Millie the Magical Stone Skipper

"I really love the story of Millie and it has turned out beautifully . . . [S]hort enough to keep the attention of young children and clever enough to provoke thoughtful conversation. The language is rhythmic and lyrical and the illustrations tie the whole story together-so very important in a children's book. Wonderful story for the young and those who are young at heart." -Jennifer Storey Gillis, early childhood educator and author of An Apple A Day! and Green Beans & Tambourines

"The artwork is colorful and vibrant, so I loved seeing what type of scene each new page would bring. The story itself really resonated with me, as someone who tried out several different paths in life before really figuring out what fulfills me and what I'm meant to do. The theme of "being independent and still caring for others" is a spot-on summation of some of my struggles as an ambitious female. We're always trying to strike that balance between individualism and community, and I think this book shows young girls that you can have both! I'm thirty-five years old and I needed the inspirational reminder." - Julie Ellison, writer, Sony Alpha Female+ grant-winning photographer, and Climbing Magazine's first female editor-in-chief

"A fine blend of fairy tale and modern girl-power, Millie the Magical Stone Skipper spins an inspirational story of patience, practice, and perseverance. Set in Big Sky Country, the tale springs to vibrant life in Vanya Liang's accomplished illustrations." - Jane Bayard Curley, PhD, independent curator specializing in children's literature

"Kudos to Olivia Polk and Vanya Liang, a young author and illustrator who have created a lovely story and first book that celebrates girl power and ingenuity. Can't wait to see what each of these young women create next." -Louise Boyd Cadwell, teacher, researcher, Cadwell Collaborative cofounder, author of Bringing Reggio Emilia Home and Bringing Learning to Life: The Reggio Approach to Early Childhood Education

"[A]n adventure that feels like a familiar folk story placed against a gorgeous Western mountain setting. Millie's stone-skipping skill and her desire to be 'independent while still caring for others' have a fresh feel that also comments on gender roles. With aphorisms about future hopes for each of the four children, this tale encourages following dreams, grand or modest." - Kirkus Reviews