Storytelling

New Children’s Book Reviewed as “Joyful, Well-Told Story”

May 11, 2020 By Elaine Ambrose

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.

U of I Hosts Ambrose Storytelling Workshop

April 24, 2019 By Elaine Ambrose

Elaine Ambrose speaks at the U of I Storytelling Workshop

MOSCOW, Idaho — April 24, 2019 — Storytelling through film is the focus of the University of Idaho’s second annual Ambrose Storytelling Workshop, to be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, in the Idaho Commons Whitewater Room.

The free community workshop will introduce participants to visual storytelling and demonstrate how filmmakers can use tools at their disposal to make high-quality films.

“This year’s Ambrose Storytelling Workshop will be a fun event highlighting the power of story through film. Participants will learn directly from award-winning filmmakers and go home with usable skills,” said Benjamin James, a clinical assistant professor who teaches screenwriting in U of I’s Department of English. James is the recipient of the inaugural Ambrose Storytelling Endowment faculty research award.

James will be joined at the workshop by Palouse filmmakers Martin McGreevy and Jace Wrigley.

Following the workshop, participants will have 48 hours to submit their own short film utilizing the skills and techniques taught in the workshop. U of I seniors taking part in the workshop will compete for the Ambrose Senior Award and $1,500 prize.

The Ambrose Storytelling Workshop was started in 2018 thanks to a donation by bestselling author and U of I College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences alumna Elaine Ambrose. She created the Ambrose Storytelling Endowment to share her gift of storytelling and to honor her late brother George, a U of I alumnus.

“My entire career has been writing and telling stories,” Ambrose said. “I wanted to give back to the university to encourage more storytelling. We live in an age of sentences through Twitter and instant messaging that don’t quite communicate a story the same way a rich paragraph or dialogue does.”

More information on the workshop, including registration information, is available at uidaho.edu/ambrose.

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Media Contact
Benjamin James
Clinical Assistant Professor
Department of English
[email protected]

“Gators & Taters” Wins National Writing Award for Children’s Fiction

May 7, 2018 By Elaine Ambrose

“Potatoes are tasty,” Clyde said with a sigh.

“I like them much better than blueberry pie.”

Gators & Taters – A Week of Bedtime Stories is the winner of the 2018 Distinguished Favorite Award for Children’s Fiction from the Independent Press Awards. Thousands of books were submitted for the honor, but apparently the judges couldn’t resist the narrative rhythm of the imaginative stories. The Independent Press Award recognizes and honors independent publishers and authors and assists them gain more attention and to better purvey their content to a larger audience.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently released guidelines that advise parents to start reading to your child from infancy. Gators & Taters features seven stories, four in prose and three in metered, rhyming poetry similar to the writings of Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss. The stories are designed to be read aloud to children to continue the tradition of oral storytelling and inspire them to wonder about characters, places, and adventures. No batteries are required.

During the early 1950s, Mom raised her children, babysat other kids, and worked at home at night typing reports for Bradshaw’s Honey Plant in Wendell, Idaho. My dad was a truck driver and was gone during the week, so she had to earn money to pay for groceries. She saved enough to spend $5 a month for a set of Childcraft books. She read to me every night, and I developed a passion for reading. Every two weeks, she took me to the library and my first books were about the adventures of the Bobbsey Twins and the mysteries of Nancy Drew. When I was 10 and read Little Women, I identified with Jo, the tomboy, sassy girl, and I started to write short stories.

Gators & Taters features 36 original, colorful illustrations by Idaho artist Patrick Bochnak. Meet some of the characters and stories in the book:

“Gators & Taters” features two alligators named Cleo and Clyde. They go for a ride with a truck driver named Wendell O’Doodle and escape to play in an Idaho potato field.

“The Birthday Boy” offers the poignant story from a mother’s perspective as she watches her son Adam grow up and celebrate milestone birthdays.

“Hootenflute Flies the Coop” tells the delight tale of two little ladies who lost their pet owl. The story introduces creative words, such as flamdoogle tea, crawdad bogs, and corncob cakes.

“The Secret Reading Room” describes how a girl named Amber escapes to her grandmother’s attic to read travel magazines and adventure books. In this author profile, the girl decides to travel the world.

“Mama, I’ve Had a Bad Day” tells the true story of a family in various stages of crisis and chaos. Each family member has a bad day until Mama opens the scrapbook and reminds them of happier times.

“How to Feed a Hungry Giant” portrays the tall tale of Tater McCall who discovers and feeds a lonely Giant named George. The Giant eats 50 fish, 50 loaves of bread, and a bathtub of vegetable soup.

“Biking to the Moon” is an enchanting story about Emily, a girl who magically rides her bike to the moon and meets people trapped under a curse from a nasty troll. She breaks the spell and returns home to meet a special new friend.

The book concludes with discussion subjects and questions for parents, caregivers, and teachers to share with children after reading the stories aloud. Gators & Taters is available in paperback, eBook, and Audiobook read by the author.

The Independent Press Award follows other honors. The book was chosen as one of 50 children’s books selected by Bowker’s National Recommended Reading List, selected for the Idaho Public Television “First Book” Program with statewide distribution to underprivileged children, selected for the State of Idaho “Read Out Loud Crowd” Program, selected for the Summer Reading List for the Log Cabin Literary Center in Boise, and chosen for the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program in Boise.

The Wisdom of Irish Taxi Drivers and Bartenders

April 25, 2018 By Elaine Ambrose

“Why are all the Americans mad as a box of frogs?” David asked as he drove from the Dublin International Airport to my hotel. “I don’t understand all the vitriol. The waste of time is biscuits to a bear.”

“I agree with you,” I replied as I rummaged for a pen and notebook to write quotes from the taxi driver. “I’ve been writing that sentiment for more than a year. I try to balance all the garbage with humor.”

“Ah, so you’re a writer lady,” he chortled in a delightful Irish brogue. “Don’t you know most of us are cut to the bone – that means fed up – with all the drama over there.”

“Not all of us are angry or depressed,” I assured him. “I’m proud of my country and am convinced we’ll survive the current chaos.”

“Well, I’m happy you’re not in tatters about politics. And I trust you’ll be seeing the favorite pubs of the famous Irish writers?”

“Yes, I’m going to the Temple Bar to find the table where James Joyce used to sit,” I responded. “And, then to St. Patrick’s Cathedral to see where Jonathan Swift is buried.”

“Don’t you forget Oscar Wilde. There’s his statue near the park.” He pointed to the monument as we neared my hotel.

The 30-minute drive with David was a treat because of the nonstop commentary about politics, writers, pubs, and his love of his native Dublin. We arrived at the hotel and he offered a few more words of advice.

“Have a good craic and enjoy a pint of Guinness,” he said and added a serious tone. “And watch for pickpockets at The Book of Kells and shysters who will try to sell ya the eye out of your head.”

I appreciated his concern and noted that he didn’t judge the fact that I was a woman traveling alone. I thanked him, paid the 22 Euro fare and added eight more for the tip. He said we were best friends and shook my hand with the fervor of a long-long cousin.

“I’ll never make it to the States,” he said as he got back into his taxi. “But, I’ll be watching for happier news. It’s silly for friends and family to be doin’ a number and destroyin’ relationships over a political situation that constantly changes.” He drove away, and I acknowledged another memorable taxi ride.

In my travels, I enjoy talking with local people I meet along the journey. They always have the best stories, advice, warnings, and opinions. Next to taxi drivers, the bartenders offer the best conversations. After checking into my room and grabbing a walking map from the front desk, I ventured onto the streets of Dublin. I found the Temple Bar and slide onto a stool at the bar.

A young woman named Elise came over and I ordered a ¼ pint of Guinness.

“That’s but a baby size,” she said. “Wouldn’t you like a big girl’s portion?”

I laughed with her and explained I wasn’t much of a beer drinker and after the obligatory taste of Irish beer would switch to red wine with a cheese board and a bowl of olives. She poured my beer and wine and set the glasses on coasters in front of me. I drank the beer first and then sipped the wine.

“It’s early and the crowds won’t start coming in for another hour so you have the bar to yourself,” she said. “What brings you to Dublin?”

I explained that I was spending the weekend by myself in Dublin after traveling on a week-long tour with Wayfinding Women. We had visited several spiritual sights including the Hill of Tara and Glendalough as we studied Celtic spiritual traditions.

“Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!” Elise exclaimed as she pushed some wayward red curls from her face. “Did you see any fairies or goddesses?”

“I believe we experienced some of them,” I answered, truthfully.

Elise hurried to the kitchen and brought back a platter piled with cheeses, olives, and dense brown bread. She implored me to tell her more. I explained that I had been on a personal journey to deal with the recent deaths of my brother and mother. I also led writing discussions with the other women on the tour.

“I’m delighted to meet you,” Elise gushed. “I’ve seen plenty of Americans in here wailing about your political whankers and muppets. But you seem beyond all the olagonin’.”

“What’s that word,” I asked, reaching for my notebook.

“It means moaning and complaining,” she answered. “Maybe it’s because the United States is so young the country is hitting the rebellious teenage years. Our rugged Irish heritage has survived for thousands of years, and we’ve reached the wise, old ancestor stage. Maybe we’re luckier than you are.”

Patrons began filling the bar, and many were eager to find the bronze statue of James Joyce. I had a favorite quote of Joyce’s and was waiting for the perfect time to use it. The time was appropriate.

I think I would know Nora’s fart anywhere. I think I could pick hers out in a roomful of farting women.
From selected Letters of James Joyce about his wife Nora

Elise laughed out loud and dashed off to chat with the noisy customers lining the bar. When she brought my tab, she took my hand and thanked me for being a happy American. I thanked her for the important lesson about Irish heritage.

As I walked back to my hotel, I thought about the conversations with David and Elise. They joined the long list of fascinating and wise people I’d met throughout the years. In their honor, I was determined to return to the States and not become a whanker in a box of angry frogs.

Ambrose Storytelling Endowment Premieres this Month at University of Idaho

March 7, 2018 By Elaine Ambrose

The Ambrose Storytelling Endowment at the University of Idaho was created by bestselling author Elaine Ambrose as a tribute to the memory of her brother, George Ambrose, and to support the tireless power of storytelling. George and Elaine grew up on a farm outside Wendell, Idaho, and were known to spin a clever yarn at any moment.

The endowment will support a student scholarship, faculty research award, and an annual on-campus storytelling workshop through the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS). The first workshop is scheduled for March 21, 2018 at the University of Idaho. Benjamin James, assistant professor in the Department of English, will organize and lead the workshop. The program includes interactive discussions about story selection, word choice, finding the best voice, and elements of storytelling. Elaine Ambrose will speak about “Telling Your Story.”

“From boisterous tales around rustic campfires to eloquent readings from leather-bound books of great literature, storytellers share enduring myths, legends, fairy tales, and adventures to amuse, educate, and motivate every culture on earth. It’s my honor to acknowledge my brother George and to support excellence in storytelling at the University,” said Ambrose.

Elaine Ambrose graduated from the U of I with Phi Beta Kappa scholastic honors with a degree in Journalism. She is the bestselling author of ten books, a syndicated blogger, and humorous speaker. She was the National President of the U of I Alumni Association and served on the Foundation Board of Directors.

George Ambrose also graduated from the University of Idaho after being a leader in the Interfraternity Council and serving as an ASUI Senator. Both George and Elaine sang with the Vandaleer Concert Choir, and Elaine traveled with the choir to Europe, and George traveled to South America with the Vandaleers. George continued to tell stories and jokes just hours before he died from cancer in May of 2017.

Leona Ambrose, mother of George and Elaine, funded the Ambrose Family Scholarship before she passed away. The endowment funds scholarships for students from the Magic Valley area in southern Idaho. In 1998, Elaine funded the Vandaleer Travel Endowment to help with the choir’s tour expenses. For more information about the scholarships and endowments, contact the University of Idaho Foundation, 875 Perimeter Drive MS 3143, Moscow, Idaho 83844-3143 or email [email protected].

When Ice and Men were Hanging Off My Roof

February 17, 2018 By Elaine Ambrose

(Last night I was one of the illustrious storytellers on stage at the Alpine Playhouse in McCall for the inaugural “Stage Flight” program sponsored by the McCall Arts & Humanities Council. The theme was “Cabin Fever,” and I told the true and slightly embellished rendition of a dark and stormy night home alone in McCall. Preview their website for details about upcoming theatrics.)

Dark, winter nights in McCall can cause a powerful level of extreme anxiety. Alone in the house, I hunkered down for the evening. The heavy snow had fallen for days, and a cold wind blowing over the lake plastered a thick layer of ice over the windows and doors. Even though I had been alone in the house for a few weeks, it was too cold for Cabin Fever!

Suddenly I heard a groaning, moaning sound that emanated from the walls – and it seemed as if the entire house was sagging under the weight of six feet of snow on the roof. I feared it could collapse at any moment.

I huddled beneath the huge support beam in the living room, determining that was the safest place to stay. For protection, I gathered blankets, flashlights, two boxes of Girl Scout cookies, two bottles of wine, an opener and glass, and a roll of toilet paper. That’s my favorite go-to survival kit.

The house continued to moan and groan, as if suffering under the weight and cold of a forlorn world. I opened a bottle of wine, and soon my fears subsided and I fell asleep.

A daybreak, I woke and scratched off a layer of ice from the inside of the window and peeked outside. The scene was out of the movie “Dr Zhivago” as total whiteness covered everything for as far as I could see. It could be compared to the scenes from Disney’s movie “Frozen.” I imagine a girl could be knocking on the door, singing “Do you want to build a snowman?” No. I don’t want to build snowman. Go away.

I couldn’t distinguish the lake from the land. I noticed the ceiling over the front door was bowing. I tried to open the door, but it was stuck. I was stranded in a snow tomb. I added a layer of sweatshirts and flannel pants and sat to ponder the situation. Would I live through the winter? Or would they find my cold body surrounded by empty cookie boxes and clutching two empty wine bottles? They would shake their heads and mutter, “Oh, poor Elaine. She was good for a few laughs. Too bad she died alone, miserable, and wearing such a ghastly outfit.”

The telephone still worked, so I called my list of workers who shoveled roofs. The recorded message said to leave my number and they would get back to me. I waited four hours, watching the snow fall and the ceiling bulge. I opened more wine.

Finally, a call came in the afternoon. Crews were coming from out of town to help shovel roofs. The cost would be $200, paid in advance, in cash. I considered changing my profession. But, I was helpless and desperate.

“Send them over,” I said.

I pawed through all my purses and then emptied my wine stash to come up with the cash. An hour later, they knocked on the door. I still couldn’t open the door, so I waved the cash from the window and the workers cleared enough snow from around the door and on the roof over the door so I could open it. We exchanged pleasantries, I gave them the money, and the crew of four bundled workers proceeded to haul ladders and shovels around the house. I noticed that a few of them smelled of alcohol and appeared to be impaired. But when snowed in during a winter in McCall, one can’t be too picky.

The snow stopped falling, and I sat in the living room listening to the sound of men stomping and shoveling on the roof. The television visual reception was poor but I turned on the TV to hear audio reports of the Olympic Games. I had to imagine how wonderful or horrible the performances were as the announcers read the numbers of the scores.

Suddenly, I heard a commotion and saw a shovel fall in front of the picture window and then a huge figure fell part-way and dangled in front of the window. Without being properly introduced, I was staring at the inglorious view of a man’s bare butt. One of the less than sober workers had slipped and fallen off the edge. His coat caught on a protruding beam and suspended him in air, but his heavy snow-covered pants continued to fall. Unfortunately, he never listened to his mother when she told him to wear clean underwear in case he got in an accident – or for this matter, he wasn’t wearing any underwear at all. I was relieved he wasn’t dangling the other way or I might have seen something else dangling – even though it would have been a small show due to the extreme cold.

Soon his buddies came to the rescue and unhooked his coat. He tumbled to the deck in a heap. Even through the heavy snow and solid walls, I could hear the colorful and creative language.

Daylight was fading and the snow returned. The workers loaded their gear and prepared to leave. One came to the door and said they had removed most of the snow and would return soon to finish the job. Then he apologized for the falling worker.

“That’s okay,” I said. “But please tell him he scored an 8 for performance but only a 2 for visual appeal. No gold medal for him!”

They fired up their noisy truck and drove away into the falling snow. I never saw the crew again.

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