Elaine Ambrose

Bestselling Author, Ventriloquist, & Humorist

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#Down Syndrome

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.

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.

Announcing Normal Chromosome Awareness Month

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Photo by www.Shadylanestudios.com
Photo by www.Shadylanestudios.com

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, but instead of being more aware of those who have one extra chromosome, let’s imagine if those with Down syndrome considered the perceived handicap of those with no chromosome genetic issues. The conversation between children named Marcus and Sally might be interesting.

“Hey, Marcus. Did you know that Down syndrome occurs in one out of every 691 births? There are more than 400,000 of us in the United States, but that means millions of people don’t have the syndrome? How can we help them?”

“Well, Sally, I hope they’re not too sad about their affliction. I know that having Down syndrome makes me more empathetic to others, and I’m generally a happier person. Sometimes it’s frustrating because I’m slower than they are, but maybe they’re too fast. And, I can’t learn as much as they do, but I still know a lot of things. And, I don’t look the same as they do, but I’m still cute.”

mirabel-preschool-graduation

“I’ll try and be more understanding of people without Down syndrome,” Marcus said. “Maybe we should spend some time with them and get to know them.”

“I’d love that,” Sally said. “I’ve always wanted to know how they learned to walk and talk so easily. I really struggled with those abilities. I’ll ask them how they did it.”

Marcus and Sally hugged, giggled, and then sneaked into the kitchen for a snack. While munching on some raisins and apples, they continued their analysis.

“I have an idea! Let’s organize a Normal Chromosome Awareness Month,” Sally says. “We can try and understand why many of them are so worried and busy. They’re always running around without taking any time to laugh at a dancing goat or sing a song out loud or hug someone until they gasp.”

“That’s a great suggestion,” said Marcus. “The world needs to be educated why most people with normal chromosomes are so tall they don’t see us at all, or they act irritated if we’re around. Maybe that missing chromosome contained some ability to be gentle. It’s too bad they don’t have it.”

mirabel-bunny-2

Marcus and Sally finished their snacks and scrambled into the yard to play. After a few minutes, they sat in the shade and continued their conversation.

“Maybe we should ask why they work so hard at jobs they don’t like,” Marcus said. “I know many people with Down syndrome who are excited to learn how to work and have developed skills that make them productive. People with Downs syndrome used to be placed in institutions, but now we can be positive members of society. We can learn to read and write, just like other kids. We have a lot to teach those who are limited with normal chromosomes.”

“I’ll organize a walk so we can show the public how to recognize people with normal chromosomes,” Sally said. “We’ll end with a picnic in the park and play together, free from labels and discrimination.”

“Let’s do it,” said Marcus. “Let’s schedule it for Election Day. I’ve heard that most of the people with normal chromosomes are angry about politics, and half of them will be mad because of who wins the race.”

“Oh, that’s so silly!” Sally said. “Yes, they need our help. Let’s plan an event, and everyone will be encouraged to be happy.”

Sally and Marcus made a pinky promise to create the awareness month. Millions of people were depending upon them.

(Note: For information about the Treasure Valley Down Syndrome Association and the upcoming Buddy Walk, research click here.)

My personal Joy Adviser.
My personal Joy Adviser.

 

 

Can You Move It for Mirabel?

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Click here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/477046175670405/

mirabel mar 2012

My wee granddaughter needs some energy to learn to walk before her third birthday. She was born with Down syndrome and her darlin’ little body doesn’t have the strength to walk. Please click on the above link, read my daughter’s invitation, and then go take a walk. It’s a win-win situation!

When she finally walks, we’ll all celebrate!

Midlife Cabernet: The World is Better when Pooh Bear is Safe

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imageI enjoyed a social engagement this week with an extraordinary little girl I call Sweetie Pie. We shared a tea party with yellow bananas and green peppers on pink checkered plates. Then we read colorful books and sang silly songs. But the genteel mood disappeared when our movie brought a significant amount of concern and worry. Crazy bees were chasing Winnie-the-Pooh in the hundred acre wood!

To prepare for the movie, Sweetie Pie selected a cozy fleece blanket, a cuddly bear, and a beautiful doll. We settled in to watch Winnie-the-Pooh, based upon the 1926 book by A.A. Milne. Thousands of children’s books have been written since then, but the gentle, steadfast, loveable bear still warms the hearts of little girls and boys everywhere.

The scenes were from the original book and the accompanying music was sweet. But the bear continued to get into trouble. He got stuck in Rabbit’s front door because he ate too much honey. Then got trapped in Owl’s house during a wind storm. But the scary part came when the bees were chasing him through the forest and he was under pressure to escape. Sweetie Pie was anxious until he was safe.

I feel the same way about her. She is so tender, vulnerable, and precious. Sometimes she stares at me with the gaze of an old soul, and I wonder what she knows. She is my granddaughter and our heritage is strong, forged from pioneers and farmers who were good and worthy. In her face, I see the past and the future, and all I want is for her to be protected from any harm.

Sweetie Pie was born four years ago with ten fingers, ten toes, and one extra chromosome. She has Down syndrome. She has brought joy and unconditional love to our family, and she receives it in return. After our play date she gave me a big hug and toddled to the car with her parents. For now, she is safe. And the world is a better place.

Midlife Cabernet: How to Survive a Grandchild Sleepover without a Manual or Medication

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When my charming granddaughter Sweetie Pie is finished with her meal, she throws the dishes and leftover food from her highchair tray onto the floor, crosses her arms, and smiles at me. I tried this once in a restaurant and was asked to leave.

At least I don’t need to guess what Sweetie Pie wants. Milk? Yes! Book? Yes! Nap? No! Adult life should be so simple. Can you imagine pointing to a bottle of wine, pounding your hand on the table, and expecting someone to jump up and bring a full glass along with a plate of imported cheese, Italian olives, and crusty bread? No, me neither.

I recently experienced a four-night sleepover with three-year-old Sweetie Pie. She loves cheese, strawberries, books, and being rocked while I sing to her. The only thing she doesn’t like is when I try to fix her hair. We’ve settled on three misaligned pigtails.

It’s a mixture of fun and exhaustion when a grandchild stays overnight, so here are my suggestions for surviving the slumber party:

Smile politely when your grown child hands you a baby with a two-page list of instructions because somehow they forgot that you raised them without a manual or explanatory DVD.
Note how your hearing improves significantly during the night because any cough or whimper shocks you wide awake to scurry to their room to make sure they are still breathing.
Remember that crayons will stain the grout in your expensive travertine floor but you don’t want to stifle a budding artist.
Child-proof the kitchen: use bungee cords to secure the cabinet drawers, and lock up the booze or you’ll be guzzling gin by noon. Stock at least one shelf with plastic bowls for them to pull out and throw around. You’ll get plenty of exercise picking up everything.
Know that your spouse will magically disappear when it’s time to change diapers but instantly return when you and your precious little chef are making chocolate chip cookies.
Never tell the parents that you and their organic child stayed up late to share ice cream and cookies while watching the classic movie Blazing Saddles.
Relish the moment when your grandchildren want to give you one more hug when it’s time to go home. Assure them they can return as soon as your eye stops twitching.
Momentarily appreciate how quiet the house is after they leave. Then plan for the next visit. This is your legacy we’re talking about.
One of the many interesting facts about Sweetie Pie is that she has Down syndrome. She is a reminder that blessings can come in small, unpredictable packages that may not look like or learn as quickly as others. But, she is a radiant example of abundant and unconditional love in a world too focused on perfect images and shallow affection. I’ve learned a lot from Sweetie Pie, and I look forward to her next visit.

Today’s blog was fueled by a 2010 Dunham Trutina from Dunham Cellars. This delightful wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. It’s available at Crush Wine Bar in Eagle, A New Vintage Wine Shop on Eagle Road and Fairview, and at Berryhill Restaurant in Boise. The cost ranges from $38 to $50 a bottle, so save it for a special time…such as after the kids are asleep.