Take a cue from ‘Ellie’ and stop bullying in its tracks

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (Nov. 4, 2024) — In a world where bullying continues to inflict pain on countless children, local restaurant owner Lisa Von Felden has taken a stand by publishing a poignant children’s book titled “Ellie with the Belly.”

This heartfelt story, aimed at readers aged 4-8, tackles the crucial themes of kindness, courage, empathy and forgiveness, inspiring young readers to confront bullying head-on and foster a culture of compassion among their peers.

The story is rooted in Von Felden’s personal experiences from her childhood, particularly a moment when she faced bullying at age 10. She originally wrote it as a manuscript in 2002, shortly after the birth of her second son, but she set the project aside for more than two decades after receiving rejection letters from major publishers. During a prayer service in 2023, Von Felden felt inspired to revive the project and pursue self-publishing.

To bring her vision to life, Von Felden collaborated with illustrator Mark Sean Wilson, who helped create the visual elements of the book. Together, they have also launched a website, booksbylisav.org, featuring free activities related to the book’s message.

A portion of the book’s proceeds will be donated to BeingWellCA, a local nonprofit focused on mental health support in schools. This initiative is particularly meaningful to Von Felden as it honors the memory of her son’s friend, Riley Jude Christiansen, who died at a young age.

“Ellie with the Belly” is available for purchase at Lisa V’s restaurant and on Amazon.