Follow Elvis on a journey of new discoveries about himself and how he learns to feel his big feelings, flip his own script, and create his own magic.
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Meet Elvis.
Elvis is a soulful, curious, creative, and wonderfully wise wolf pup.
About the Author
Colleen Marie Olinski is a TEDx speaker, author, educator, and mother. She has worked with children of all ages in a variety of settings for the past two decades. She has spent 12 years as a Preschool Teacher at a Yale University affiliated early learning center. She is a certified Elementary School Teacher who has worked as an educator and a special education tutor in both urban and suburban school districts. She has worked as a Residential Counselor with at-risk adolescents. She also spent time teaching toddlers at a childcare center and has been a nanny for children of various ages.
An advocate for all children, Colleen has a deep respect for childhood and believes that children are capable of incredible things. She is a mother, dreamer, avid storyteller, and lifelong learner. Her debut book A Wolf Named Elvis has the goals of validating the many feelings that children have experienced during the Coronavirus pandemic and empowering them to feel their feelings and explore what creative actions bring them healing. The book is based on the real-life experiences of being home with her 6-year-old son during the pandemic.
About the Illustrator
Sidney Lander is a Singapore-based illustrator and designer who works under the name Asterphire. No matter the piece, she loves bringing a sense of whimsy, brightness, and a little magic to her illustrations. Sidney started drawing as soon as her hands would let her grip a pencil, and hasn’t stopped since. She’s always loved storytelling in all its different forms. When not working, she can be found singing in the shower, or being way too introspective for her own good.
What People Are Saying About Elvis
“Elvis and his wolf pack couldn’t have come at a better time! Colleen Marie Olinski has brought all of our children’s struggles and big feelings front and center in her book A Wolf Named Elvis. This pandemic was stressful for adults and children alike, and following Elvis enables children to address their feelings, recognize they are not the only ones feeling angry, alone, or frustrated, and offers suggestions for everyone to find a bit of their own magic along the way.
As the owner of an early childhood center, this has been a difficult year managing everyone’s stress and fear. Colleen Marie Olinski beautifully portrayed what the children were feeling, and reminded us all of important ways to bring normalcy back into our lives. My favorite part of the experience of reading her book with young children is the conversations it opens up for both teachers and children, but more importantly the language and compassion children share with their peers.
Thank you Colleen Marie Olinski for enabling us all to find magic for our own back pockets! “
-Sharon Cowley
Owner/Director - Create Learning Center
Founder/CEO - luua
Educational Consultant and Curriculum designer
“A Wolf Named Elvis is a beautiful narrative that explores the complex emotions behind doing hard things, constantly adapting to change, and finding your own magic in the midst of it all. The illustrations jump off the page, and guide you through Elvis’ journey to find his own magic. I hope every kid has a chance to read about Mama Wolf, Elvis, and their pack!”
-Olivia White
Childcare Provider
“‘A Wolf Named Elvis embraces the long-lasting value of instilling emotional regulation in children in a way that captures the hearts of children and adults alike. Elvis and his wolf-pack are relatable, and create a magical space for children to bring to light the enormous, and often overwhelming, feelings they struggle with. Elvis’ journey is not only relevant but also timely, especially over the course of the pandemic, social justice protests, and advocacy for equality. Elvis captures the creative resiliency inside each and every child. Colleen Marie Olinski sets the stage with her storytelling capabilities coupled with captivating illustrations on just how in tune and curious children are with their surroundings, while also showcasing how essential healthy coping strategies are for all of our enormous emotions. Elvis’ healthy coping mechanisms serve as a whole-community reminder of the cultivating impact play can have on our lives if only we allow ourselves to feel our big feelings, and pull a little bit of magic out of our pockets to share with those around us. ‘A Wolf Named Elvis’ is a must have in homes, classrooms, and therapy sessions to help nourish the hearts of our collective communities!”
-Katie Brown-Bonafilia
LMHC, NCC, CAP, BC-TMH
Mental Health Therapist
Professor of Psychology
“The story of Elvis is a powerful and accurate depiction of what my children, and I'm sure most other children, have felt during this pandemic. As a mother and former Preschool teacher, I feel this story can help open up a dialog between adults and children to discuss their feelings, not only in regards to this pandemic but also, any time/circumstances in their lives where they may feel scared, isolated and unsure of the unknown. The images compliment the words in the story, making it relatable and captivating. This book will help SO many families and classrooms. It is one of those books that can and will be cherished for years to come.”
-Thona Wilder
Mother
Licensed Preschool Teacher
Small Business Owner/Founder of Love Always, Thona
Are you interested in having Colleen do an Author Visit at your school, Early Learning Center or at an event?
EMAIL ME AT: colleenmarieolinski@gmail.com
Follow the journey.
View Colleen’s TEDx Talk How to Create a Safer World for Kids
