A Case for Inclusion

What I love about James Mayhew’s Ella Bella Ballerina series is how he introduces it… James Mayhew presents. His intro is dramatic and theatrical and his series reflects it utterly.

What is also incredible about the series, and him as an author, is his ability to incorporate a number of facets into his storytelling. The series is about a magical music box that literally transports Ella Bella into the story. Once inside Mayhew incorporates words, illustrations, references to the specific ballets he features in each book and their composers. It’s this multilayered approach to his storytelling that inspires the reader to not only invest in the story but to trust him as its author. He has done an amazing job at creating a work that children learn from while they are being entertained.

The detail and his investment in the story and especially the illustrations wins the reader over from the beginning. How could a child (or an adult) not want to participate in something someone had obviously taken such care with and invested so much time, effort and love into.

I think that is the connection we are all seeking, especially during this time. It is in our nature to share and support each other, to include one another in our successes and even more importantly in our failures. It is during these days that we look to authors like James Mayhew as an example, as we finish our second volume of the Percivious Trilogy. It is important that we focus on how grateful we are, about how important it is to continue to share and be part of each others’ lives and love those around us, regardless of constraints. It’s a time to be creative, a time to include others where we can and offer support to ensure that everyone remains part of the story.