Elaine Ambrose

Bestselling Author, Ventriloquist, & Humorist

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New Children’s Book to Feature 3-D Toys

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Melody and JuJu with 3-D printer

Melody’s Magical Flying Machine features a 10-year-old girl with Down syndrome as the narrator. With the help of a magical bird and a 3-D printer, she creates a flying machine pulled by two dragons. The book written by bestselling author Elaine Ambrose will be released in November by Brown Books Publishing. The positive story is a beginning chapter book for children ages 7 through 11.

Ambrose contracted with Slant 3D in Nampa, Idaho to design, engineer, and produce 6” plastic toys of the main character and of the flying machine. This first prototype of the girl is in the final design process.

3-D prototype of Melody
Illustration of Melody

The color of the toys could be blue or yellow, the official colors for the National Down Syndrome Society. Toys will be offered during premiere parties, book signing promotions, and charity events for the book. Illustrations for the book were created by Idaho artist Caroline Zina. The manuscript was read by five children between the ages of 8 and 12. They offered suggestions for the story before giving their final approval.

Slant 3D operates as a 3D printing manufacturer producing parts and products for companies all over the United States. Its first factory is the largest 3D Printing Farm in the country. In addition to printing, the company develops technologies and software to improve commercial 3D printing.

New Children’s Book Reviewed as “Joyful, Well-Told Story”

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Melody’s Magical Flying Machine is receiving glowing reviews from across the country. The book will be released in the fall by Brown Books Publishing Group, and preliminary evaluations are above projections.

“Melody’s Magical Flying Machine by Elaine Ambrose features a 10-year-old girl with Down syndrome and is a joyful, well-told story that celebrates the power of imagination. Melody is an engaging narrator whose cheerful affection, knack for happiness, and zestful imagination express themselves in every line. Zina’s pencil illustrations are beautifully textured and shaded, with a magical quality that deftly matches the text.” – KIRKUS REVIEWS

In the story, Melody loves to daydream beneath a tall catalpa tree in the backyard. She meets an enchanted bird and they use a 3D printer to create a magical flying machine so she can soar over the playground to amaze her friends and confront a group of bullies. Melody’s energetic talent in storytelling empowers her to educate others about Down syndrome while sharing her tall tales and strong hugs.


Kirkus Reviews has been an industry-trusted source for honest and accessible book reviews since 1933. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the company reviews the nation’s top publishers, small publishers, and independent authors. Qualified professionals review more than 10,000 books annually, and their evaluations include negative and positive reviews.

Other reviews for the book:

“Melody is a delightful girl, small in stature, but with an outsized imagination—who also happens to live with Down syndrome. After a sad day, she becomes a brave warrior and takes on the class bully with help from a new friend and some flying dragons. As a mental health advocate and mother of four, including one child with autism spectrum disorder, I am so grateful for this story of strength, resilience, and joy. We need more voices like Melody’s!”
– Liza Long, Author, The Price of Silence: a Mom’s Perspective on Mental Illness

“One of the primary missions of Family Advocates is to promote the health and well-being of every child and encourage children to reach their true potential by being safe, strong and brave – just like Melody. This book highlights the positive fact that a child with special needs can dream, share, achieve goals, handle bullies, and contribute to the community.”
– Kathryn Seebold, Executive Director, Family Advocates

Other positive reviews came from four children, ages 8 through 12, who read the book and offered expert commentary.

Give Mom Humor and Be Her Favorite Child

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Flowers and candy are lovely gifts for Mother’s Day, but after all the angst and drama of the past two months, Mom wants to laugh! I’d love to help. My award-winning books, eBooks, and audiobooks will cause your mother to smile again and love you more than your siblings.

“Laugh-out-loud funny!” – Publishers Weekly

“Resembles Erma Bombeck.” – Foreword Reviews

Winners of Five National Writing Awards, including Finalist for Book of the Year for Humor with a rare 5-Star Review

Both books were ranked #1 Bestsellers online.

Midlife Happy Hour is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook read by the Author

Midlife Cabernet is available in paperback and eBook

Here’s a sneak peek of the preliminary cover for the final book in the midlife trilogy: Midlife Reboot – Humorous Stories of Rest, Resilience, and Renewal. This book will make the perfect Christmas and holiday present, so you’ll still be the favorite child.

Order the first two books online, from local bookstores, or directly from the author: For personalized and autographed copies, email elaine@elaineambrose.com

New Children’s Book to be Released in the Fall

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Melody’s Magical Flying Machine, a new children’s book by bestselling author Elaine Ambrose, remains in production at Brown Books Publishing Group with a scheduled released for late fall. The publisher and author believe this story can give children a positive distraction during uncertain times.

The story describes a spirited, 10-year-old girl named Melody who loves to daydream beneath a catalpa tree in the backyard. After being bullied at school, she meets an enchanted bird named JuJu, and they create a magical flying machine pulled by two funny dragons. Melody blossoms with a sense of adventure as she soars over the playground amazing her friends, frightening the teachers, and terrorizing a group of bullies. Melody uses her newfound confidence and creative ability in storytelling to educate others about children with special needs and proves why she is the most marvelous hugger in all the Universe. Other characters include a best friend who wants to be a famous singer and a little brother who tells knock-knock jokes

Artwork for the cover by Wayne Anderson is courtesy of Bridgeman Art Library in New York. Interior illustrations were created by Caroline Zina, an Idaho illustrator. Here are a few of the copyrighted illustrations:

Elaine Ambrose is a bestselling author of 10 books including two award-winning children’s book, Gators & Taters – A Week of Bedtime Stories and The Magic Potato – La Papa Mágica. Elaine lives in Idaho and is the winner of 12 national writing awards in three genres: humor, memoir, and children’s books.


Caroline Zina is an illustrator from California where she fell in love with the beauty of book illustrations at an early age. She currently resides in Idaho, where she uses her passion for art and storytelling to give author’s world’s a visual voice. Contact Caroline Zina through her website: carolinezina.com

Children’s Book Stars Delightful Girl with Down Syndrome

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I’m excited to announce my latest children’s book, Melody’s Magical Flying Machine, will be released in September. The chapter book for children ages 7-12 introduces 10-year-old Melody, a spirited girl with Down syndrome. Written in first person, the story describes how Melody meets an enchanted bird named JuJu who helps her create a magical flying machine pulled by two green dragons. Melody blossoms with confidence and a sense of adventure as she soars over the playground to amaze her friends, frighten the teachers, and terrorize a group of bullies.

Melody’s creative ability in storytelling empowers her to entertain other children while sharing her tall tales. She also proves why she is the most marvelous hugger in all the Universe. The character is entertaining, energetic, and funny.

Few books feature a main character with the perspective of a child with Down syndrome. A comparative book would be Wonder, the New York Times Bestseller by R.J. Palacio, published in 2012.

The cover illustration by award-winning British illustrator Wayne Anderson, is courtesy of Bridgeman Art Gallery of New York. The captivating interior artwork is being created by Caroline Zina. The 100-page book will be released by Brown Books Publishing. The publisher intends to market and distribute the book to hundreds of bookstores, schools, and libraries.