THE ELLIE ADVENTURES
Ellie lives on Descendora, a magical group of islands that could be anywhere in the world, although the landscape most closely resembles that of Scotland. Young Ellie lives with her Uncle Dutch and has some very special feathered and furry friends.
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Created by Jonathan Liddell, the stories in The Ellie Adventures focus with humour and sensitivity on “relatable challenges and how to overcome them, nodding to the small joys in life”. Jonathan celebrates families and friends in his book and promotes the simple pleasures in life. His exquisite illustrations draw on our familiar landscape and wildlife, and the nourishing outdoor spaces of his home in Scotland.
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The four books will create a beautiful collection that will be enjoyed for years.
BOOK ONE: You Have All You Need
Hardcover ISBN 978-1-909675-995 72 pages | Full-colour
Ellie’s recent troubles threaten to crush her. When self-doubt and heightened emotions overcome her, she does something she regrets, but soon learns who and what she can turn to make her feel good again. Like all of the Ellie Adventures, set on the fictional island of Descendora, this book has comforting reminders about love and friendship, and discovering what it means to 'have all you need'.
“Bubbling with rich descriptive imagery, this sweet message has belonging at its core. The use of lighting is magical and nostalgic, bringing an old-timey fairytale feel.” Anna Doherty, Author & Illustrator of the Fantastically Feminist series, Big Ideas for Curious Minds and The Puffin Book of Big Dreams
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“A sensitive and thought-provoking book with striking illustrations that spark young readers’ imagination and encourage them to share similar feelings of regret and frustration.” Joanna Deeks-Nisbet, school teacher and mother
HARDCOVER ONLY
BOOK TWO: A Quiet Strength
Hardcover | 72 pages | Full-colour
Ellie is in a better place, but she notices how the beautiful close community she lives in does not embrace "otherness" to0 easily - whether it's the presence of Bear, her friend from the forest, or Tilly who is a black-skinned human. In this story, the author tackles diversity, and inclusion, as the people Ellie know and love come to get acceptance, not because of their differences, but because of their quiet strengths.
About the Author-Illustrator - Jonathan Liddell
Jonathan has had various teaching roles over the years, working closely with children of all ages who find themselves in difficult life circumstances. Part of his dedication to the cause includes delivering creative-writing workshops to youngsters. He says:
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“My hopes for these books are that they inspire others to pick up a pencil and sketch delight back into their lives, to share that delight with their loved ones, and to provide tales that point
to the importance of close friends and the confidence to step forward for yourself.”
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After obtaining a degree in Fine Art, Jonathan graduated in 2016 from the DJCAD Masters in Art, Society & Publics, and was awarded the William Sangster Phillip fund. With recent funding from the Scottish Book Trust and Creative Scotland, he is actively engaging children in story-telling activities during the pandemic—a truly modern challenge.
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See more on about Jonathan's work on Instagram @jonathan.liddell
