#childrensbooks

Take Me on Vacation this Summer!

April 14, 2023 By Elaine Ambrose

For summer reading, please consider my books, eBooks, and audiobooks. The books have won 26 prestigious writing awards in three genres: humor, memoir, and children’s books. My books feature authentic storytelling, they have never been banned, they are reusable, and the books don’t need batteries or electronic chargers. All of them were written in Idaho and published in the USA.

Most of these books, eBooks, and audiobooks are described on the Amazon Author Page, but they also can be ordered from local bookstores and independent distributors. Or, bring some wine to my home and I’ll sign a free book!

The audiobooks are listed on Elaine Ambrose – Audio Books, Best Sellers, Author Bio | Audible.com.

The eBooks are listed on the author’s profile on BookBub.

Three 2021 International Awards for Children’s Fiction

Melody’s Magical Flying Machine

This children’s book about a spirited girl with Down syndrome won the winner of the 2021 New York City Big Book Distinguished Favorite Award for Children’s Fiction. Winner of Silver Medal for Children’s Fiction from Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards. Winner of 2021 Independent Press Distinguished Favorite Award for Children’s Fiction. Kirkus Reviews wrote that the book is “A joyful, well-told story that celebrates the power of imagination.” The book is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. Published by Brown Books Kids.

Frozen Dinners

Won 2019 Distinguished Favorite for Memoir from Independent Press Awards. Won Distinguished Favorite from the New York City Big Book Awards program. Available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook. Published by Brown Books Publishing Group.

Gators & Taters

This collection of children’s stories won the 2018 Distinguished Favorite Award for Children’s Fiction from the Independent Press Awards. The book is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook.

The Magic Potato

This bilingual children’s book won the 2017 Silver Medal for Children’s Literature from Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards program. The book was adopted by the Idaho State Board of Education for the statewide curriculum. The book is available in paperback and eBook.

Midlife Happy Hour

Three awards, including finalist for “Book of the Year for Humor

Finalist for 2016 “Book of the Year for Humor” from ForeWord Magazine. Won Gold Medal for Midlife and Silver Medal for Humor from Independent Press Awards. Foreword Reviews gave the book a rare 5-Star Review. Available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. Published by Brown Books Publishing Group.

Midlife Cabernet

The book won the 2014 Silver Medal for Humor from the Independent Publisher Book Award program (IPPY) and received a 4-Star from ForeWord Reviews. The book won First Place for Humor and First Place for eBook from the North American Book Awards. It won First Place for Cover Design and Top Idaho Author from the Idaho Book Awards. Available in paperback and eBook. Publishers Weekly wrote that the book is “laugh-out-loud funny.” Foreword Reviews wrote that Midlife Cabernet is “Erma Bombeckesque…an argument for joy.” In January 2015, the book ranked #1 in sales in the humor category on Amazon.com and sold more than 8,000 copies.

Menopause Sucks (with Joanne Kimes) – 2008 – Published by Adams Media/Simon&Schuster. This popular reference book combines medical advice, amusing anecdotes, and hilarious hints for hot women surviving the “M” word.

Other Books by Elaine Ambrose

Drinking with Dead Women Writers – 2012 – with Amanda Turner

Drinking with Dead Drunks – 2012 – with Amanda Turner

Daily Erotica – 366 Poems of Passion – 2010 with Gretchen Anderson, Rachel Hatch, and Liza Long

The Red Tease – Adventures in Golf – 2005 Bronze Medal Winner for Humor from ForeWord Magazine

Waiting for the Harvest – 1992 – Available only from the author.

Short Stories Published in the Following Anthologies

Laugh Out Loud – 40 Humorists from the Erma Bombeck Writers’ Workshop – 2018

A Cup of Love – 2018

Angel Bumps – 2017

Feisty after 45 – 2016

The Dog with the Old Soul – 2012

A Miracle Under the Christmas Tree – 2012

Hauntings from the Snake River Plain – 2012

Little White Dress – 2011

Faith, Hope, & Healing with Bernie Siegel, M.D. – 2009

Beyond Burlap – 1997

My current project is titled Midlife Reboot –

Humorous Stories of Rest, Resilience, and Renewal

Let’s Celebrate Truckers, Gators, and Taters

March 1, 2022 By Elaine Ambrose

To support truck drivers and inspire children to imagine award-winning storytelling, here is the first story in Gators & Taters – A Week of Bedtime Stories. The children’s book won a prestigious writing award for children’s literature from The Independent Press. (The story is written in poetry form with the accent on every third syllable using the same meter and rhyme scheme as the classic poem T’was the Night Before Christmas written in 1823 by Clement Clarke Moore.)

Available in Paperback, eBook, and Audiobook

The story is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook read by the author. Thanks to Patrick Bochnak for the festive illustrations.

“Melody” Wins Distinguished Award for Children’s Fiction

April 19, 2021 By Elaine Ambrose

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 and JuJu use a 3D printer to make a flying machine.

Virtual Premiere Party Nov. 14 for Children’s Book

November 2, 2020 By Elaine Ambrose

Idaho author Elaine Ambrose will introduce her latest children’s book at a virtual and drive-by event on Saturday, November 14 at SpurWing Country Club. Proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Idaho. People can view online Eventbrite details or stop by Spurwing, 6800 N Spurwing Way in Meridian, between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm to purchase an autographed book and two toys for $20. Due to social distancing regulations, masks will be required and there won’t be a program.

Proceeds benefit Special Olympics Idaho

The book tells the story of a ten-year-old girl with Down syndrome who meets a talking bird named JuJu. Using a 3D printer, they create a magical flying machine. Slant3D in Nampa manufactured toys with a 3D printer to accompany the book. The 88-page chapter book is written for ages seven through eleven and includes creative illustrations by Idaho artist Caroline Zina. The book was published by Brown Books Publishing and also is available in eBook format and in audiobook read by the author. They are available online or can be ordered from local bookstores and libraries.

National professional reviews have been positive. Publishers Weekly awarded the book with a “lightning bolt” designation, indicating an “Editor’s Pick for a Book of Outstanding Quality.” The review to be published in the November issue of Publishers Weekly noted that: “Award-winning humorist, memoirist, and children’s author Ambrose adds another hit to her roster with a third children’s book.” Kirkus Reviews wrote the book “is a joyful, well-told story that celebrates the power of imagination.”

Readers within the Down syndrome community also gave positive reviews. Allison Zoccola has an adult brother with Down syndrome and sent these remarks: “WOW – your book is incredible. I can imagine reading this to my daughter with so much joy and pride in having the main character proudly represent such an underrepresented population of phenomenal people. The illustrations are marvelous with so much depth, and truly enhance and bring more life to the words on the page. The descriptions are peppered with realistic details and mannerisms – like fidgeting with the strings on her outfit – and bring so much life to the story for me. Having a brother with Down Syndrome, I know all too well the habits, repeated routines, safe places etc., that make up the day of an individual with Downs. I genuinely enjoyed reading it and I can’t wait to read it again.”

Ambrose is the bestselling author of ten books, a viral blogger, and certified workshop facilitator. She has won national writing awards for books in three genres: humor, memoir, and children’s books.

3-D Toys Created for Children’s Book

September 19, 2020 By Elaine Ambrose

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.

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://t625c3.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/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 be Released in the Fall

April 1, 2020 By Elaine Ambrose

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

#childrensbooks

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