Paul J. Toffanello grew up in Timmins, Ontario, a small northern mining town that once held the distinction of being the greatest gold mining town in the world. He was the second son in a family of five boys, but he says his mother loved him best. Both parents worked, mother in life insurance and dad an auto mechanic teacher. Paul majored in English and minored in Psychology at Ottawa’s Carleton University and became an elementary school teacher in 1979 graduating from Nipissing University. He later became a high school English teacher, a Vice Principal, a Principal at two different high schools, a Superintendent of Education and finally a Director of Education. His background and expertise lends itself fully to an understanding of how children learn to read and write, and he was part of the original group of Directors of Education who helped to bring the Ontario Literacy & Numeracy Secretariat to life.

Paul has been writing most of his life, and the first draft of Popchuck’s Ghost was written in 1984, but it wasn’t until Paul met publisher Frank B. Edwards (Pokeweed Press/Bungalo Books) that he gave serious thought to publication. Since then, each of the novels in the trilogy has reached best seller status!

Paul also writes children’s illustrated stories. His first children’s book, In Blackburn Hamlet, is a series of softly spooky stories for early learners. Paul’s illustrator partner is Reina Kanemitsu, originally from Japan, and currently residing in Vancouver.

Paul has presented to over 400 schools in Canada and the U.S. His presentation is as entertaining as it is educational, and he looks for opportunities to engage with kids and teachers. See Services for more information on booking Paul for a presentation.

Paul currently resides with his wife, Karen, in northern Ontario and spends summers at his cottage where he writes best!

In other areas of his career, Paul offers professional services including coaching, mentoring, counselling, and support to business, industry and health. You can find more information on these services at www.toffanelloinc.com.