Ellen Mayer

Mayer, Ellen

Photo Credit: (photo credit Megan Cahill Photography)

In the board book SEBASTIAN NEEDS A STAGE, Sebastian wants to do a show for his family. But his bedroom is small and cluttered. How can he perform as a troupe of animals, when he doesn't have the space? Sebastian rearranges his room to create a stage for his performance, to the delight of his gathered audience. The story shows a young child engaged in problem solving through trial and error, as he wrestles with some challenging spatial issues.

In MILO KNITS A HUG, when Milo finds out his new after-school arrangement means he'll have to stay with neighbor Dora downstairs and not Mama, he feels anxious. Milo doesn't even know Dora. But as Dora teaches him to knit, Milo begins to feel comfortable with her. Milo also learns the persistence required to master a new skill, the focus that knitting brings, and the joy that comes from creating a gift for others.

Ellen Mayer has written four math-infused children's books, three of them board books, all published by Star Bright Books: BANANA FOR TWO (2017), CLEAN UP, UP, UP! (2018), LEAVES TO MY KNEES (2022) and YELLOW, RED, GREEN - GO! (2024). She's also the author of GIFT AND BOX (Knopf, 2023).