Millie the Magical Stone Skipper

Millie and the Magic Stone Skippericon

by Olivia Polk

Publisher
Bird Upstairs Books
Publication
Mar 01, 2022
Format
Hardback
Illustrated
Yes
Price
18.95
Dimensions
8.5 x 11 in
ISBN
9781954854390
Pages
32
Age
7 - 11 years
Category
Illustrated Picture BooksJuvenile Fiction

Rights Sold

šŸŒ World Wide Rights Available

Description

With the help of a wise frog, Millie learns a special skill that empowers her to help others while staying true to herself.

When young Millie sees her three older brothers head into the world to pursue their goals, she retreats to the creek to reflect on her own ambitions. There, she develops a magical hidden talent.

With the help of a friendly frog, Millie learns the art of perseverance by perfecting her stone-skipping skill. When a mischievous bandit puts her siblings in peril, can Millie harness her new power to save them?

Set against the stunning backdrop of Teton Valley, Millie the Magical Stone Skipper is a Wild Western tale that empowers young readers to try new things and live purposeful and authentic lives.

Awards & Endorsements

Review

ā€œThe artwork is colorful and vibrant, so I loved seeing what type of scene each new page would bring. The story itself really resonated with me, as someone who tried out several different paths in life before really figuring out what fulfills me and what I'm meant to do. The theme of ā€œbeing independent and still caring for othersā€ is a spot-on summation of some of my struggles as an ambitious female. We're always trying to strike that balance between individualism and community, and I think this book shows young girls that you can have both! I'm thirty-five years old and I needed the inspirational reminder. ;)ā€ —Julie Ellison, writer, Sony Alpha Female+ grant-winning photographer, and Climbing Magazine's first female editor-in-chief

ā€œA fine blend of fairy tale and modern girl-power, Millie the Magical Stone Skipper spins an inspirational story of patience, practice, and perseverance. Set in Big Sky Country, the tale springs to vibrant life in Vanya Liang's accomplished illustrations.ā€ —Jane Bayard Curley, PhD, independent curator specializing in children’s literature

ā€œI really love the story of Millie and it has turned out beautifully . . . [S]hort enough to keep the attention of young children and clever enough to provoke thoughtful conversation. The language is rhythmic and lyrical and the illustrations tie the whole story together—so very important in a children's book. Wonderful story for the young and those who are young at heart.ā€ —Jennifer Storey Gillis, early childhood educator and author of An Apple A Day! and Green Beans & Tambourines

ā€œKudos to Olivia Polk and Vanya Liang, a young author and illustrator who have created a lovely story and first book that celebrates girl power and ingenuity. Can’t wait to see what each of these young women create next.ā€ —Louise Boyd Cadwell, teacher, researcher, Cadwell Collaborative cofounder, author of Bringing Reggio Emilia Home

Author(s)

Olivia Polk

Olivia Polk earned degrees in English and political science from Williams College. Polk wove images from her childhood and her love of the Wild West into the fabric of this book. Using her university studies in folk storytelling traditions, she wrote Millie the Magical Stone Skipper as a modern, version of the classic fairytale model, urging the next generation of creative thinkers to dream big, aim high, and pursue their natural talents and interests. This is Polk’s first book. She lives in New York City.

Illustrator(s)

Vanya Liang

Vanya Liang is a Chinese freelance illustrator. In her work, she loves experimenting with patterns and colors. She pays close attention in her daily life, noticing everything she sees and feels, and uses it as inspiration in her artwork. Vanya has worked with various prominent authors and clients on both publishing and commercial projects. Her work has also been recognized with several awards.

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