Ellis and The Magic Mirror

Ellis Monroe has always been curious about the world. When his father brings home an ancient mirror with the power to reveal the truth about the people and things around him, Ellis begins to see the world in a whole new way. But things get more than a little strange when Ellis takes the mirror to school. While playing with it on the playground with his best friend, Toro Quispe, Ellis discovers that someone - or something - is hiding out at Harriet Tubman Elementary and trying to stop children from learning. Determined to solve the new mystery, Ellis, Toro, and his little sister, Freddye go on a secret mission to find out the truth about the troublesome Buddy Cruster and stop whatever he and his friends have planned. Join Ellis, Freddye, and Toro on an adventure you will never forget!

As a mother of a 7 year old boy and a 4 year girl, I know that there are a lot of great books out there for kids.  My husband and I are avid readers and have been committed to encouraging literacy in our kids since before they were born.  But as our son's reading level matured, we noticed that the books available to him seemed to hold less of his interest.  The early reader chapter books that we found often lacked the action and adventure he craved. And when they did have action, they had little or no pictures (and rarely in color) to accompany the story line. This often left him too intimidated to give them a try ("There are too many words, Mommy!") even though he had the ability to read them.  We also noticed that protagonists who looked like him were getting harder and harder to find. I heard the same struggle echoed by parents and teachers of kids around our son's age.  We were all looking to fill the gap between the Fly Guy series and the next Rick Riordan book.  And that's how I came up with the concept for The Ellis Series.With full color illustrations integrated throughout the five-chapter story, Ellis and The Magic Mirror was written and designed to facilitate an easier transition from storybook to chapter book for young readers (ages 6-10 years old).  By combining the vibrant images that storybook readers are accustomed to with a more challenging narrative, Ellis and the Magic Mirror strives to encourage early readers to dive into more complex stories, without sacrificing beautiful imagery. Ellis and The Magic Mirror responds to the challenge of encouraging literacy in 3 main ways:

• It is unique in the world of early reader chapter books that typically leave vibrant illustrations at the front cover,
• It fills a growing need among parents and teachers for books that capture the attention of reluctant readers, (especially boys) while still moving their reading abilities forward, and
• It offers a diverse group of main characters who are doing cool things in a world that is modern and full of possibilities.  

In addition, the story of Ellis and The Magic Mirror is laced with themes that emphasize character building, the unique qualities that reside within every child and the value of learning, family and friendship.  These messages could be used in any school, library, home school or church setting to enhance and enrich a range of character building and educational activities. (It also makes a great bedtime story!) My son and I had a great time writing this story together.  We hope you have just as much fun reading it! To learn more, visit theellisseries.com. Happy Reading!