Invisible Isabelle

Local Author Visits Hickory Ridge During “Read” Week

2012-03-11T07:09:00.002-07:00

By Hannah Wasylko, BEAT Reporter

Hickory Ridge Elementary School had a special opportunity to have a local author come to their school recently. Her name is Wendy Sefcik, who lives in Brunswick.

Sefcik wrote a great story called “Invisible Isabelle.” In the story, Isabelle tries to change her image and she ends up becoming invisible. The story has a personal connection with the author.

"When I was a child, I was very shy and kids made fun of me,” Wendy explained. “I remember wanting to "blend in" with the other kids so as to avoid anyone picking on me”.

“I wrote "Invisible Isabelle" to teach kids the importance of individuality and acceptance,” said Sefcik. “Further, to teach children that it is important to be yourself and that our differences and things that make us unique should be celebrated.”

In addition to writing, Sefcik illustrates her own books. “As a child I was always interested in art. My Mom inspired creativity and a fun imagination. By the time I was in high school I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in art,” said Sefcik. Today, she is a freelance illustrator/designer for clients around the country.

The students at Hickory Ridge thought Sefcik’s visit during the first week of March was perfect, because it was “Right to Read Week” at the school. “My experience at Hickory Ridge was wonderful,” Sefcik explained. “I was impressed by the students' behavior. All of them were great listeners! They asked a wide variety of questions from things like “why did you write e the book?" to questions relating to the publishing industry and how my book was printed. It seems that they already have a great understanding of being an author,” she added.

Hickory Ridge students enjoyed “Invisible Isabelle” because the story had a simple problem and a solution. Also, the bright spontaneous colors made the story even more fun!

"Invisible Isabelle" can be purchased by going to www.InvisibleIsabelle.com and clicking on the "Buy the Book!" button on left hand side of website. This will direct you to lulu.com, where Wendy’s book is available.

Remember: If you ever have a dream or something worth writing a story about, go ahead and try it. Like Wendy Sefcik, you may have a number one story “write” under your nose!

"invisible Isabelle" Children's Book Giveaway

2011-10-23T08:29:00.001-07:00

Head over to "Simply Stacey" to enter the "Invisible Isabelle" children's book giveaway! Written and illustrated by me (Wendy Sefcik). Click here to enter the giveaway for your chance to win a free signed copy.

Book Sale & Signing at "Affair On the Square"

2011-08-09T04:33:00.000-07:00

I'll be at Affair On the Square at Medina's Historic Public Square (Medina, Ohio) this Sunday from 11am - 5pm. Signed copies of "Invisible Isabelle" will be available for purchase for just $12.00. Hope to see you there!

For more information and a complete list of all of the vendors/crafters that will be at the fair visit their website.

Visiting The Bookshelf Stores in July

2011-06-30T06:14:00.000-07:00

I'll be at The Bookshelf stores in Brunswick and Medina, Ohio this July! Kids will have the opportunity to listen to a reading, by a copy of the book and do a craft. :)

- Brunswick Bookshelf July 18, 2011 @ 2pm
- Medina Bookshelf July 20, 2011 @ 2pm

"Invisible Isabelle" Featured on "Little Parachutes"

2011-06-09T11:20:00.001-07:00

I'm very happy to announce that my children's book, "Invisible Isabelle," is now featured on "Little Parachutes," a website showcasing children's books that help children with life's challenges.

The adorable and easy-to-use site covers helpful and supportive topics for kids such as: healthy eating, illness, visiting the doctor, anxiety, bedwetting, adoption, divorce and much much more... forming a very unique library of books created to help children.

To read the full review on "Invisible Isabelle," please click here! We are listed under the "Bullies" section. Click here to learn more about "Invisible Isabelle!"

Copyright © 2011 Broken Box Designs, LLC. All rights reserved.

Isabelle's Story on YouTube

2011-03-06T14:12:00.000-08:00

Invisible Isabelle - Now on Barnes & Noble!

2011-01-18T09:19:00.000-08:00

Click here to purchase on Barnes & Noble. :)

Introducing... "Invisible Isabelle"

2010-11-02T04:58:00.001-07:00

Introducing "Invisible Isabelle," a children's book written and illustrated by me (Wendy Sefcik). I have been working on this book since 2009, and I am SO excited to finally be able to share it with the world! With bullying in the forefront of the media these days, I hope that the powerful message in Isabelle's story will spread.

"Invisible Isabelle" is a clever children's book that teaches the ever-valuable lesson of self-expression and individuality. The story's imaginative concept is creatively written in rhyme, and flows beautifully with vibrant, colored pencil illustrations.

Isabelle, the main character, is a young, aspiring fashion designer who creates a funky new outfit for the first day of school. At school, the kids make fun of her for her wacky outfit. Isabelle is hurt by their name calling. To avoid further embarrassment, she starts changing her outfit in order to "blend in" and look "normal."

After one too many changes, Isabelle's self-expression is lost and, "POOF!" she becomes INVISIBLE!

Miss Frizzle, a quirky art teacher, helps Isabelle regain her unique style (thus, her visibility) - learning a "valuable lesson of self-expression!"

A quote from a good friend...

"Unfortunately we live in a world where children are often cruelly forced to conform to social norms in order to "fit in," making them unhappy and depriving the world of their uniqueness. Invisible Isabelle shares with children an enlightening message of self-esteem that will empower belief in oneself, and that individuality is who we are and important to the entire world."

– Laurie Monopoli, Child Development Specialist & Founder of "The Learning Station"

"Invisible Isabelle" is an 8.5" x 11" book with 28 brightly illustrated pages. Currently, it is only available in paperback & digital download, but a hardcover edition will be available soon too!

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!

Only $14.44 (15% off regular price!)