my family, my friends and my teachers to read my story. Is that possible, Mamá?”
When I agreed to the possibilities of publishing her book—our book—I knew that it was going to be the biggest and very best project together of our lives. Seeing her big smile of happiness, the proudness of her work in her face, and the sparkle of her eyes brought us even closer by creating and writing.
From Grandma with Love: a story inspired by her own grandma, family situations and lots of love.
Bella is a five-year-old child. Like any other, she could get into mischief sometimes. She does not want Grandma to be upset about her occasional adventures. Bella wonders, “Grandma, will you love me even when I misbehave?”
Mimi, the Solo Magician Mom, and Cameron by Melissa A. MacDonald
Tells the story of a boy, his magician mom, and the beauty of diverse families
Cameron is a confident, fun-loving kid who can’t wait to tell you all about his magician mom, Mimi, and the things that make his family unique.
For grown-ups: This heart-warming tale is told by a donor-conceived child named Cameron who shares his family’s story with pride and honesty, even when offering a matter-of-fact explanation of conception. Being donor-conceived is just one way Cameron is one-of-a-kind.
This is a wonderful resource for friends and classmates of donor-conceived people. It seeks to promote a greater understanding of family diversity and encourage thoughtful discussion.
2025 has been a remarkable year for book design, and the covers that graced our shelves didn’t just catch the eye, they told a story before the first page was even turned.
At Tellwell, our talented design team has poured creativity, passion, and careful attention to every detail, crafting covers that are as striking as the stories inside. From bold concepts to subtle nuances, these covers have captured imagination, sparked curiosity, and reminded us of the power of thoughtful design.
We’re excited to showcase our favorite book covers of the year. Each one a testament to creativity, artistry, and the magic of a perfectly designed cover.
The Chasm Between Us by Campbell Anderson
Book Cover Design by Ralph Cavero Sam Cardiff has faced loss before—his grandfather, his ex-girlfriend—but life seems to be settling back on track as he pursues med school. That balance shatters when his cat becomes the victim of a hit-and-run, sending him into a numbing spiral of grief and alcohol. Enter Gracie Goldstone, a down-to-earth surfer whose optimism sparks a connection with Sam. But as their bond deepens, Sam uncovers that Gracie’s past is far from perfect—and confronts truths about himself that push him to the edge of faith. To heal, he must learn what it truly means to love and be loved. Set in Melbourne, Campbell Anderson’s debut novel explores grief, mental health, faith, family, relationships, and the subtle touch of the supernatural.
Echoes of Light: Essays and Reflections by Edwin O. Paña
Book Cover Design by Ralph Cavero
A compelling collection of essays that illuminates the pathways of wisdom, brotherhood, and purpose. Guided by the author’s profound experiences as a member of the Upsilon Sigma Phi and his personal journey of growth, this book offers thoughtful reflections on life, leadership, and the pursuit of meaning.
ENSŌ, A Tree Still Grows by Anette Lan
Book Cover Design by: Ralph Cavero
In Enso, Canadian-Japanese author Anette Lan explores the quiet truths we often overlook in the rush of achievement. Inspired by the image of her grandfather painting the enso circle, she reflects on the tension between constant output and the need for stillness. Lan invites readers to reconnect with the human side of themselves—the part that moves with flow, senses the rhythms of life, and nurtures creativity. Through her “Enso Moments,” she guides us across the four natural seasons of inner growth: rooting, rising, releasing, and renewal. This grounded and spacious guide helps you reclaim presence, lead with calm, and trust the quieter, truer parts of yourself. Enso is not about doing more—it’s about pausing, listening, and finding the courage to embrace who you are beneath the titles and expectations.
This Halloween, we’re diving into stories that send chills down the spine and spark a little magic in the imagination. 🎃
From haunted towns and eerie manors to ghosts, witches, and time-bending adventures, our Tellwell authors have brewed up the perfect reading treats for spooky season. Get ready for thrills, mystery, and just the right touch of the supernatural. 👀
The Werewolf, Vampire and Zombie by Sebastian Jago Ellis
Dive into Sebastian Ellis’s transformative guide to unmasking internal obstacles hindering personal growth. Sebastian, a seasoned entrepreneur and lifestyle coach, distills decades of experience into actionable advice, inviting readers on a journey to navigate the inner ‘beasts’ that obstruct fulfilment and success. In this compelling book, Ellis navigates values, principles, personal attributes and more, unlocking the keys to holistic achievement. Seamlessly blending engaging concepts with alternative ideas, The Werewolf, Vampire, and Zombie becomes a blueprint for personal and professional ascendancy. Beyond being a guide, it’s a call to action, inspiring readers to reshape their lives, businesses and overall well-being by unlocking the mysteries within.
Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday, it’s a beautiful reminder to slow down, reflect, and give thanks for the people, stories, and moments that fill our hearts.
At Tellwell, we celebrate this spirit of gratitude through stories that warm the soul. We’ve gathered a cozy collection of books that embrace love, faith, hope, and the bonds of family. From heartfelt family tales to inspiring stories of perseverance, these reads remind us to cherish life’s blessings—big and small—and to find hope in every season.
This October, we’re celebrating stories that inspire and spark curiosity with our Tellwell Book Giveaway! 🍂
Our selection features uplifting nonfiction and imaginative children’s books, each filled with lessons, wonder, and heart. From true stories that motivate and empower to children’s tales that teach and delight, these reads remind us of the power of storytelling at every age.
Looking for your next great read?
Learn how to reconnect, communicate genuinely, and find meaning in everyday interactions.
In an age of extreme technology and growing separation, we’ve lost our way. We’ve traded authentic human connection for a world of aggressive tactics, self-serving behaviors, and fleeting transactions that leave us feeling isolated and unfulfilled.
The Art of Human Connection offers a powerful and ethical alternative, a return to our shared humanity.
Discovering the magic of growth, one page at a time.
A heartwarming story that inspires curiosity, patience, and a deeper love for nature.
Curious brothers Zack and Liam love healthy food—but they’ve never grown their own! With help from Mum and Dad, they learn how tiny seeds turn into fruits and vegetables. They discover the magic of plants, the power of patience, and why nature matters.
But will their plants really grow? And what surprises will the garden bring?
Watch Things Grow is a fun and engaging story that inspires young readers to connect with nature, get their hands dirty, and see the world in a new way. It’s the first book in an exciting series that explores the wonders of nature, creativity, and the joy of learning through hands-on adventures!
This September Shelfie Giveaway is packed with variety, from inspiring guidebooks and thought-provoking nonfiction to heartwarming children’s stories and moving autobiographies. It’s the perfect mix to keep every reader curious, inspired, and entertained.
An inspiring tale of trust and grace
A journey into the heart of faith, where hope and trust become the only way forward.
Blind Faith. We all have it, particularly when we realize we are not in control of circumstances, conditions, people, or, for that matter, threats to our very existence.
The thief crucified with Jesus is known as the Penitent Thief or Saint Dismas. He asked Jesus to remember him when He came into his Kingdom. In response, Jesus promised him that he would be with Him in Paradise that very day.
So, even a thief facing certain death had the blind faith to ask and trust that his spirit, his very soul unknown to him at the time, would be welcomed into paradise.
This book is about blind faith. It is about a man, Peter, who, finds his own faith while facing the challenges of evil to all he has been taught, and to his own life.
A raw and inspiring journey from hardship to hope, proving that survival is just the beginning.
This book is an autobiography about a woman raised on a large farm who learned to drive a large tractor at the age of seven, then spent many years plowing, planting and harvesting crops and taking care of the farm animals. After three years in the Marine Corps, she married her college sweetheart who became a drunk and abused her for seven horrible years before he almost killed her then disappeared. After she recovered she and her three kids fled to Florida to hide so he wouldn’t find them and finish the job.
As we mark Indigenous History Month, we take this time to honour the voices, traditions, and stories that have shaped generations.
At Tellwell, we are proud to work with authors whose words reflect the deep resilience, cultural strength, and identity of Indigenous communities. Their powerful stories not only preserve history, they spark dialogue, inspire learning, and remind us of the importance of listening and remembering.
Through storytelling, these authors share truths that need to be heard—truths that continue to guide us toward understanding, empathy, and reconciliation.
This month, and always, we invite you to explore these meaningful books and reflect on the stories that shape our shared history.
The Lucky Ones: A Survivor’s Story by Jimi Delorme
This author is a residential school survivor who spent eleven years in two different schools in southern Saskatchewan. The first of these schools is the Marieval Indian Residential school, which is the sight of the 715 unmarked graves which have been recently brought to light in various news articles.
Judging by the comments posted all over social media, this discovery has caused a lot of division within the First Nations community. Seeing people argue over such a sensitive topic can bring back a lot of painful memories within individuals who are already fighting to survive in a very hostile and vulnerable lifestyle, people often living on the streets and battling substance abuse and homelessness.
Despite all of the negative news reports, this book is not meant to be just another bash-the-church-and-government type of project. This book focuses primarily on the often difficult healing journey which followed the school experience. It is meant to show other survivors that there is a way to heal and let go of their painful pasts.
This biography shows that by returning to our own cultural and spiritual teachings we can find the hope that we are all so desperately searching for in a world that can often seem both foreign and uncaring. I hope that I have not offended anyone by the words that I am sharing with the world. If I have offended you in some small way, I am sorry.
All my relations.
My Family, My Relations, My Friends by Frederick John Turner
Fred was unaware of the poverty he was exposed to while he was growing up. As far as he was concerned, this was normal. His mom, Irene, a single mother, made certain that his two boys, Fred and his older brother Leonard, were well taken care of. After being a captive of a residential school, she came back home to Sturgeon Lake not knowing where she belonged, or where to turn.
Fred holds an Interdisciplinary Studies Diploma from the University of Regina. He was the music director for the Onion Lake Log Church, where Martin Naistus is Pastor, until he was sidelined by kidney complications in August of 2020. Now he spends his time writing from his office at his home in Onion Lake. His life’s story, titled, “My Family, My Relations, My Friends,” will be his first book published. These days Fred spends most of his time tending to his grandchildren. He has accumulated much knowledge throughout his lifetime, and he is not shy about sharing his experience with his readers.
SOME OF THE STORIES YOU WILL READ IN THIS BOOK: Hoss calls fire down from heaven in Pikangikum, Ontario. The night Fred meets Jim Felix on an old country road. The lessons learned from the old Blackfoot preacher, Hartwell North Peigan. The day Kene Jackson from Sonrise Gospel Band comes for a visit. The bionic preacher, Ross Maracle, invites us to Deseronto for the R. W. Schambach campmeeting. Getting blamed for a walkout at Faith Alive Bible College.
Courage and Complicity by Claudette Languedoc
In August 1947, Mary Brock boarded a train in Toronto. She was headed for the wilds of Northwestern Ontario and a teaching job at an Indian residential school. Her family was horrified. At the end of her first day of teaching, Mary was horrified too. This was not the exciting adventure she had imagined. But Mary wasn’t one to give up. Buoyed by her ideals and pragmatism, she kept showing up.
She lasted the academic year. When she boarded the train for home, she knew she had failed, in every way that mattered. The ideals she had come with had shattered on her classroom floor, and a big piece of her heart lay buried behind a small log cabin in the woods.
Sixty years later, two unexpected gifts forced her to take a second look back and a more hopeful look forward. Maybe her ideals weren’t so naïve after all.
I Remember: Memories from Lejac Residential School by Marian Lynn Duncan and Michelle Miller-Gauthier
I remember that fear kept boys and girls broken, with tangled spirits, silenced for years.
In 1965, at the tender age of four, Marian Duncan was taken to Lejac residential school. She arrived wearing the new blue dress and velvet shoes her grandmother had bought for her that very day. Within the first minutes of her arrival, the clothes were taken, her hair was cut short and her unforgettable, unforgivable experience of residential school life began. The next nine years of her life were to be filled with longing for her parents and grandparents, learning to endure endless harsh punishments, sneaking moments and hugs with older siblings, creating supportive friendships and an attempted escape.
Marian continues to heal and brings a forgiving, loving approach to life. She sends love and good wishes to all she encounters, despite the lasting impacts of her residential school experiences.
We hope readers of Marian’s story develop a deeper sense of empathy and respect for Indigenous people in this country. We hope they see strength in Marian and others in similar circumstances. We know readers will feel great sorrow for the children and families impacted by residential schools, and we hope they feel admiration for the way many are overcoming their past trauma and leading lives that are making a better future for the next generations.
The Name of my Blanket is Hlbin Hlox: The Killer Whalethat Blocks Our the Moon by Matthew Harvey Moore
Caught in the middle of a storm, Wassen Xbi iltkw was screaming, “Don’t panic!” Wassen Xbiiltkw was near panic himself, but he figured they had enough trouble and didn’t need to add a fight with Killer Whales.
Tscwinúcw-k: The Stars of the Secwepemc by Stanley Daniels
Every night, Malakai’s Kye7e would tell him stories beneath the vast Secwepemc sky. She spoke of the stars, spirits of their ancestors who watch over them, guiding and protecting their people through the darkness. Their laughter filled the air, their love unspoken yet deeply understood.
But when Kye7e journeys to the spirit world, Malakai is left with an ache in his heart and questions that only the stars might answer. As he searches for comfort, his mother, Setse7, shares the wisdom passed down through generations: the stars are not just distant lights, they are their ancestors, always present, always guiding. Through stories of courage, of warriors like T’ult and of the Secwepemc people’s enduring words, Tscwinúcw-k (“We made it through the night”), Malakai discovers that Kye7e is never truly gone.
A powerful story of love, loss, and the strength of ancestral connection, Tscwinúcw-k: The Stars of the Secwepemc honours the wisdom of generations, the resilience of the Secwepemc Nation, and the sacred teachings that carry their people forward. More than a children’s book, this is a story for all who seek belonging, who look to the stars for guidance, and who find comfort in the knowledge that we are never alone.
As June wraps up, we’re taking a moment to highlight some of the standout moments that made this month exciting! From incredible book reviews to author features and little wins worth celebrating, it’s been a joy to see so many stories from our Tellwell authors shine.
Here’s a look at our authors’ journey this June!
Publicity
Photo credit Jack Boland/Toronto Sun
Canadian hockey icon and broadcaster Don Cherry was featured in the Toronto Sun recently, discussing daughter Cindy’s new book on his life and legacy, The Don Cherry Story by his daughter Cindy. Cindy recently passed away, and Don talks about how the book “helps keep Cindy alive for him.”
Published with Tellwell, Cindy’s book offers a heartfelt behind-the-scenes look at her father’s life—both in the spotlight and at home. It’s a powerful tribute that sheds new light on a Canadian legend and gives readers a personal glimpse into the man behind the headlines. We’re grateful to have been a part of telling this family’s remarkable story.
Teddy Morrison, author of The Adventures Of A Man With One Hand. (CTV/Ryan MacDonald)
In Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Tellwell author Teddy Morrison is proving that determination knows no limits. Born without one hand, Teddy has lived a full and fearless life, now captured in his memoir, The Adventures of a Man With One Hand.
As featured on CTV News Atlantic, Teddy’s story is one of adaptability, humour, and strength. From daily tasks to life’s biggest adventures, he’s never let his physical difference define him.
This inspiring book is a reminder that resilience is not about what you’re missing—it’s about what you choose to make possible.
Meet Alyza Alenton, one of Tellwell’s project managers. With a love for books and journaling, Alyza brings dedication and passion to every project she handles. From orientation calls to coordinating with editors and designers, she helps guide authors through each step of their publishing journey.
Read on to learn more about Alyza and her role at Tellwell.
Tell us a bit about yourself!Where are you based, and what do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I’m based in the Philippines, specifically in Cebu. I enjoy reading and collecting books as well as figurines. I also love journaling and playing games with my friends.
