Rosaria L CalafatiRosaria L. Calafati, the author of The Ella The Enchanted Princess series and Leo & Lucas Series, is one of the children's book authors who has been making waves by creating books for children who aren't the same as their peers. Mrs. Calafati feels tat this space has been neglected for decades, and children's book authors are beginning to realize how important it is to write books that are positive and inclusive. Mrs. Calafati created Ella after she battled (and beat!) breast cancer. As she lost her hair, she noticed that people would sometimes stare and whisper. This was hurtful as an adult, and she could only imagine how hurtful that experience must be for children. She created Ella to give children who are different the strength and confidence to be their proud, bold, beautiful selves. Rosaria is a very devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family means the world to her. She was a single parent for over 11 years. The struggles of raising children on her own could be very challenging. She always maintained a positive attitude no matter what was thrown at her. She met the love of her life and together they combined their families. Her family grew from 3 to 6 children. As far as Rosaria was concerned they were all her kids. Kids Are Precious, says Rosaria They all need love and a place to belong! She is now a proud mom of 6 grown children and 11 grandchildren! Her marvelous husband has inspired her throughout her challenges of Breast Cancer and supports her through her writing career. Rosaria while raising her children found it hard to find inspirational short stories for children that align with her family's values. She found out that many of the inspirational short stories for kids today focus on kids who meet the typical standard of beauty. While the children in standard inspirational stories for kids may have their own struggles, they usually look, sound, and act like everything else. This is where Ella The Enchanted Princess is different. Rosaria created Ella The Enchanted Princess also because of her struggles raising children. When it comes to inspirational short stories for children, books starring Ella The Enchanted Princess offer a source of connection for children who may look or act differently from their peers. Ella was born without hair, and she often struggles with her confidence and self-image. While Ella wants to get out and explore her magical town, she's afraid of having to look into the large mirror in the grand hall of her castle. Her fears keep her, literally and figuratively, locked away from everything she wants to experience. Rosaria wants to share that this tale is all too familiar for young boys and girls who worry about what others may say about their appearance. If your child, or the child of a loved one, looks or acts differently from other kids their age, teaching them about Ella The Enchanted Princess is a great way to help them understand that they are just as valued and special as other children. It's essential for young kids to have role models they feel a connection with, and Ella is a wonderful example of how it's ok (and even great!) to be different from others. When you give the gift of Ella, you're giving the gift of self-confidence. Children have a special place in her heart and realize that kids are precious. Through her books, she hopes to teach children to believe in themselves! Read More Read Less
