‘Such Togetherness’: Lake Forest Author Brings Stories to Children in Need

By Cara Goldstone

Ellen Stelter has always had a passion for education; as a longtime French teacher and 25-year resident of Lake Forest, she knows firsthand the profound joy of learning and delights in offering it to children in Lake Forest and beyond. Recently, though, she has widened the scope of her educational efforts. Just over two years since the publication of her first book, Poppy’s First Adventure, Ellen has joined forces with more than 200 children’s book authors in a donation drive for schools impacted by the devastating Los Angeles wildfires of 2025.

When fellow author Kristi Bradbury reached out to her regarding an initiative to help rebuild L.A. libraries with donated books from across the world, Ellen knew she needed to be involved.

To Ellen, stories are a powerful tool in establishing a welcoming learning environment.

“I had always wanted to write a children’s book,” she explained. “I cherished the times when my two sons would sit, one on each of my knees, and we would read our nighttime stories… it was heaven. Such joy, such happiness, such togetherness. The wonder, sparks of imagination, questions, and conversations that came from reading and sharing our books together.”

The idea for Poppy’s First Adventure came to Ellen when she would take Poppy, her real-life dog, for walks in the beautiful forest preserves in Lake Forest. There is a bridge where trains pass underneath; she calls it “le pont de Papillion.”  She would imagine Poppy going on a trip, taking the train to O’Hare Airport, and hence the idea of the book was born. “It was profoundly important to me to have a children’s book that little ones could nestle up onto the laps of their parents, grandparents, and loved ones and just love the story,” she said. “My husband and my two sons continue to amaze and inspire me.”

Poppy’s First Adventure is a rhyming story about Poppy, a golden retriever who travels the world. Ellen’s passion for family, combined with her experience having traveled across 55 countries, inform the story’s setting and theme; the ability to bring the world to children through storytelling is, to Ellen, a high honor.

So when fellow author Kristi Bradbury reached out to her regarding an initiative to help rebuild L.A. libraries with donated books from across the world, Ellen knew she needed to be involved. “Kristi is a force in this collaborative effort of 200+ authors worldwide,” said Ellen. “She has spearheaded this project from the beginning, bringing joy, inspiration, and well needed books to the schools and libraries that have lost everything.”

Of her family, Ellen believes that “our passion, persistence, and perseverance is what keeps us focused on our goals”—and her commitment to the charity initiative stands in perfect alignment with these ideals. In addition to Barnes & Noble, Barbara’s Bookstore at O’Hare, and local outlets like Lake Forest Bookstore, The Book Stall, The Book Bin, and Secret World Books, copies of Poppy’s First Adventure now line the shelves of Californian school libraries, along with hundreds of other children’s books donated to students in need.

“I am extremely proud to be a part of such an amazing community of authors,” Ellen said. She even wrote a poem to commemorate the effort:

“A fire has been lit within the souls of authors and these flames are burning bright,

Book by book, we are rebuilding together the LA school libraries…rekindling the love thru our light.”

Follow Ellen on Instagram @ellenstelterauthor. More information about the book is available online at Poppy-adventures.com.