Ellie and the Marriage List

Ellie is well developed, and her cognitive, speech, and physical challenges are seamlessly integrated into the narrative. There's a happy ending for this relatable, spunky protagonist. — Booklist

“An impressively written and fun read from start to finish, "One Extra Sparkle: Ellie and the Marriage List" by author/storyteller Tricia Seabolt is an ideal pick for young readers and will prove to be a immediately welcome and enduringly popular addition to elementary school, middle school, and community library Contemporary Fiction collections.” —Midwest Book Review

“Artistic, mischievous, and empathetic, Ellie is delightfully nuanced; Rogers’ illustrations readily convey her many emotions. Seabolt matter-of-factly portrays Ellie’s challenges, such as speech difficulties and “spaghetti noodle” muscles, and readers will root for her as she discovers her strengths and faces her fears. Ellie’s supportive family is heartening. A warm tale of family and friendship.” —Kirkus Reviews

I strongly recommend this as an excellent inclusive and engaging story! – Karen Argent, The Letterpress Project

"Characters with varying disabilities—such as a tween who “was like most kids, just with less words mixed in”—are sensitively and organically portrayed by educator Seabolt in this wholesome slice-of-life debut, a series launch.” – Publisher’s Weekly

“A lovely story about friendship and sibling relationships, centred on Ellie who has Down’s syndrome. With the help of her best friend, Ling, Ellie comes up with a plan to make things right. Cosy and funny.” – Inclusive Books for Children

"There is so much to love about this book: Ellie is such an endearing character with her extra sparkle: she is artistic and full of life. Her family members, particularly Ben, are very supportive and her friendship with Ling is really heartwarming. Indeed the whole story, with Lucy Rogers’ superbly expressive illustrations, is one that deserves to be read widely. At the back of the book author Tricia Seabolt gives information about Down’s syndrome and various therapies that enable people who are neurodivergent to flourish." – Jill Bennett, Librarian, Red Reading Hub

"Packed with humour and heart, this a story of a determined 10 year old, learning about the inevitability of change and the unconditional love of family. The ‘extra sparkle’ of the title refers to the fact that Ellie has Down syndrome and the book is infused with convincing references without disability becoming a focus or plot feature. An accessible and light-hearted chapter book with engaging black and white illustrations." – BookTrust, Books We Love

"Ellie and the Marriage List is charming, amusing and sincere. Ellie is such an endearing character with her 'one extra sparkle'. She copes with life beautifully, overcoming her speech difficulties (with her special tongue unsticking tricks) and her wobbly moments with her muscles like spaghetti. Her family members are very supportive and she has a beautiful friendship with Ling. At the back of the book, author Tricia Seabolt shares some facts about the superpower of Down's syndrome which is a lovely finish to a story full of warmth and empathy. A great read for independent readers of 8+, but the content is appropriate to share with ages 7+." – Reading Zone, 5 Stars

"Ellie is endearing and relatable, artistic and nature loving, possessing an enthusiasm for life which shines even when things are going wrong for her. Her loving family, in particular Ben, display understanding and kindness throughout the story being supportive and positive regarding the additional difficulties Ellie faces. This would be a valuable book for primary school classrooms and libraries for many reasons. It is pitched well for newly confident readers of about 7+ and should engage children who will then want to follow Ellie’s further adventures. There are few books for this age group featuring characters with Down’s syndrome and it is good to see Lantana Publishing filling this gap in such a positive manner and with a story full of empathy." – Just Imagine

"This was such a fun read and you really feel for Ellie with how she struggles through the misunderstandings and struggles to navigate her feelings. I love the fact that Ellie is a character who has Down's Syndrome and it's so brilliantly written, making the story informative and representative as well as being a fantastic read. This is a book with extra sparkle." – Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2025 longlist

"This was such a fun read and you really feel for Ellie with how she struggles through the misunderstandings and struggles to navigate her feelings. I love the fact that Ellie is a character who has Down's Syndrome and it's so brilliantly written, making the story informative and representative as well as being a fantastic read. This is a book with extra sparkle." – Waterstones Children's Book Prize Longlist 2025