Sal Sawler
@salsawler.bsky.social
🇨🇦🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ They/Them (formerly Sarah Sawler)| Author & Graphic Novel Editor | Book Reviewer & Magazine Writer | BEd (Secondary) Student | Halifax/Kjipuktuk
Ellis On Guard available for preorder now: http://bit.ly/49xUHlZ
Ellis On Guard available for preorder now: http://bit.ly/49xUHlZ
Pinned
Sal Sawler
@salsawler.bsky.social
· Aug 22
Behold! It's me, talking about my upcoming picture book, Ellis on Guard, illustrated by the immensely talented Nandita Ratan! It's not out til February, but my publisher, @secondstory.bsky.social, sent me an ARC, so I decided to show it off a bit, cause I'm SO EXCITED about this character. 1/3
Pleased to see Ellis and Peanut in such great company!
Pssst: I got a sneak peek at One Cosmic Rock by @karenkrossing.com and it’s wonderful.
cc @secondstory.bsky.social
Pssst: I got a sneak peek at One Cosmic Rock by @karenkrossing.com and it’s wonderful.
cc @secondstory.bsky.social
The winter releases have arrived from Picture Books, eh! Check out this incredible lineup of Canadian picture books.
@picturebookseh.bsky.social #kidlit #CanKidLit #EduSky
@picturebookseh.bsky.social #kidlit #CanKidLit #EduSky
February 13, 2026 at 2:46 AM
Pleased to see Ellis and Peanut in such great company!
Pssst: I got a sneak peek at One Cosmic Rock by @karenkrossing.com and it’s wonderful.
cc @secondstory.bsky.social
Pssst: I got a sneak peek at One Cosmic Rock by @karenkrossing.com and it’s wonderful.
cc @secondstory.bsky.social
The countdown’s on to the Ellis on Guard launch at @woozlesbooks.bsky.social! Super excited to have dear friends Vanessa Furlong (host) and Veronica Post (Q&A) joining me. Come and celebrate with us, #halisky! All are welcome.
#booksky #sel #librarysky
#booksky #sel #librarysky
February 13, 2026 at 1:43 AM
The countdown’s on to the Ellis on Guard launch at @woozlesbooks.bsky.social! Super excited to have dear friends Vanessa Furlong (host) and Veronica Post (Q&A) joining me. Come and celebrate with us, #halisky! All are welcome.
#booksky #sel #librarysky
#booksky #sel #librarysky
Reposted by Sal Sawler
Friends, I'm thrilled to have the chance to speak about Book Censorship in Alberta for #FreedomToReadWeek. The session is free with registration. See you there!
www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticket...
www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticket...
L&D: Book Censorship in Alberta
Learning & Development Series: Freedom to Read Week EditionIn January 2026, dozens of books were removed from school library shelves across Alberta, prompted by a new provincial order. While some ...
www.zeffy.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:46 PM
Friends, I'm thrilled to have the chance to speak about Book Censorship in Alberta for #FreedomToReadWeek. The session is free with registration. See you there!
www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticket...
www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticket...
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the students, teachers, parents, community members, and anyone, really, who was affected by the Tumbler Ridge tragedy. Take care of each other, and the rest of us will keep you in our thoughts.
February 11, 2026 at 10:00 PM
My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the students, teachers, parents, community members, and anyone, really, who was affected by the Tumbler Ridge tragedy. Take care of each other, and the rest of us will keep you in our thoughts.
Reposted by Sal Sawler
Look, I know we never really wete into waiting to see if things were ready/safe to use. Thalidomide. DDT. Etc. But maybe we can pump the brakes here? Since all it seems to create is harm and bad art?
“Since AI was added to the device the FDA has received unconfirmed reports of at least 100 malfunctions & adverse events…Most allegedly involved errors in which the TruDi Navigation System misinformed surgeons about the location of their instruments while they were using them inside patients’ heads”
February 10, 2026 at 1:17 AM
Look, I know we never really wete into waiting to see if things were ready/safe to use. Thalidomide. DDT. Etc. But maybe we can pump the brakes here? Since all it seems to create is harm and bad art?
I’m not much of a football person, but that halftime show was 🔥
February 9, 2026 at 1:39 AM
I’m not much of a football person, but that halftime show was 🔥
Also thinking a lot about the art and music of the 90s, and how the state of the world is kinda similar right now. Makes sense that we’re seeing a similar return to DIY, but thankfully we’re a bit more inclusive than we were right now.
It’s also interesting to me that the mainstream music…
It’s also interesting to me that the mainstream music…
February 7, 2026 at 8:32 PM
Also thinking a lot about the art and music of the 90s, and how the state of the world is kinda similar right now. Makes sense that we’re seeing a similar return to DIY, but thankfully we’re a bit more inclusive than we were right now.
It’s also interesting to me that the mainstream music…
It’s also interesting to me that the mainstream music…
Watching 90s music videos is preparation for Big Shiny Tunes at the Marquee tonight and WHAT THE HECK DID THE BUSINESS MAN TELL EVERYONE AT THE END OF THAT RADIOHEAD VIDEO?
February 7, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Watching 90s music videos is preparation for Big Shiny Tunes at the Marquee tonight and WHAT THE HECK DID THE BUSINESS MAN TELL EVERYONE AT THE END OF THAT RADIOHEAD VIDEO?
Reposted by Sal Sawler
It’s always been the same way. Everyday is Caturday.
February 7, 2026 at 7:48 PM
It’s always been the same way. Everyday is Caturday.
Reposted by Sal Sawler
I'm a knitter who doesn't use patterns. I just make it up as I go using maths and the skills my Mom and GMa taught me.
This means I make incredibly amazing one of a kind things.
It also means I MAKE AN AWFUL LOT OF GARBAGE.
Making art isn't about always nailing it.
It's about making art.
This means I make incredibly amazing one of a kind things.
It also means I MAKE AN AWFUL LOT OF GARBAGE.
Making art isn't about always nailing it.
It's about making art.
February 6, 2026 at 8:26 PM
I'm a knitter who doesn't use patterns. I just make it up as I go using maths and the skills my Mom and GMa taught me.
This means I make incredibly amazing one of a kind things.
It also means I MAKE AN AWFUL LOT OF GARBAGE.
Making art isn't about always nailing it.
It's about making art.
This means I make incredibly amazing one of a kind things.
It also means I MAKE AN AWFUL LOT OF GARBAGE.
Making art isn't about always nailing it.
It's about making art.
Just a few more weeks to get $10 off an NS-authored/NS-published book from an indie bookstore (eligible books have to check both boxes. So for me, When the Ocean Came to Town would probably count, Ellis on Guard wouldn’t). But there are 100s of books that apply, so go check ‘em out! #halisky
February 5, 2026 at 4:03 AM
Just a few more weeks to get $10 off an NS-authored/NS-published book from an indie bookstore (eligible books have to check both boxes. So for me, When the Ocean Came to Town would probably count, Ellis on Guard wouldn’t). But there are 100s of books that apply, so go check ‘em out! #halisky
Thanks so much to @truenorthcomics.bsky.social for the chance to nerd out over sequential art!
True North Country Comics Podcast chats with @salsawler.bsky.social about 'Ellis On Guard' from @secondstory.bsky.social Listen to the conversation here truenorthcountrycomics.com/2026/02/04/s...
Sal Sawler discusses new 'Ellis On Guard' picture book
True North Country Comics Podcast chats with Sal Sawler about 'Ellis On Guard'
truenorthcountrycomics.com
February 4, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Thanks so much to @truenorthcomics.bsky.social for the chance to nerd out over sequential art!
Looking for some solid social-emotional learning (SEL) books for littles? I put together a round-up of some of my favourites from the last couple of years for the @49thshelf.bsky.social. Check ‘em out:
Big Feelings: Social Emotional Learning · Blog Post · 49th Shelf
A recommended reading list by the author of the picture book Ellis on Guard (Second Story Press).
49thshelf.com
February 3, 2026 at 9:20 PM
Looking for some solid social-emotional learning (SEL) books for littles? I put together a round-up of some of my favourites from the last couple of years for the @49thshelf.bsky.social. Check ‘em out:
Today’s the day! I can’t wait for you all to meet Ellis and Peanut. I’ve been playing with the quest-based trap-building concept for ages, and it only came together when I nailed down the sweet relationship between these two characters. 🥰
@picturebookseh.bsky.social #booksky #canlit #kidlit
@picturebookseh.bsky.social #booksky #canlit #kidlit
Happy #BookBirthday to ELLIS ON GUARD written by Sal Sawler (@salsawler.bsky.social) and illustrated by Nandita Ratan! 🎉
Available now! For ages 6-8.
#booksky #newbooks #canlit #kidlit
Available now! For ages 6-8.
#booksky #newbooks #canlit #kidlit
February 3, 2026 at 9:16 PM
Today’s the day! I can’t wait for you all to meet Ellis and Peanut. I’ve been playing with the quest-based trap-building concept for ages, and it only came together when I nailed down the sweet relationship between these two characters. 🥰
@picturebookseh.bsky.social #booksky #canlit #kidlit
@picturebookseh.bsky.social #booksky #canlit #kidlit
Oh my gosh. I‘ve been so busy with practicum that I didn’t even realize ELLIS ON GUARD IS COMING OUT TOMORROW!
I’m so excited. And also tired. But mostly excited.
Thanks Chloe at @secondstory.bsky.social for keeping me on track during this absolutely bananas time. 🍌
I’m so excited. And also tired. But mostly excited.
Thanks Chloe at @secondstory.bsky.social for keeping me on track during this absolutely bananas time. 🍌
February 2, 2026 at 9:26 PM
Oh my gosh. I‘ve been so busy with practicum that I didn’t even realize ELLIS ON GUARD IS COMING OUT TOMORROW!
I’m so excited. And also tired. But mostly excited.
Thanks Chloe at @secondstory.bsky.social for keeping me on track during this absolutely bananas time. 🍌
I’m so excited. And also tired. But mostly excited.
Thanks Chloe at @secondstory.bsky.social for keeping me on track during this absolutely bananas time. 🍌
Is there a list of publishers committed to AI-free books? If not, how do we start one? As it stands, I don’t know how readers can trust that a book wasn‘t at least partially conceived or drafted by AI. I have lots of feelings about this as author, but even more as a reader. #booksky
February 2, 2026 at 3:33 AM
Is there a list of publishers committed to AI-free books? If not, how do we start one? As it stands, I don’t know how readers can trust that a book wasn‘t at least partially conceived or drafted by AI. I have lots of feelings about this as author, but even more as a reader. #booksky
Wondering why I’m giving people my opinions on video game lighting at 4:30 am? Well kids, it’s because I accidentally took the wrong pill at bedtime, and that pill was my ADHD medication.
DO NOT RECOMMEND.
DO NOT RECOMMEND.
January 27, 2026 at 8:27 AM
Wondering why I’m giving people my opinions on video game lighting at 4:30 am? Well kids, it’s because I accidentally took the wrong pill at bedtime, and that pill was my ADHD medication.
DO NOT RECOMMEND.
DO NOT RECOMMEND.
Guess what? We've been cooking up a lil preorder surprise for indie bookstore fans! While supplies last, anyone who preorders Ellis on Guard or Ellis prend garde from @woozlesbooks.bsky.social, @anotherstoryto.bsky.social, or Iron Dog Books will get a signed bookplate! cc: @secondstory.bsky.social
January 26, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Guess what? We've been cooking up a lil preorder surprise for indie bookstore fans! While supplies last, anyone who preorders Ellis on Guard or Ellis prend garde from @woozlesbooks.bsky.social, @anotherstoryto.bsky.social, or Iron Dog Books will get a signed bookplate! cc: @secondstory.bsky.social
Reposted by Sal Sawler
This book feels made for Right Now. The adults have been taken by the Growlies, and the kids are determined to rescue them- by making NOISE! They drum, they stomp, and they overpower the Growlies. We need a big Ratamacue right away.
#kidlit 📚👍🏼
#kidlit 📚👍🏼
January 25, 2026 at 9:37 PM
This book feels made for Right Now. The adults have been taken by the Growlies, and the kids are determined to rescue them- by making NOISE! They drum, they stomp, and they overpower the Growlies. We need a big Ratamacue right away.
#kidlit 📚👍🏼
#kidlit 📚👍🏼
I’ll be interested in seeing how the discourse around carrying a gun is going to play out. You can’t claim that a person isn’t a “peaceful protestor“ because they’re carrying a gun, if you also claim that carrying a gun is a peaceful thing for people to do as they go about their everyday activities.
January 25, 2026 at 8:10 PM
I’ll be interested in seeing how the discourse around carrying a gun is going to play out. You can’t claim that a person isn’t a “peaceful protestor“ because they’re carrying a gun, if you also claim that carrying a gun is a peaceful thing for people to do as they go about their everyday activities.
Last weekend I needed to hide in video games. This week, I think I’m finally ready to make some art again.
January 25, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Last weekend I needed to hide in video games. This week, I think I’m finally ready to make some art again.
Reposted by Sal Sawler
got laid off a week and a half ago. going to take some time to figure out where to go from here but in the mean time my schedule is wide-open for freelance writing! would love to place some pieces & work with editors on essays about masculinity, dating, hockey, memes, sex, relationships, etc.
Alex Manley
The #1 online destination for info about the very cool & smart writer Alex Manley.
www.alexmanley.com
January 25, 2026 at 7:01 PM
got laid off a week and a half ago. going to take some time to figure out where to go from here but in the mean time my schedule is wide-open for freelance writing! would love to place some pieces & work with editors on essays about masculinity, dating, hockey, memes, sex, relationships, etc.
Hey @globalnews.ca, this is an irresponsible and dangerous headline choice. Have you watched the video? If so, why would you platform a quote containing clear disinformation, without context? Fix it.
Man killed by U.S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis was armed, ‘violently resisted,’ commander says | Watch News Videos Online
Watch Man killed by U.S. Border Patrol agent in Minneapolis was armed, ‘violently resisted,’ commander says Video Online, on GlobalNews.ca
globalnews.ca
January 25, 2026 at 5:25 PM
Hey @globalnews.ca, this is an irresponsible and dangerous headline choice. Have you watched the video? If so, why would you platform a quote containing clear disinformation, without context? Fix it.
For Canadians who don’t know: Minneapolis is where George Floyd was killed. If there was ever a city that was ready and willing to fight for its citizens and their rights, it’s this one. Their solidarity is a beautiful and human thing in the midst of so much dehumanization.
January 25, 2026 at 3:21 PM
For Canadians who don’t know: Minneapolis is where George Floyd was killed. If there was ever a city that was ready and willing to fight for its citizens and their rights, it’s this one. Their solidarity is a beautiful and human thing in the midst of so much dehumanization.