The Ellis the Elephant series is a cute way for children to learn about important historical events in our nation. The newest book, From Sea to ShiningSea, takes Ellis the Elephant along the great expedition of Lewis and Clark. He learns about the Louisiana Purchase and how it expanded the United States from thirteen colonies along the Atlantic all the way to the Pacific. He also learns how inventors developed technologies like the steamboat to power America’s expansion.
I loved this book. As a homeschooling mom, it's fun to see things I can incorporate into the day that are educational and kid-friendly. My girls enjoyed the book too, and even my younger daughter, age five, paid attention throughout the whole story. My older daughter, age seven, loved telling her dad what she learned when he got home.
I had a chance to interview the author to learn more.
What was the
inspiration behind creating the Ellis the Elephant series?
Americans of any age come to truly love America when they
understand its history, because an honest study of our past teaches that the United
States has been one of the greatest forces for good in human history. In many
schools, however, our children are learning a somewhat negative version of our
history that focuses on what is wrong with America. I love our country, and I
wanted to help teach children about why America really is an exceptional
nation. Ellis the Elephant, my time-travelling pachyderm, is a wonderful friend
for children--and sometimes adults--to discover important moments in our
history. It has been very rewarding to see how much kids love Ellis.
Why is From Sea to Shining Sea
important for young readers?
The early years following the American revolution were a
formative period in our country’s history. At the beginning of George
Washington’s presidency in 1789, the United States was a small cluster of
former British colonies on the Atlantic Ocean. By the end of Thomas Jefferson’s
administration in 1809, it was a nation spanning from coast to coast. Courage,
determination, and a pioneering spirit came to define America during this
time--and these characteristics have endured for more than 200 years. From Sea to Shining Sea introduces young
readers to this pivotal moment in our nation’s history.
Why was the Lewis and
Clark Expedition so important?
The Lewis and Clark Expedition was the most important
expedition in American history. After nearly doubling the size of the United
States with the Louisiana Purchase, President Thomas Jefferson sent the Corps
of Discovery, led by Lewis and Clark, to explore the new territory and map a route
to the Pacific Ocean. When they departed, 2 out of 3 Americans lived within 50
miles of the Atlantic Ocean. The explorers became the first American citizens
to cross the Continental Divide and discover just how big a continent this is.
In the years that followed, millions of Americans followed their lead and moved
west. The Lewis and Clark expedition was the start of American’s looking to the
West for their future.
What are some of the
surprising things you learned?
I was surprised
to learn that Meriwether Lewis actually helped deliver Sacagawea’s first baby
when the explorers were camped for the winter at Fort Mandan in 1805. It was
also interesting to learn that during an important decision to relocate their
winter camp on the Pacific coast in November 1805, both Sacagawea and Clark’s
slave, York, were allowed to vote. This
may have been the first time in our history that both a woman and a slave were
allowed to vote.
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