He’s an accomplished filmmaker and producer who grew up in Renfrew but it’s not a film or music that’s bringing him back for a visit – it’s unicorns!
Toronto-based Graham Folkema, a professor of TV and Film at Conestoga College and founder of Folkstar Productions, took a decidedly different tack with his latest project – a children’s book named ‘Unicorns Really Love Cupcakes.’
Folkema is bringing his book to the Renfrew Public Library this Friday and the Renfrew Collegiate Institute alumnus is looking forward to reconnecting with a person and place that have a special place in his heart.
Folkema has fond memories of the library and particularly children’s librarian Susan Klinck, who ran programs including the summer reading club that helped inspire him.
‘Unicorns Really Love Cupcakes’ has been really well-received and is being picked up by libraries across the GTA and beyond and a number of major retailers.
Folkema comes from a large family – seven siblings, 16 nieces and nephews – and it was with help from one niece that the story emerged.
During the pandemic, he and his niece were on a bit of a day trip to visit a lake when, on the way home, she needed to use a bathroom but all were closed because of COVID. It was either stop at the side of the road or lean on the power of distraction and Folkema tried the latter.
Folkema had a fascinating connection with the book’s illustrator Jean Guy Jacques, a Montreal cartoonist he met while in China. Jacques, once an animator for shows including Caillou Garfield, Rugrats and more, died in January at the age of 94 and Folkema was able to visit him in hospital and share the book with him.
The author event runs this Friday, May 17 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Register ahead online for an opportunity to meet the author.
‘Unicorns Really Love Cupcakes’ is available on Amazon, at Indigo, WalMart and many major stores.
(Written by Sherry Haaima)
Graham Folkema, the author of ‘Unicorns Really Love Cupcakes’ joins the book’s illustrator Jean Guy Jacques, in hospital. Jacques passed away in January at the age of 94.