Ellie's Stories

“Oh, how do you solve a problem like Maria? How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand? Those lyrics were made famous by the nuns in the hit musical, “The Sound of Music”. My “Maria” was NEVER a problem, but it really was like holding a “moonbeam in your hand.” My “moonbeam” was Eliana and like the nuns in the musical, it was my job as her first grade teacher to instruct her, mold her and shape her. As a seasoned first grade teacher I was ready for the challenge. However, it was I who marveled at her voracious wish to write and write and write. After the writing, came the detailed illustrations–lovingly, carefully penned. 


Now, you the reader can come hold this “moonbeam” in your hand just like me. Welcome to Eliana’s world of Bear and Pepper and little mice in the meadow. Welcome to the wonderful world of a first grader who loves to write and illustrate. If you are lucky to have or know or even wish to be a “moonbeam” I hope that her writing will inspire and encourage you.”

—Linda Nelson, First Grade Teacher, Charter School of Morgan Hill