“Fairies can do anything,” Ellie whispered to her pet caterpillar Harley. “Why can’t I?” Meet Ellie, a sick little fairy who has lost her beautiful hair and her magical powers. She doesn’t even have the strength to open her fairy wings. Come along with Ellie as she learns to be brave and strong through cancer, treatments, and loneliness. Discover how her baldness saves the village at a terrifying moment! This heartfelt and inspiring story gives hope to children of all ages facing cancer and other childhood illnesses. With beautiful illustrations, Ellie’s story will gently remind a hurting child that they can be heroes to others. #BeBraveBeStrongLikeEllie This story was inspired by the author's experience, walking with her granddaughter through diagnosis of stage 3 Wilms kidney cancer and surgery to remove both the tumor and her kidney. That was followed by both radiation and chemotherapy, resulting in the loss of her long blonde hair. The months of treatment also brought loneliness and isolation, as she missed her friends at school. Ellie The Brave Bald Fairy is a character created by the author to show children dealing with pediatric cancer that despite the side effects that treatment brings, they have the capability to Be Brave and Be Strong! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to childhood cancer research. A heartfelt and inspiring story gives hope to children of all ages facing cancer and other childhood illnesses. This charming 'kid-friendly' and original picture book by author/storyteller Mardie Caldwell Christensen "Ellie The Brave, Bald Fairy" is supported with beautiful illustrations by Barbara Wirth, will gently remind a hurting child that they can be heroes to others. We unreservedly recommended for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for children ages 4-8. -- Midwest Book Review A well-written story for children and parents who are coming to terms with the life-changing effects of a cancer diagnosis. This is a beautifully illustrated and well-paced book that perfectly explores and addresses the emotional challenges faced by children on a deeply personal and social level through a child's eyes. It is a welcome addition to the essential coping mechanisms needed by those tackling cancer. -- TJ Hodgkinson, CEO Wilms Cancer Foundation As a healthcare provider who works with children dealing with cancer, I strongly recommend this delightful book. Ellie the Brave Bald Fairy comes from a place of fantasy and imagination that pediatric patients often use to better cope with illness and change. This story beautifully normalizes and validates a child’s cancer journey. -- Peggy Gulshen, ART-BC LMF Founder & Developer of Sutter Art Therapy Programs Clinical Art Therapist, Sutter Cancer Center Any time a book can help a child to feel seen in their struggles, it can go a long way towards lessening the long-term damage from their traumas. In Mardie’s story, we watch as Ellie grows to feel seen, loved, and beautiful. This is a blessing to all families in need of encouragement. -- Deb O’Kane, Child Psychologist & Child Welfare Specialist As a mother and grandmother, Mardie Caldwell Christensen saw firsthand the impact of a stage 3 cancer diagnosis on her seven-year-old granddaughter. After dedicating her life's work to helping children and families come together through adoption, she found herself helping her own family as they navigated the realities and fears of pediatric cancer. Mardie is an award-winning author who spun tales at home to entertain and encourage little Ellie throughout her treatment. It is her sincere wish that these same magical stories will encourage other children facing similar diagnoses.