Introducing the Squirlish series

by Ellen Potter

Ellen’s newest chapter book series introduces us to Cordelia, a girl raised by squirrels in Central Park who tries to make human friends!

Found as a baby and raised by an adoring squirrel named Shakespeare, Cordelia acts just like any other young squirrel, leaping across treetops, chasing her squirrel friends, and sleeping in her treehouse. Still, she wonders what it would be like to have a human friend, and when she stumbles into a gymnastics class, it seems like she might have her chance.

"Cordelia is inquisitive, confused, lovable, and utterly unique. The fantasy elements of her world are imaginative and charming . . . Suspend all disbelief and enjoy being a part of this world." -Kirkus Reviews

"Every bit of this book is a delight." -Booklist

Listen to Ellen Potter on the Children’s Book Review: Growing Readers Podcast

Bianca with Ellen Potter on Squirlish: The Girl in the Tree

Award-winning author Ellen Potter chats about her wonderful chapter book, Squirlish: The Girl in the Tree.

Ellen Potter is the bestselling author of more than 20 award-winning novels for children and young adults, including Hither & Nigh, Olivia Kidney, Slob, Big Foot and Little Foot, Piper Green and The Fairy Tree, The Humming Room, Pish Posh, and The Kneebone Boy.

Several of her books have been chosen by New York Public Library as a Best 100 Books for Children, and have appeared on numerous State Reading Lists. Her non-fiction writing book, Spilling Ink, A Young Writer’s Handbook, co-authored with Anne Mazer, was also chosen by New York Public Library as a Best 100 Books for Children.

Hither & Nigh by Ellen Potter

Magic and mystery abound when three young magicians discover a secret multiverse in New York City in this dazzling middle-grade fantasy adventure.

“Balancing the tweens everyday social pressures with …spell casting misfires, anxious close calls, and just-scary-enough monsters.” -Publishers Weekly

“Guaranteed to enthrall with masterful storytelling and wildly inventive world-building, Hither & Nigh draws you into a magical, multi-layered story of adventure and heart… One of my favorite books of 2022 - and ever." -Imagination Soup

“A thrilling page-turner." -Kirkus Reviews

The Golden Imaginarium by Ellen Potter

In this fast-paced sequel to Hither & Nigh, Nell and her friends return to the dazzling and dangerous world of the Nigh to rescue Nell’s brother. Are Nell’s magical skills enough to defeat the terrifying Minister and bring her brother back home?

Books by Ellen Potter

Virtual Visits

Ellen’s virtual school visits are about 40 minutes long. She begins with a 20-minute presentation about the writing process, how to find story ideas, how to develop interesting characters, ways to handle writer’s block, and the power of revision. Ellen then opens up the session for a Q&A. After that, Ellen offers a fun writing exercise to encourage students’ love of writing.

“ Ellen’s genuine conversations with the students made them all feel valued and special. It was engaging, collaborative, and tons of FUN! Ellen has a remarkable way of inspiring young readers with tips and tricks to continue their love and appreciation for literature. ”

- Casey Strathmeyer, Downington School District, PA

“After [Ellen’s] Zoom, students that did not normally like to write could not put their pencil down. They were so inspired to write stories and it has continued through the rest of the school year. They now LOVE creative writing time!!!!”

-Stacee Proper, Jackson Charter School

Educational Videos About Writing by Ellen Potter

Check out how-to videos and tips on writing from bestselling author, Ellen Potter!

Learn how to name your characters, how to create great characters, how to beat writer's block, and how to stop procrastinating and start writing. Find out if you should write your story on a computer or in a notebook, and how revision is a writer's superpower!