Ellie Belly Book Series by Eliza Teoh ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is one of my favourite book series EVER! My parents first started reading the book to me in P1 and I was hooked onto it immediately. I totally love how Ellie's mischief and adventures relate so much to my life, especially in the Singapore school context plus her love for animals. Every now and then I still pick up the book and it still makes me LOL.

When I read it: P1 to current

Story: Ellie Belly is an everyday P1 girl who can speak to animals, but only when they are in trouble and need her help. Her bravery and mischief get her in trouble but she somehow manages to help the animals who need her.

Illustration: Great illustrations and dairy entries written by real children

Overall (parents' view): We love this series too, when the kids are asleep we sometimes pick up the book and read it.

What the Ellie Belly Series Is About

Ellie Belly is a Singaporean girl who experiences the ups and downs of adapting to primary school life. The books follow Ellie as she deals with school, family, friendships, and her own feelings. Each story captures the rules, timetables and different types of friends that we meet in school. Ellie's special gift allows her to communicate with animals but only when they are in need or when they want to talk to her. Her best friend, Cammy, is her partner in crime and together they help otters, birds, mice and other animals in school.

Why I love it?

I can connect with Ellie because she feels like a real friend. The humour sprinkled throughout the books adds so much fun and lightness. Eliza's writing style also keeps each chapter engaging and easy to read.

Parents and educators appreciate the series for its positive messages and its ability to spark conversations about feelings and social skills. The books can be used as tools to help children express themselves and understand others better.

Specific Examples from the Series

In one story, Ellie faces the challenge of performing with an extremely fierce and unreasonable relief teacher. She is made to stand outside the class for actions she didn’t commit (at least not deliberately) and she is picked on by the teacher. The animals around the school who she has been helping come to her help and they help teach the grumpy relief teacher a lesson she won’t forget!

Another book describes how she helps rebuild a birds’ nest that had been destroyed. Her never say die attitude and her determination became a class effort, and the nest was built from different reused materials. Ellie’s passion for animals made the activity a class affair and the entire 1J class supported her efforts to help the bird.

Final Thoughts on the Ellie Belly Series

The Ellie Belly series by Eliza Teoh offers more than just entertaining stories. This is one book series that will keep you hooked throughout the story. If you love to surprise your kids, you maybe able to customize a book with their names on it too! My parents did one for me and I was so surprised when I received it for my birthday.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!