About
Joanna Thommée is a children’s book author with a passion for storytelling that inspires young minds, sparks imagination, and strengthens the bond between parents and their children. As a wife, mother of two adventurous daughters, Viktoria and Izabella, and the proud best friend of a lovable Shih Tzu named Charlie, mischievous German Sheppard dog named Hunter, and a fancy black cat named Cici, Joanna draws inspiration from real-life experiences. Sometimes heartwarming, sometimes chaotic, her stories are always filled with love and valuable life lessons.
Her debut book, Charlie’s Forest Adventure, was born out of a real-life challenge: Viktoria and Izabella had a habit of wandering off in public places, and Joanna wanted to teach them the importance of staying close in a way that truly resonated. Instead of scaring them into listening, she created a story. Her girls were completely captivated by it and begged to hear it over, and over again. That’s when she knew she had something special and decided to share the story with the world.
Joanna’s love for writing started at an early age. As a child, she would escape into the world of books, with The Chronicles of Narnia being one of her favorites. She began writing poetry in elementary school as a way to express herself and navigate the challenges of growing up, including the difficult experience of being bullied. Writing became her safe haven, a way to turn emotions into art and imagination into adventure.
But make no mistake, Joanna was not a quiet or shy child. She was full of energy, curiosity, and had a knack for getting into mischief. Her dad affectionately nicknamed her the “Master of Disaster”, a title she wears with pride even until this day. Now, as a mother, she sees that same boundless spirit in her daughters, inspiring her to turn their everyday moments into stories that children everywhere can enjoy.
Joanna was born in Poland and moved to Canada when she was six years old. Her father escaped the Communist regime as a political refugee, and several years later, he brought Joanna, her younger brother, and her mother to join him in Toronto. Leaving behind friends and family was difficult, and though her parents did their best to create a loving home, Joanna always longed for the large family gatherings her friends often talked about, big Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners filled with warmth and laughter. That longing shaped her own vision for the future, when she had a family of her own, she knew she would create those moments.
At 17, Joanna experienced a devastating loss that would change her forever. Losing her best friend, Bojanna, was a heartbreak that shaped Joanna in ways she never expected. From the moment they met in high school, their friendship was effortless, like they had known each other forever. Bojanna had a warmth about her, a way of making people feel heard, valued, and special. She was a true friend in every sense. When she passed away unexpectedly in her sleep, the loss was devastating. Grief hit hard; anger, sadness, and survivor’s guilt all intertwined. It was difficult to imagine a world without Bojanna in it, and for a long time, Joanna struggled to open up to others, keeping people at arm’s length as a way to protect herself from ever feeling that kind of pain again. Writing, which had once been her refuge, became too painful, and she stepped away from it. It wasn’t until she wrote Charlie’s Forest Adventure decades later, that she realized how much she had missed it, how much she had kept herself away from something she truly loved. Today, Bojanna’s memory lives on in Joanna’s heart and through the symbol of a butterfly, which she believes is a sign from her friend. Joanna’s author logo features a butterfly; which is a tribute to the love, inspiration, and kindness that Bojanna brought into the world.
As she navigated adulthood, Joanna’s love for adventure and new experiences took her across the world. In her mid-twenties, she moved to Japan to teach English, eager to explore Asia and immerse herself in a new culture. She taught at several elementary schools in Tokyo, where she would often visit the historic Asakusa Temple for moments of reflection. Japan became a place of exploration and personal growth; she climbed Mt. Fuji and watched the sunrise from the summit, visited the ancient temples of Kyoto and Kamakura, and traveled to the sacred mountaintop of Koya-san. The experience deepened her appreciation for different cultures and perspectives.
Joanna’s passion for giving back took her to Kenya’s Masai Mara region with Free The Children, where she helped build a maternity ward for a local clinic. The experience was life-changing, not just because of the work itself, but because of the people she met. Despite having so little by Western standards, they radiated joy, gratitude, and an incredible presence, fully embracing each moment. Their outlook on life shifted Joanna’s perspective, making her more aware, more thankful, and more connected to what truly matters. She returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation.
Joanna has been happily married to her partner-in-crime, Mike, since 2014, and they've been making each other laugh (and occasionally driving each other crazy) since 2006. They first met at a St. Patrick’s Day party at Ryerson University, and the fun hasn’t stopped since. Mike’s favorite pastime is playing pranks and teasing Joanna until her head almost explodes... it’s basically his superpower. Together, they love watching movies, trying new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with friends.
Joanna’s books are a blend of whimsy, warmth, and important life lessons, designed to make kids giggle while helping them learn. The Vivi & Bella Chronicles series is filled with stories inspired by real moments from her family’s life, alongside original tales that capture the wonder of childhood. Whether teaching a lesson or simply bringing joy, her goal is to help parents connect with their children through the magic of storytelling.
And, of course, no story would be complete without Charlie, their friendly, tail-wagging Shih Tzu who loves everyone he meets (which makes him a terrible guard dog but an excellent cuddle buddy). Charlie was the family’s "baby in training" before Viktoria and Izabella were born, and he remains their loyal companion, bedtime snuggle buddy, and the inspiration behind Joanna’s first book.
Joanna’s love of storytelling is matched by her dedication to education. She attended Loretto Abbey Catholic High School before earning an Honors BA in Business and Society from York University, with concentrations in Psychology and Statistics. She later completed an International MBA specializing in International Business and Marketing, at the Schulich School of Business, giving her a unique perspective on creativity, business, and human behavior. During her MBA, she did a work term at a branding agency in London, England and an exchange term at ESSEC in Paris, France. Joanna speaks three languages – Polish, English and French.
When she’s not crafting new stories, Joanna can be found enjoying time with her family, traveling, watching movies, being active in her community or indulging in one of her favorite simple pleasures: the scent of coffee and Early Gray tea. As a child, she loved opening her grandmother’s special cabinet just to breathe in the comforting aroma of fresh coffee beans and loose-leaf teas. To this day, those scents transport her back to cherished childhood memories of warmth, love, and the magic of storytelling.
Joanna believes that books have the power to bring families together, spark meaningful conversations, and give children the confidence to explore who they are. She invites you to join her on this journey, where every page is a chance to laugh, learn, and create lasting memories with your little ones.