We’re excited to feature Colleen Roberts, the imaginative mind behind Dylan the Dancing Bear. This beautifully illustrated, heartwarming story is our first free giveaway. Dive into the magic of Colleen’s storytelling and meet Dylan, the bear who dances to his own beat!

Colleen Roberts

Born in Wales, the land of ancient legends and Celtic tales, Colleen grew up with a love for stories. Surrounded by classic children’s books by authors like Roald Dahl, Dr. Seuss and A.A. Milne, Colleen was captivated by characters like Winnie the Pooh and the worlds they lived in. Her childhood was spent with her nose in a book, exploring imaginary lands that inspired her own creative spirit.

After completing her studies, Colleen pursued her passion for education, becoming a pre-school kindergarten teacher. Here, she discovered the wonder of young minds and the magic that stories brought to her classroom. Making up stories for her students became one of her favorite parts of teaching, a tradition she continued with her own four children.

“With two boys and two girls, I had to adapt my stories to their different moods,” Colleen shares. “I think I learned a lot about the art of storytelling. Toddlers can be very particular, so I learned fast!”

A Love for Storytelling

Storytelling is a passion Colleen believes should be fun and enriching for both kids and adults. Her home is filled with laughter, the pitter-patter of pets and the occasional appearance of a friendly visiting donkey! Colleen enjoys contemporary children’s books that are as delightful for adults as they are for children, and two of her current favorites are Grumpy Monkey by Suzanne Lang and Frank Was a Monster Who Wanted to Dance by Keith Graves.

When not writing, Colleen finds balance through yoga and takes her dogs for long countryside walks. Much of her inspiration comes from nature, whether it’s the rolling hills of Wales or the vibrant wildlife she encountered on a memorable trip to Canada. It was during this trip that Colleen fell in love with Canada’s landscapes and the inspiration for Dylan the Dancing Bear was born.