Ellie's Big Life: From Me to We is a gentle, emotionally rich story for children ages 7-12 who are learning how to understand themselves, navigate big feelings, and build healthy relationships in a complicated world.Ellie is growing up-and with growth comes questions. Why do feelings sometimes feel overwhelming? Why do friendships change? Why does it hurt when someone is unkind, or when home doesn't feel simple? As Ellie moves through everyday moments at school, with friends, and within her family, she begins to notice something important: life isn't just about "me." It's about learning how to live alongside others-without losing who you are.Through relatable scenes and thoughtful reflection, Ellie learns about emotions like anxiety, sadness, anger, jealousy, joy, and self-doubt. She discovers how thoughts affect feelings, how bodies react to stress, and why it's okay to slow down, take space, and listen inwardly. Ellie also learns how empathy works-how other people carry feelings too, even when they don't show them well.This book gently introduces children to essential emotional-literacy skills, including self-awareness, boundaries, communication, resilience, and compassion. Ellie learns how to notice when she needs help, how to speak kindly to herself, and how to respond thoughtfully to others. She practices problem-solving, calming her body, and making choices that align with who she is becoming.Unlike many children's books that rush toward quick fixes or lessons, Ellie's Big Life: From Me to We honors the complexity of growing up. It reassures children that they don't need to have everything figured out-and that mistakes, misunderstandings, and big feelings are part of learning how to live well with others.Each section blends story with reflection, offering children space to pause and think about their own experiences. Gentle prompts invite readers to consider questions like: What am I feeling right now? What do I need? How do my choices affect others? How can I stay myself while being part of a group?Written in a warm, reassuring voice and paired with soft, painterly illustrations, this book is ideal for independent readers, shared reading with caregivers, classroom discussions, counseling settings, and faith-based or secular homes alike. Parents, educators, and therapists will appreciate the trauma-informed, non-shaming approach that supports emotional growth without labeling children as "too sensitive" or "not enough."At its heart, Ellie's Big Life: From Me to We is about belonging-learning that caring for yourself and caring for others are not opposites. Ellie's journey reminds children that they matter, their feelings make sense, and they can learn to move through the world with confidence, kindness, and courage.This is a story for children who feel deeply, think carefully, and are learning how to take their place in a shared world-one thoughtful step at a time.