#downsyndrome
“Melody” Wins Distinguished Award for Children’s Fiction
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.”
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.
Virtual Premiere Party Nov. 14 for Children’s Book
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.
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.
Publishers Weekly Names Children’s Book as “Editor’s Pick”
Illustration of MelodyProfessional reviewers from Publishers Weekly reviewed Melody’s Magical Flying Machine by Idaho author Elaine Ambrose and awarded the book with a “lightning bolt” designation, indicating an “Editor’s Pick for a Book of Outstanding Quality.”
Publishers Weekly is the international news platform of book publishing and bookselling. It was founded in 1872 and published continuously since then and includes business news, reviews, bestseller lists, and commentaries.
The review to be published in the BookLife feature of 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.”
The story is narrated by a girl with Down syndrome. She meets a talking bird, and they use a 3D printer to create a magical flying machine to soar over the playground, scare a group of bullies, and prove that Melody is brave and magnificent. Besides her tall tales and colorful stories, she also shares facts about Down syndrome.
The review gave A ratings for copy and editing and an A- for illustrations. The review mentioned “vivid prose” and “imaginative tapestry that is Melody’s magical adventure.” The review concluded: “This charming flight of fancy with an equally charming protagonist will delight readers who want to be both educated and entertained.”
This positive review follows another national critique by Kirkus Reviews that wrote the book “is a joyful, well-told story that celebrates the power of imagination.”
Ambrose will introduce the book in the Boise area on November 14 with an Open House at SpurWing Country Club in Meridian. Social distance requirements will be observed. Participants can register, pay in advance, and come inside to receive autographed copies and 3D toys created for the event. Proceeds will benefit Special Olympics Idaho.
Melody’s Magical Flying Machine will be available in November in paperback, eBook, and audiobook read by the author.
3-D Toys Created for Children’s Book
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.
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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
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.
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.
