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Everything Just Clicked
Ella Minnow P. follows a bright little girl on her first day of school who is teased because her name sounds like part of the alphabet song, and uses this to teach her classmates about kindness and empathy. What was the inspiration for your story?
My children inspired me to write this book. Three years ago, we were saying the ABCs one night in bed, and my oldest daughter kept saying what sounded like “Ella Minnow P.” at the LMNOP part, and then my kids would giggle. I immediately thought it sounded like a girl’s name. Everything just clicked, and I thought of the storyline. When I sat down to write the story, it only took a few hours. Then I had to get it all to rhyme.
As for the storyline and message of the book, again, my children inspired it. As a military spouse, I’ve guided our three children through five relocations and nine schools in nine years. Through this journey, I’ve witnessed firsthand the power of kindness, courage, and inclusivity in children. Their love and acceptance as they learn and grow together are qualities I hope to inspire in other families. Like Ella, I’ve taught my kids that it takes both bravery and kindness to navigate any new chapter in life, especially the first day of school! These are lessons I share in my book to help others do the same.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
I absolutely wanted the book to rhyme because I just feel like rhyming books hold kids’ attention and are cute. Your review said, “The writing is bouncy and rhyming, and the story moves along at a perfect pace for young readers.” And that is exactly what I was aiming for! While the message in this book is extremely important, I wanted this book to be one that children can learn to read from. That is why this book is recommended for ages 0 to 6 as a read-aloud, but also for 5 to 8-year-olds as an early reader. My kindergartener is actually learning to read with this book! The sentence structure is simple and rhythmic, making it fun to sound out the words. The text also highlights different, simple vocabulary words.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with the illustrator Emanuela Mannello?
Here is an article that was written in a local publication. Thus far, this is the first and only article that includes an interview with Emanuela. She was absolutely incredible to work with. I had been working with another illustrator, but I had to end that partnership because it was taking so long. It just wasn’t a good fit. I found Emanuela because she was the illustrator of the book Unicorn Wishes, which my children loved. I thought, “If my kids love the artwork in this book, why not just ask her to illustrate mine?” So I googled her and figured out how to get a hold of her, and the rest is history! She lives in Italy, and we did everything via email.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
We are in the middle of yet another military move, but I have ideas for more books involving Ella’s character, and the manuscripts are underway 🙂
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Instagram | Coronado Eagle | Coronado Times | Amazon
Perfect as a baby book, toddler book, or preschool book, Ella Minnow P. is a great read-aloud for storytime or bedtime. It’s also an ideal kindergarten book or first grade book, especially for children facing those first day jitters. This story encourages confidence, friendship, and the idea that learning can be fun when you stay true to yourself.
Written by Trisha Fleming and illustrated by Emanuela Mannello, this charming children’s book is filled with rhymes, giggles, and colorful scenes that bring Ella’s classroom to life. Whether you’re looking for first day jitters children’s books, kindness books, or one of the best kindergarten read about books, Ella Minnow P. belongs on your child’s bookshelf.
Recommended for ages 0 to 6 as a read-aloud and 5 to 8 as an early reader. Great for classrooms, libraries, and home collections, this juvenile fiction story will keep kids coming back to the alphabet again and again with confidence and a smile.
Ella Minnow P.
Ella Minnow P. is a sweet and clever picture book that follows a bright little girl named Ella on her first day of school. Excited to learn and meet new friends, Ella introduces herself during a name game, only to be met with giggles because her name sounds suspiciously like the trickiest part of the alphabet song. As the class struggles to recite the letters past “K,” Ella draws strength from her name and confidently sings the entire song, earning cheers from her classmates and ultimately helping them remember the tough part. More importantly, she shows kindness and empathy to those who once laughed at her, turning a moment of teasing into a lesson in courage and friendship.
I loved how this picture book turned a simple pun, “Ella Minnow P.,” into something that felt meaningful and empowering. It’s lighthearted and fun, but also carries real heart. The writing is bouncy and rhyming, and the story moves along at a perfect pace for young readers. The way Ella turns a moment of embarrassment into triumph felt really satisfying, and I appreciated that the message wasn’t heavy-handed. It felt like a genuine moment any kid could go through, and the solution came from confidence and kindness instead of an adult swooping in to fix it.
What I really liked was Ella’s response to the teasing. She doesn’t just bask in her success; she makes a point to reach out to the classmate who laughed at her. That felt powerful. It would’ve been easy to let the story end with her being the hero, but instead it went further to show what empathy looks like. The idea that even young kids can choose to be kind, especially after being hurt, makes this more than just a fun classroom tale.
I’d recommend Ella Minnow P. to parents, teachers, or anyone helping a child start school or navigate new social situations. It’s especially great for kids who feel nervous about fitting in or getting laughed at, because Ella shows them that being yourself is actually your superpower. It’s joyful, warm, and wise.
Pages: 30 | ASIN : B0F42YJXSR
LITERARY TITAN 