“Don’t just stand there...Do something!”
These are the words that motivated author Lisa Von Felden while at church one Sunday.
About the Author
Lisa Von Felden
Lisa grew up as an athlete with her three sisters in Northern California. As a young girl she enjoyed writing poems and short stories. At the age of 10, she experienced a “defining moment” in her life, after she became the target of a cruel classmate. Lisa learned the power of hurtful words. She also learned the power of a courageous classmate whose kindness and action helped mend her broken heart.
As the years went on Lisa stopped writing. Right after graduating high school in 1981, she opened a small quick service restaurant called Lisa V’s in Concord CA, that she still owns and operates to this day. The restaurant became her life! She went on to meet her husband there and in 1999 and 2002 they welcomed their two beautiful boys into the world. Enjoying the wonder of having two little boys to raise, Lisa was inspired to write again, and in 2002 she decided to “redefine” that hurtful moment all those years ago and “Ellie with the Belly” was created. Life was so busy though that she decided to pack up her stories and put them in the garage where they sat for the next 21 years!
Then, in 2023, Lisa was divinely inspired to unpack her story and publish it. She was soon led to illustrator Mark Sean Wilson who has beautifully illustrated the book. Together they have worked tirelessly to bring Ellie and her friends to life and her prayer is that they will become a beacon of light for children and adults everywhere to be bold and walk with courage and kindness.
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As so many of us know, bullying and unkind words and actions can have lasting and deep effects on all of us. I believe, with all my heart, that reaching children at the very youngest school ages with stories that teach them empathy, kindness, courage, and forgiveness, can truly change the world for the better, one book at a time!
If you enjoyed Ellie with the Belly please share our link, so Ellie’s story can continue to grow and mend hearts everywhere!
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Jeremiah 31:3 I have loved you with everlasting love, I have drawn you in unfailing kindness.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as Christ God forgave you.
About the Illustrator
Mark Sean Wilson
​Mark was raised in Burbank, CA where he developed his talents as an artist from the wee age of 4. He was highly influenced by the Peanuts and Mad Magazine. He has since moved to Westerville Ohio in 2017 where he lives with his soulmate and wife, Jenn. Mark continues to Illustrate children’s books. He is currently working on his own series of childrens books that will take the world by storm in the coming year. You can see all of Marks work at markerdoodle.com