Blogs by s a ellis

I volunteered to write and illustrate a picture book for Martin’s House - Children’s Hospice in Boston Spa North Yorkshire. It has been a challenge because I wanted to convey the critical work that is carried out at this establishment without producing a book of sadness.

After much deliberation I came up with a story about a little butterfly’s challenge to find a place of safety and comfort away from the ferocious wind that threatened to damage the butterfly’s delicate wings.

The book is going to print as I write, I am very excited to see the finished picture book, an order has been placed for 500 copies to distribute throughout Martin House’s 14 charity shops.

I have covered the initial cost as a donation to this amazing cause and I hope the monies from the sale of the books will help towards the running costs of this incredible charity.

I would like to show you some highlights from the book and ask, if you can please purchase a book, either through the Martin House website or from one of the charity shops, that would be incredible!

The books will hopefully be available from the beginning of May 2025.

Reading out a story may not be enough.

Children are amazingly imaginative, so reading the story alone may not be enough to keep your children actively engaged in a story. 

Therefore, acting out a story or their favourite book might be the perfect way for you to make reading interesting and interactive. 

There are a few different ways that you could do this, depending on how theatrical you are willing to be.

If you are reading as a whole class, you can get children involved in acting out the story by assigning volunteer students to take on a character role.

Students should be encouraged to use voices and perhaps even some props to really embrace their characters and test their reading and oral skills.

Before you know it, children will be hooked on the edge of their seats whilst reading and listening together!

If it is a one to one session maybe read a page each and adopt the voice of the characters. There is no reason why your child cannot dress up as their favourite character, you could even act out a part of the story. 

Storytelling is fun, it broadens the imagination and helps a child develop a sense of wonder and appreciation of the written word, so always make it interesting if you can.

Drawing pictures of the characters can help drum up enthusiasm because the child will buy into the book with a feeling of ownership, plus it will help develop their own imagination to create new characters and storylines.

It is learning with a fun element being part of the lesson without the child realising this. 

So go on, be creative, push the boundaries of your own limitations and you will be surprised how much you enjoy the experience yourself!

Great read for Halloween, the kids will love it! 

The Magic of Visual Storytelling

The role of picture books in helping children visualize stories and create connections with characters is so important. It fosters a love for reading and strengthens bonds with the reader. Journeying through the pages can spark the child's imagination, encouraging them to engage with the story and characters to help develop a love of reading. 

The profound impact of picture books on parent-child relationships is powerful, the visual stories provide a platform for meaningful connections and shared experiences.

Examine the storytelling techniques in picture books that entice children to read and engage with the characters, ask the child what they think of the story and the characters, whose their favourite and why? Would they change the ending, how did they feel once the story ended? Would they want the story read again?

By asking questions and inputting with your feelings and emotions, it helps the child engage and want to participate.

You never know, your child might one day want to write a story themselves and draw the characters. It could be an exercise both of you enjoy!

The holiday season is a time for warmth, joy, and the spirit of giving, and what better way to celebrate this festive time than with a thoughtful gift for the little ones? My new picture book comes to the scene as a contender for the perfect Christmas present. Within its pages, it carries magic, adventure, and lessons that transcend the holiday season. Let me walk you through the 5 reasons why this book stands out as an exceptional gift for children during the Christmas festivities.

1. Encourages Imagination and Creativity

The art of storytelling is as old as time itself, possessing the power to ignite the imagination of children like no other medium. My new picture book is crafted with creative narratives and vivid illustrations that open up a world of wonder. Each page turn is an invitation for children to explore fantastical realms and dream beyond their surroundings. It encourages them to visualize and create their own interpretations of the story, engaging their creative muscles and expanding their minds.

2. Instills a Love for Reading

The love for reading is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child. My picture book is designed to capture the attention of young readers, with simple yet captivating language, rhythmic tones, and easy-to-follow plotlines. This makes the reading experience not only enjoyable but also an educational one. As children follow along with the story, they develop language skills, discover new words, and begin to appreciate the joy that comes from reading—a habit that can benefit them for a lifetime.

3. Celebrates the Holiday Spirit

Set against the backdrop of the Christmas season, with its blend of cheer and goodwill, my picture book perfectly embodies the spirit of the holidays. The story is infused with themes of love, kindness, and generosity—core values that are synonymous with Christmas. This makes the book not just a present but also a tool for teaching children the importance of these universal virtues, fostering a deeper connection with the true essence of the holiday season.

4. A High-Quality Keepsake

In today's digital age, where screens often dominate our attention, a tangible book can become a cherished keepsake for years to come. This picture book is produced with high-quality materials and is bound to withstand the eager hands of its young readers. The care and detail that have gone into its production ensure that it remains durable, ready to be passed down through generations or revisited year after year as a treasured festive tradition.

5. Provides A Shared Experience

Reading a picture book is often a shared experience between a child and a caregiver. This shared activity can reinforce bonds and create lasting memories. My picture book is designed to be accessible to readers of all ages, making it an ideal tool for family bonding. Whether read aloud on Christmas Eve, or pored over together in the quiet moments of the holiday, this book serves as a conduit for spending quality time and fostering connections during the most wonderful time of the year.

In conclusion, my new picture book embraces all the elements that make it the ideal Christmas present for children. Its power to inspire, educate, and connect resonates deeply during the holiday season. It is more than a gift—it is an experience, an education, and a keepsake all wrapped into one. It is my hope that this book finds its way under your tree and into the hearts of the children you cherish. Celebrate the festive season with a gift that keeps on giving, a gift that will enchant the child in all of us.

My new picture book is now available, you can contact me by email

gobybysaellis@gmail.com

I am in the process of setting up an online payment system but it is not available yet. 

This is my third book about Crystal the little cornflower blue dragon who has a unique gift.

Read how she helps Father Christmas with the help of her dear friends Callis and Hebble. 

The book also has a colouring book to compliment. Both are currently available locally at The Heart Gallery and The Book Case - Market Street, Hebden Bridge West Yorkshire.

RRP £15 Story Book

RRP £8 Colouring Book

Postage £1.50 

Please make contact if you are interested, I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Merry Christmas

Love S A Ellis x

Tell me what you think? The book will be available to purchase from local bookstores in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire and at the Pumpkin Festival of Hebden Bridge on 22nd/23rd October 2022. If you would like to purchase a copy please email me gobybysaellis@gmail.com

The Dragon of Hebden Bridge

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NprnOTEoGI0

My daughter kept telling me to write down the stories I use to make up and tell her when she was a little girl. When Bianca was 2/3 years old I was going through a difficult time, my daughter's father was not on the scene and my father had a terrible mental illness so I could not rely on my parents for support. Money was tight so I use to make up stories to tell Bianca. She loved them and they have stayed with her throughout her life. The pandemic has been such a traumatic experience for so many and lockdown has been so restrictive, it has been a challenge to occupy your time. Bianca knew how restless I would become and convinced me to start writing down my stories. Hence, Goby the Goblin was born and it has been my panacea to get me through the pandemic. 

I have realised that if you put your mind to it and become methodical and put aside an hour or so everyday, you can achieve good results, no matter what it is that you have your sites on. Just be diligent and work to a programme and don't give up.

If you have an idea, don't dismiss it and automatically think no one would be interested, this simply isn't true. You will appeal to a genre, so pick up your pen, or tap on your keyboard and start writing your ideas down, you will be amazed with what you can achieve if you stick to a plan, give yourself a timescale of when you want to complete your book and get started.