Do you know a child who has wanted to change their name? They’ll easily relate to Mrs. Annathena Gilly Gully From Puddle Rumple Tilly Willy, by PNW author Chellis Jensen.

The book revolves around a fascinating and emboldened lady who tells her story of struggles to deal with laughter and teasing by the neighborhood children. Backed by her pet parrot, Maurice, she decides the answer is to change her name.  Then, she recognizes that she, too, can laugh at her name, accept it and talk with the children about her fantastic and unique name. 

Chellis has managed to take the often over looked over problem of a difficult or unique name and make an artfully humorous story that all children can relate to.  The book is well written and offers many new and entertaining words and pronunciations for children to learn, all while very cleverly presenting an opportunity for open conversation about bullying and feelings.

Chellis was born and raised in Tacoma, WA and still resides in this area. A devoted mother of four and grandmother to many, Chellis has supported her community much over the years and has personally helped to build over 60 homes with Habitat For Humanity!

When asked what advise she might have for children who want to become writers, Chellis responded,  “You want to become a writer?  Wonderful!  Initially, don't worry about spelling or punctuation...put your ideas on paper any way you can, and feel free to use any ideas you think of.  Brainstorming means there is no "No" when you are getting ideas.  If you want a swimming pool on the roof of your house, YOU CAN!   Correcting spelling etc., comes later after you have all your ideas put together.”

And for parents, Chellis gives this advice:  “Give your children room to be expressive even if it is something different than you might like.  Help them when they ask but don't try to stifle the creativity.  Encourage them to write about what they like, or secret thoughts, or just getting their ideas from things they see and people they know.  There is no end, once you give a child room to write and grow.

The beautiful picture book is a work of family collaboration between Chellis, her son, Paul Swenson (illustrator), and step-son Patrick Swenson (publisher). Chellis and John Toth also recorded the story on a CD, bringing the characters to life. Both the book and the CD include a song written by Chellis. The song, “We Might Even Get To Be Friends,” speaks directly to the children, encouraging the cease of bullying.

SMK Recommends for ages 7-10

For more information and character descriptions check out Chellis Jensen’s website!