Elaine Ambrose

Bestselling Author, Ventriloquist, & Humorist

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“Melody” Flies to Family Advocates Program

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Melody’s Magical Flying Machine is an award-winning children’s book that features a girl with Down syndrome who uses a 3D printer to create a flying machine. Her positive attitude and creative storytelling abilities have delighted readers, educators, parents, book reviewers, and awards committees across the country. To accompany the book, two toys were designed by a 3D printer in Nampa, Idaho.

Fifty copies and 100 3D toys recently were donated to Family Advocates in Boise. The organization is dedicated to ending child abuse, Family Advocates addresses the full spectrum of need with comprehensive programs for both prevention and advocacy.

“We are excited to accept the donation of books and toys,” said Kathryn Seebold, executive director. “We organize a book drive for our Family Strengthening families a few times a year, and this would be a great addition to those events and to add to our children’s library.”

Three 2021 International Awards for Children’s Fiction

Publishers Weekly named the book an “Editor’s Pick for a Book of Outstanding Quality.” The review mentioned “vivid prose” and “imaginative tapestry that is Melody’s magical adventure.”

Kirkus Reviews reviewed the book as “a joyful, well-told story that celebrates the power of imagination.”

The book won international writing awards for children’s fiction from New York City Big Book Award, the Moonbeam Book Awards, and from the Independent Press Book Awards.

The book is illustrated by Idaho illustrator Caroline Zina. The paperback was published by Brown Books Kids. The book is a beginning chapter book for early readers and is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. The author is available to speak at read at area schools and civic organizations.

The Publisher’s Weekly review concluded: “This charming flight of fancy with an equally charming protagonist will delight readers who want to be both educated and entertained.”

 

 

(Illustrations have copyright protection)

“Melody” Wins Distinguished Award for Children’s Fiction

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The 2021 Independent Press Awards announced today Melody’s Magical Flying Machine by Idaho author Elaine Ambrose is the Distinguished Favorite winner in the Children’s Fiction category. Judges evaluated entries from around the world, and the Children’s Fiction category received thousands of submissions. The Awards celebrate and recognize key titles representing excellence in global independent publishing and writing.

Melody’s Magical Flying Machine is a beginning chapter book for ages 7-11. Melody is an amusing 10-year-old girl with Down syndrome. She narrates her story of meeting an enchanted bird, and they use a 3D printer to create a flying machine pulled by two dragons. She soars 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.

“The book 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. Carolyn Zina’s pencil illustrations are beautifully textured and shaded, with a magical quality that deftly matches the text.” – Kirkus Reviews

Publishers Weekly named the book as an “Editor’s Pick” for outstanding quality and wrote about “vivid prose” and “imaginative tapestry that is Melody’s magical adventure.” The published review concluded: “This charming flight of fancy with an equally charming protagonist will delight readers who want to be both educated and entertained.”

Slant3D of Nampa, Idaho, manufactured 3D toys for the book.

The story features a 3D printer, and toys were created with a 3D printer to accompany the book. Ambrose has donated books and toys to several charities, including Special Olympics Idaho and the Ohana Day Center in Woods Cross, Utah.

Illustrations were created by Idaho artist Caroline Zina. The book is available in paperback, published by Brown Books Publishing, and in eBook and audiobook read by the author. Order from independent bookstores, online, or from the author.

Elaine Ambrose is a bestselling author of 12 books, 14 eBooks, and 4 audiobooks. During the past six years, her books have won 10 international writing awards in three genres: humor, memoir, and children’s books. More details are available on www.ElaineAmbrose.com.

Melody the Daydreamer
Melody and JuJu use a 3D printer to make a flying machine.
“Don’t forget me, Sweetie Pie.”

3-D Toys Created for Children’s Book

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Video shows 3-D printing of the doll toy for Melody.

Melody is coming! A new children’s book titled Melody’s Magical Flying Machine introduces 10-year-old Melody, an amusing girl who loves to imagine and tell stories, give strong hugs, and share knock-knock jokes with her brother. She also has Down syndrome.

After a bad day at school, she escapes to her safe place beneath a catalpa tree and meets a magical talking bird. They use a 3-D printer to create a flying machine so Melody can fly through the air, amaze her friends, and chase a group of bullies. Through her adventures, Melody discovers her strength, resilience, and joy.

Slant 3D Printing in Caldwell, Idaho, was commissioned to design and manufacture 3-D toys to accompany the book, eBook, and audiobook. The company features state-of-the-art design, prototype manufacturing, and production of complex products for clients across the country. The finished toy resembles the illustration of Melody and details include her eyeglasses.

3-D toys in a Fairy Garden.

The book contains a dozen charming illustrations by Idaho artist Caroline Zina. Two illustrations were used for the 3-D toys: the girl and the shell that became the flying machine. The toys are three-inches high, light-weight, and sturdy enough for active children to use during storytelling activities with the book.https://elaineambrose.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/img_2329.mov

The book premieres in November, and the paperback and eBook are available for pre-order. The audiobook read by the author will be available on November 10. The author is organizing a premiere party on Saturday, November 14. The book and two toys will be sold for $25. Individual books and toys also can be purchased. Proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Idaho.

20_52062_CVR_SoftProof Click this link to see the back and front cover.

The book is receiving excellent reviews from national reviewers, professionals, and children who enjoy chapter books written for ages seven through eleven. Kirkus Reviews wrote, “Melody’s Magical Flying Machine is a joyful, well-told story that celebrates the power of imagination.”

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.