Here’s my new Pro Connect Author Page on Kirkus Reviews.
Elaine Ambrose Author Page
Author Page Featured on Kirkus Reviews
Here’s my new Pro Connect Author Page on Kirkus Reviews.
Elaine Ambrose Author Page
books
Here’s my new Pro Connect Author Page on Kirkus Reviews.
Elaine Ambrose Author Page
New Children’s Book Reviewed as “Joyful, Well-Told Story”
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
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 [email protected]
New Children’s Book to be Released in the Fall
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
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.
“Frozen Dinners” Memoir Wins another National Award
Frozen Dinners – A Memoir of a Fractured Family is the winner of the 2019 New York City Big Book Award. The Distinguished Favorite Award places the memoir among the best books written and published by independent authors.
The winners were announced November 11, 2019 in New York City. The award program recognizes quality books and notes that New York City is synonymous with the global publishing industry.
Frozen Dinners describes how an entrepreneurial father rose from poverty to build a mult-million-dollar trucking empire hauling frozen food throughout the Northwest. His determination, combined with generosity and strict punishment, leaves his family in a state of emotional paralysis. After his untimely death, his survivors implode in a maelstrom of brutal courtroom drama, illness, and dementia. Using actual courtroom transcripts, author Elaine Ambrose portrays the tragic consequences of greed, estrangement, and family competition.
The memoir is the story of a woman who spends half a century searching for love and warmth beyond the contaminated legacy of her fractured family. The book, published by Brown Books Publishing Group, is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook read by the author. Copies can be ordered through local bookstores, independent bookstores, or online.
Frozen Dinners earlier won a writing award from the Independent Press Award for Memoir. Author Elaine Ambrose has written five books in the past five years in three genres, and the books now have won eight national writing awards.
