The Adventures of Big Ollie

About the Book

Welcome to “The Adventures of Big Ollie, Voice Power.” Ollie is a shy, purple elephant who is also fun and kind. Sometimes Ollie is scared and nervous to use his own voice when others are being mean to him. He is afraid to tell them to stop and leave him alone. Ollie is worried what would happen if he stuck up for himself. One day, Ollie sat with his mother and explained these fears to her. Ollie not only wanted to know how to stick up for himself, but how to stand up for others who felt the same as Ollie. His mom listened, and with a slight smile, she pulled out a bracelet. Now this wasn’t just any other bracelet. Ollie’s mom said, “This bracelet has magical powers.” She explained how it would help Ollie find his voice and to learn what it means to have voice power.

About the Author

Michael was born weighing 3 pounds, 14 ounces. Michael has several health issues that were eventually diagnosed as a growth disorder. The growth disorder had many characteristics. Most significantly, the disorder made Michael, throughout his life, smaller and slighter than most children or adults. These characteristics led Michael to looking “different.” Throughout Michael’s life, there were many experiences where Michael was judged, teased, and bullied because he was small. Children and adults said cruel and inappropriate things to Michael, and stares and rejections were a constant part of Michael’s life. As this situation had the potential of being very defeating to Michael, he now uses his experiences to shape how he can help others become resilient. Michael focuses on developing stories to help stop bullying and harassment, just like one of his biggest heroes in his life has, his Dad, Jim Jelinske. Michael and his Dad felt the need to educate students, parents, and teachers about the effects of bullying on children. “The Adventures of Big Ollie” is a resource for children and anyone who works with children. No child should be afraid to go to school. Michael Jelinske received his undergraduate degree from the St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, and received his master’s degree at the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa. He continues and has spent over 12 years tutoring children. Michael’s passion has always been to help people especially children and special needs individuals. He has always advocated for those who have been treated with anything less than respect, especially children. Michael wants to dedicate this book to five extremely important people in his life, his Dad, Mom, Grandpa, Grandma and his special needs friend Tim. Michael’s Mantra is, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”― Mahatma Gandhi