Thirty thousand followers on Instagram! How on earth did that happen?
I’m still not sure how I got so lucky, but ever since I planted roots into the magical world of children’s literature, I wake up each morning with a smile. Trite, maybe, but absolutely true. Every day, I wake up excited to read with my students in our school library. I run to my mailbox in the afternoon to see what books may have arrived from publishers. Most important? I eagerly anticipate nightfall so my sweet boys and I can snuggle together for storytime.
As you know from my recent post about how and why I began reviewing children’s literature, Happily Ever Elephants began as a result of a difficult time in our family’s life. Writing about our family’s favorite stories and sharing those words with you helped ground and guide me, and I can say without hesitation that this has been the most inspirational journey. Together, my boys and I have grown, persevered, and read stories that filled our hearts with happiness — stories that taught us to always search for opportunities even when times were challenging. The books we love — and the books we choose to share with you — remind us that people are filled with goodness, kindness is cool, we can conquer tough obstacles, and laughter has the power to heal.
Happily Ever Elephants has been a true labor of love, and I am grateful for the incredible and vibrant community of fellow book lovers we have created. We are all here for a common purpose: because we believe in the power of words to change worlds. We know that reading is fundamental to the growth of our children, that storytime creates unbreakable bonds with caregivers, and that a great book nurtures empathy in our little ones. I can’t stress it enough: reading is vital to the healthy development of young hearts and minds.
Because we hit a big milestone this weekend (30,000!!!), Pickle, Bo and I wanted to take a moment to say thank you because we are unbelievably grateful for your support. Thank you to the authors and illustrators who work tirelessly to brighten our worlds with stories that enchant us and with characters who become like family. Thank you to the agents and publishers who edit, toil and push to get these tremendous works of literature on the shelves and into our hands. Thank you to my fellow “bookstagrammers,” mom bloggers, and other “kidlit” friends who never tire of talking books with me. And, finally, thank you to our followers. We wouldn’t be where we are without you, and we are so grateful that you turn to Happily Ever Elephants for guidance when you want to select magical and meaningful stories for your children.
Thirty thousand people. Wow. I am honored and humbled… but, mostly, I am excited to see where this book-loving journey takes us next. For all of you who similarly believe reading gets “two trunks up,” THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
With love and gratitude,
Lauren, Pickle and Bo
Have you checked out some of our most popular posts of the year? Don’t miss these incredible lists!
Favorite Picture Books of 2018
Favorite Nonfiction Books of 2018
Favorite Middle Grade Books of 2018
Favorite Chapter Books for Emerging Readers
Picture Books to Help You Raise Kind Kids
Favorite Books About Friendship
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