Cambridge Who’s Who Member, Dr. Elana Ashley, is a Finalist in the National Best Books 2008 Awards

Cambridge Who’s Who member Dr. Elana Ashley is executive director of Great Imaginings, Inc. and president of Dream Image Press, LLC, both located in Northbrook, Illinois. Dream Image Press publishes bilingual children’s books focusing on teaching children how to cope with daily life situations. Great Imaginings is a not-for-profit corporation that promotes imagination and creativity. Dr. Ashley develops programs for children, teachers and families that are both educational and entertaining. An accomplished writer, educator and ventriloquist, she is an award-winning finalist in National Best Books 2008 in the category of “Children’s Picture Book: Hardcover Fiction with Audio CD.”

Accompanied by her puppet storybook characters Eli Elephant, Ellie Elephant and Splunkunio Splunkey, Dr. Ashley will be presenting literacy programs based on the first book in her mystery and adventure series entitled Splunkunio Splunkey Detective and Peacemaker Case One: The Missing Friendship Bracelet. Splunkey provides a multi-disciplinary approach to educating students about coping with life issues and nurturing strong, self-assured and creative individuals who openly communicate their thoughts and feelings. The book is available in both English and Spanish. Senior editor of Spanish-teaching textbooks at Riverside Publishing, Miriam Alvarez, says that Dr. Ashley’s book is captivating in both English and Spanish, making it a great book to introduce a child to a foreign language. Due in 2009 is the second book in Splunkey’s Mystery Adventure Series, Case Two: Big Bully Holly Howler.

Through Great Imaginings and Dream Image Press, Dr. Ashley creates programs based on the books she has written and other original works, including readings, dramatic recitations, puppetry, song, poetry and role-playing. Providing educational and entertaining programming for students, educators and families, Dr. Ashley has presented programs on child abuse and substance abuse prevention, conflict management, self-esteem, character education and storytelling. She earned both her master’s degree and doctorate from New York University.

To find out more about Dr. Ashley and her new book, please visit http://www.dreamimagepress.com/ or http://www.splunkey.org/. You can also view her Cambridge Who’s Who profile by following this link: Dr. Elana Ashley.