An award-winning former Citizen cartoonist and a prolific Cowichan Valley writer have combined their talents to publish several popular books.
Teresa Schapansky and Elly Mossman’s latest venture came about after Schapansky was approached by the Royal Canadian Numismatic Association to write a book aimed at the youth market. The organization was keen to have a book written that would inspire children and youth to consider the hobby of coin collecting and numismatics.
“I agreed and quickly reached out to illustrator and friend Elly, to ask if she’d like to join me. We jumped on board, and volunteered our skills,” Schapansky says.
The connection to coin collecting can be traced to Schapansky’s earlier books on the subject.
“Shortly after my Coinkeeper series reached best-selling status on Amazon early last year, the Manitoba Coin Club contacted me, and asked if I would like to become a member. How flattering, and I immediately accepted that invitation.
“One Little Coin was inspired by the magical, yet fact filled Coinkeeper series. But because One Little Coin is meant to encourage today’s children and youth toward the hobby, I felt that this should be an easily relatable realistic story, and in keeping with the writing style of the Coinkeeper series, it is a simple, easy to read book,” explains Schapansky who was born and raised in the Cowichan Valley.
“The concept began, right from the beginning, with one little coin in mind, and from there, it really took on a life of its own.”
The author and critics agree One Little Coin is not only about collecting coins, but it is also about age-appropriate social issues, diversity, selflessness, sharing, and building a community of like-minded individuals.
“Knowing from experience how professional, efficient and passionate Elly is about her projects, I knew she’d be a perfect fit for this latest book. Elly breathes life into each illustration and it has been a pleasure to work alongside her on One Little Coin,” praises Schapansky.
“Without her talents, I don’t think this book would ever have reached this level of success. We do have more joint projects in the pipeline, and I’m excited for the opportunity to work with her again.”
One Little Coin reached the top spot on Amazon’s Hot New Releases list for coins and medals in June, just days after its release.
Schapansky may have gotten into the writing game relatively late in her career — she’s the proud mother of three daughters — but she has wasted no time in making her mark. She has written nearly two dozen books including the innovative Along the Way series, a collection of stories based on the travels of Albert, a pre-historic character who travels to every Canadian province and territory.
It was the first collaboration for Schapansky and Mossman who teamed up over a year ago and soon published the 12-volume Along the Way Series, another concept aimed at young readers.
While working as a freelance cartoonist for the Cowichan Valley Citizen, Mossman won two national awards for her work.
Books are available directly through the author, the illustrator, the RCNA, in a number of Vancouver Island bookstores including Books, Miniatures & More in Chemainus, and on Amazon, both in English and French.
For more information visit www.teresaschapansky.com