Always Us

A heartwarming picture book about different days and the variety of ways children move through their emotions with play. For children ages 4 years and up.

Sometimes I need to create, and other times I need to wreck it all. There are moments when I am calm, and sometimes I need to let my wild out. I like being by myself, but I always need us.

A. Simioni, affectionately known as Ella, is the creative heart behind the whimsical StellaEllaOlla Studio. Ella lives in Toronto, Canada, with her sports-enthusiast husband, their three delightful children, and an ever-growing family of quirky companions. Her children are the true inspiration behind the book, and without them, it wouldn’t have been possible! Ella's home is also shared with two mischievous kitties, a very grumpy turtle (who might be plotting something), and a pretend pet cheetah named Coconut Stripes—who loves to make a grand entrance at all the right moments! When she’s not creating, Ella enjoys exploring the coasts of Lake Ontario with her family, making puppets and toys, and reading tons of books (because even authors need to read!). As a little girl, Ella’s parents lovingly called her their "little printing press," always drawing and dreaming up new worlds. Those early years turned into a lifelong passion for creating stories through pictures and words. Ella believes in the power of imagination and the joy of play—because sometimes, that’s all we need!