During the pandemic, Tasha Turko of McCreary noticed her kids were spending a little too much time playing video games.
So the family started brainstorming, and Tasha put pen to paper. From there, the Werewolf Beaver was born.
It's Tasha's first book, which she created, and it's been a massive hit in the McCreary area, and not just that, but around the globe.
Her oldest son came up with the idea of a werewolf beaver making a positive difference, and Tasha ran with the idea to complete the book for her kids and to show others that it's not about what's on the outside, it's about what's inside.
"He's the happiest beaver around. He's working and trying to get a lodge built. He got hit in the head with a log and was transformed into the werewolf beaver," said Turko. "Everyone was scared of him, but he knows that he's kind. He wants to do nice things for people. He starts carrying out acts of kindness to prove to himself and his community that he's still a kind beaver."
The Werewolf Beaver was released earlier this year and has garnered rave reviews. It's for sale locally at the pharmacy in McCreary, on Amazon and on the Friesen Press website.
Those who have read it in McCreary are praising Tasha for her incredible work and sharing positivity.
Around the globe, sales are skyrocketing, and Turko is now an award winner.
Tasha is a winner of the 2025 International Impact Book Awards. She won in the Children, Moral, and Character Building Stories category.
What started as something to get her kids involved in something new and creative has led to a global award for the McCreary native.
"It feels amazing. To know that it's impacting people around the world," added Turko. "Not only having the support locally and excitement around town, but it's now kids worldwide that are impacted by it. It's a special feeling."
Fresh off the win, Tasha just released her second book. Spaghetti Steve is another masterpiece by Tasha, which is ready for your eyes.
"Spaghetti Steve is about a boy who loves spaghetti, and he loves playing in the snow," ended Turko. "He was playing at recess time, a snowflake landed on his glove, and it looked like spaghetti noodles, but it was green. He licked it, and he transformed into Spaghetti Steve. It was radioactive. His legs and arms grow long like spaghetti noodles. He turns into a superhero."
The Werewolf Beaver and Spaghetti Steve. Two must-reads that'll have the whole family smiling and in the mood to be kind.
