Palmetto Publishing has launched Life in the Library with Ivory the Elephant, a picture book authored by Alicen Flosi and illustrated by Sidra. Aimed at children ages 4 to 8, the story takes place entirely in a public library where animals and humans coexist, facing everyday challenges together.
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The narrative centers on Ivory, an elephant who lives in the library and loves its offerings, from books to games and crafts. Among his friends is Chloe the chameleon and Ryan, who visits to enjoy video games and read graphic novels. Ms. Kassie, the dedicated children's librarian, plays a supportive role in the tale.
However, Ivory struggles with memory, hearing Ms. Kassie often say, "Of course, you remember," regarding her birthday balloons and favorite cake flavor. Unlike his Uncle Larry, who remembers friends after thirty years, Ivory finds himself forgetful, leading him to question his worth as an elephant. Flosi emphasizes that forgetting does not diminish one's value, as Ivory discovers a method that suits him.
In her own words, Alicen Flosi expressed a desire for children to understand that there are multiple ways to retain what is important. The book conveys themes of friendship, self-acceptance, memory, learning differences, and community belonging. Flosi's background as a college educator for twenty-five years has informed her approach to storytelling, focusing on how young people learn and the challenges they face.
Life in the Library with Ivory the Elephant marks Flosi's debut in children's literature, developed in collaboration with Sidra. The book is available for purchase at Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com.