My Book

About the Book

           This is a selection of short stories from Ellen’s personal collection of work.  All of these stories have a special meaning to her, mostly because they are true.

          Little mice did build a house in Ellie's old car, and the woodchuck did destroy her entire garden.  And then it was certainly fun to name Maggie Magoo and come home to a tea party!  Also, it was both satisfying and wonderful to knit scarves for the poor for the holidays!  So I hope these stories bring you as much pleasure as the ones I enjoyed over and over as a child.

Ellen co-illustrated this book with Amber Jones.  Doing so provided a unique experience for Ellen because, after envisioning what she wanted the picture to look like, she got to add life and color to the drawings that Amber provided.

About the Author

Ellen M. Collins, the author and co-illustrator, has had a love for both children's stories and animals that dates back to her early childhood years. Combining these two interests makes it very easy and enjoyable to write for children.

Maggie, her black lab, who appears in most of her stories, will always be an important part of her life. Maggie, and all her friends were the inspiration for Ellen’s first book, Maggie Magoo Takes A Walk. Ellen recently found a new lab puppy to help her celebrate life.  Ellen has always had a pet and aims to make sure that animals are treated well.

Ellen grew up in Massachusetts and lived there all of her life.  Currently, she works at a high school which helps her communicate with the young and young-at-heart.  She is also involved with real estate and, of course, loves to write children’s stories.

Co-illustrator Amber Jones is an elementary music school teacher, who loves art, music, and reading! She grew up in Arkansas, and she still lives there.  Illustrating has become her favorite hobby. Amber is also the author and illustrator of The Chocolate Train.