About Us
How the Story Came to Be
Avi and Barry Glina own a ranch in Eastern Ontario with many different animals. One winter, a beautiful blue peacock that lived there escaped from its coop and was nowhere to be found. The brothers were concerned about what happened to it, and they were relieved when they finally saw it again a few months later. Strangely, it appeared to be leading a pack (rafter) of wild turkeys. They were amazed by what they saw and took a video. They were sure there had to be a story of how a peacock came to join the group of wild turkeys.
The heart-warming story of Strum and The Wild Turkeys was developed by the Canadian team of author Noa Daniel and Illustrator Alana McCarthy through the vision of brothers Avi and Barry Glina, whose lost peacock turned up on their ranch a year later leading a pack of wild turkeys. Witnessing this event motivated the brothers to have the story told, and they commissioned Daniel and McCarthy to bring their vision to life.
Press Gallery
Meet the Team
Noa Daniel- Author
Noa Daniel is a classroom teacher, consultant, podcaster, TEDx and keynote speaker, and writer. This is her third children’s book but her first published under her married name. She is so excited to share Strum and the Wild Turkeys because the messages in this story reflect many of her core beliefs. Noa presents on the importance of self discovery, creating and facilitating projects and initiatives that build skill, autonomy, connection, and community. She loves to use music as a learning channel. Noa often says that, “Music is a way in and a way out of people.” She knows that everyone can benefit from spending more time looking selfward and discovering who they are, exploring their social identities, and working towards feeling that sense of belonging that we all deserve.
Alana McCarthy- Illustrator
Alana McCarthy is an award winning illustrator, letterer, and designer from Toronto have worked with clients ranging from Disney/Pixar, Nickelodeon, The Wall Street Journal, Taco Bell, Cadbury, Coca Cola, Scholastic, and Penguin Books. Her work has been recognized by Communication Arts, American Illustration, and HOW Magazine. Her vibrant style and creative collaboration has helped make this Strum and The Wild Turkeys a special keepsake along with an even more beautiful story.
Avi and Barry Glina- Support
| Avi and Barry Glina are the brothers who own the ranch in the Kawartha Region of Ontario where the scenario that inspired this book took place. The map inside the book was also inspired by this space. “We are overjoyed to have this real-life event evolve into an imaginative and beautifully illustrated tale of friendship, teamwork and belonging.” |
