A new picture book by Bob Kamp
Be yourself. Bravely.
Ellie the Elephant feels happy just being Ellie—until a smooth-talking snake makes her doubt the things that make her…her. A warm, rhyming story about confidence, self-acceptance, and trusting your own voice.
Written by Bob Kamp · Illustrated by Mary Manning · Ages 6–10
Meet Ellie
Ellie the Elephant feels happy just being Ellie—until a smooth-talking snake makes her doubt the things that make her…her. Chasing creams, potions, and promises leads Ellie only further from herself, until she discovers the truth hiding in plain sight.
With warm humor and beautiful illustrations, Ellie’s journey encourages children to notice their own strengths, trust their inner voice, and feel proud of who they are—to see themselves clearly, be themselves bravely, and love themselves deeply.
A heartwarming read for any child learning to feel confident in the skin they’re in.
Meet Ellie
Tempted by quick fixes and bold promises, Ellie follows Sadie the Snake down a path of comparison and self-doubt.
In this lyrical story, Ellie discovers that confidence doesn’t come from becoming someone else. It comes from embracing who she’s always been.
★★★★★“This is a story about self-acceptance—about seeing yourself, being yourself, and loving yourself—just as you are.” Little Lantern Reviews
What readers are saying
Words from readers who see the story as an opening for conversations about confidence, kindness, belonging, and self-trust.
Featured educator review
The Bookish Author recommends The Skin You’re In as a way to open meaningful conversations about self-acceptance, comparison, and confidence.
@the.bookishauthor · View original Instagram post★★★★★“My child loves The Skin You’re In! The rhyming makes it fun to read aloud, and the positive message about loving yourself is wonderful. It’s become one of our favorite books to read together.”
M.K.
“The Skin You’re In” resonates with readers of all ages, offering a meaningful reminder that we are at our best when we are truly ourselves.”
Cher Logan
“...gently reminds children that the things that make them different are also what make them unique and that they do not have to change who they are to belong.”
John R.
ME as I Be!
This finished sticker features Ellie and Sadie together in the book’s storybook style. Visitors can preview it on the page and download a print-ready version for home, classroom, or library use.
Printable download available: use the buttons below to download the sticker as a print-ready PDF or a PNG image file.
Independent publisher of The Skin You’re In
Big-hearted stories for growing into yourself.
Bob is an attorney and award-winning game inventor with a gift for turning simple ideas into memorable shared experiences. He is best known as the creator of the hit word-association game Blank Slate, which has sold more than two million copies.
His work has reached millions of players and reflects the same instinct that drives Timeless Tales, Bob’s publishing company: create something inviting, joyful, and easy to share—then give it enough heart to stay with people long after the moment is over.
Across his game work, Bob has built a reputation for ideas that are easy to pick up, highly social, and made to bring people together. The success of Blank Slate underscores his ability to create concepts with broad, lasting appeal.
Bring Ellie home
A heartfelt rhyming picture book about confidence, self-acceptance, and learning to trust your own voice.
