New Children's Book Elephant Beach Teaches Kids How to Step Outside Their Comfort Zone

Globe and Mail

5 days ago

"Reviewers have called Devane's book a 'hit at bedtime' and a 'fun, feel-good book for kids of all ages!'"
Author and educator Christine Devane takes a fun and unique approach to helping shy students succeed in life and the classroom.
North Andover, MA - Christine Devane's debut children's book 'Elephant Beach' tells the tale of a young girl whose relaxing day at the beach is quickly turned upside down by rowdy elephants who love to play.
'Elephant Beach' begins with a little girl who quickly brushes off the elephants upon their arrival, seeming annoyed with them and their antics. But once she gives them a chance, she slowly becomes intrigued by their playful nature and later embraces her new friends.
'As a former teacher, I saw how stories could light up a room and help kids connect with big ideas in simple, joyful ways,' said Christine Devane, author of 'Elephant Beach.' 'I wrote this book to encourage children to celebrate differences and try new things. If a child finishes the story feeling a little braver or more open to others, that means everything to me.'
Spending over 13 years in early childhood education, with some of that stint in Costa Rica, author Christine Devane is a professional who truly understands young readers and the value of sharing life lessons through fiction. 'Elephant Beach' is inspired by Devane's own love of elephants, her teaching career and her own children.
The main character is inspired by Devane at a young age – very shy and reserved – to show young kids that it's okay to be that way and still try something new.
With vibrant red hair, the main character shows readers it's fun to embrace what makes you 'you.' Kids and even adults judge people, or in this case, animals, before getting to know them. Sometimes, they just need to give everyone a chance.
You can purchase your copy of Elephant Beach here on Amazon or on Barnes and Noble.
About Christine Devane:
Christine Devane grew up in North Andover, Massachusetts, and graduated from Merrimack College in 2006 with a degree in English and a minor in Elementary Education. She went on to earn her master's in Elementary Education from Merrimack in 2008. Over the next 13 years, Christine taught at St. Augustine Elementary in Andover and Plympton Elementary in Waltham. She now lives in Wilmington with her husband, John, their three children—Joey, Nick, and Adeline—and their dog, Sophie. Christine has also volunteered and taught English in Costa Rica, and she is an active member of the SCBWI, regularly attending conferences in New York City and Springfield.