Robert H EllenbergIn 2017, Robert's life unexpectedly entered an exciting transition. After-work conversations with a friend named Cheryl Ann planted the seeds that bloomed into the Tugboat Cheryl Ann stories. Cheryl Ann and Robert developed an unusual friendship helpng one another through several daunting life challenges. Cheryl Ann's poise and strength coupled with her straightforward recounting of, often painful, stories from her life hit a creative nerve within Robert. After 30 plus years of engineering and teaching, Robert felt compelled to write a series of children's books inspired by those conversations.

The project evolved into a series of stories meant to provide an opportunity for adults and children to converse about difficult social and human topics. The Tugboat Cheryl Ann experiences feelings and situations that everyone faces, but often avoid discussing with children because a safe environment does not offer itself. The welcoming Bay of Tranquility reassures children. Cheryl Ann's strength and optimism provide a perfect incubator for "real" conversation between adults and children. Older children find a safe place to reflect. Read More Read Less