Ella Capella Comes To Ivoryton

IVORYTON, CT — Inspired by the kindness of community, Jacqueline Hubbard, the Executive Director of the Ivoryton Playhouse, has spent her pandemic downtown productively and has written a heartwarming book for young children and the young at heart; “Ella Capella and the Pink Umbrella”.

A children’s book, with an adult message, of how it takes a village to get through most storms in life, the eloquently written story is Hubbard’s first leap into the arena of children’s books.

"I had to write it and had to be an elephant. I was just so overwhelmed by the generous outpouring from Playhouse supporters, who showed up for us when we needed them most, to weather the storm of this pandemic, so we can make it back for another season next year. I was very touched and inspired,” said Hubbard, “I used to have a children’s theatre, so I have written loads of plays for kids, as well as plays for the Playhouse, but this is my very first children’s book. It was fun and who knows, we might see more adventures from Ella in the future.”

The talented author said she wrote the book in her head while she was out running and walking during the pandemic shut down. “I would write in my head, while I was out, then come home and write it all down,” said Hubbard, who finished her book in about three weeks.

As explained in a press release about the book, “Ella Capella is an exceptional elephant who sings and dances and entertains the whole village of Ivoryton until one day a terrible storm threatens to sweep her away. The book celebrates a community that comes together to save Ella the Elephant [from drowning] and make sure she always has a place to sing and dance and tell her stories. The book is dedicated to Ivoryton's family of supporters who came together in 2020 and built the boat, made the sandwiches and held the umbrella.”

“We [the Ivoryton Playhouse] felt like the elephant drowning, and the community built us the boat, making it possible for us to open next year,” said a grateful Hubbard. “They gave us a glimmer of hope in this pandemic storm, when we didn’t know how we were going to make it through.”

She added, “There seemed like there was so much hopelessness, but people’s kindness made us see the light. It is good to see the light. It’s the little things that keep us all going.”

Hubbard’s friend and one of the Ivoryton Playhouse’s set and costume designers, Cully Long, of New York, illustrated the adorable book, which was put together by Lulu.com. It sells for $21.99, plus tax and is available online at Lulu.com, on the Ivoryton Playhouse’s website at https://www.ivorytonplayhouse.org/ella-capella-and-her-pink-umbrella-book and at Toys Ahoy toy store in downtown Essex. Proceeds from the book will go to the Ivoryton Playhouse.