Elaine Ambrose

Bestselling Author, Ventriloquist, & Humorist

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Virtual Premiere Party Nov. 14 for Children’s Book

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“Don’t forget me, Sweetie Pie.”

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.”

Melody and JuJu with 3-D printer

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.”

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

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.

Melody the Storyteller
Melody the Daydreamer

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.