About the Author

Elena Stowell
“Paper helps each page evolve so none looks exactly as I envisioned, but instead looks just as it was inherently intended. ”

Elena Stowell is an author, science teacher and Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner. When she is writing and illustrating, Elena can be found at a table with a real #2 pencil and her favorite pair of scissors buried in paper scraps, dried paint, glue-sticks, broken toothpicks and half-empty coffee cups. “Working in collage puts me in my happy place, which is pretty messy.”

Elena is the award-winning author of Flowing with the Go: A Jiu-Jitsu Journey of the Soul. She is co-founder of the non-profit Carly Stowell Foundation and director of the JamminBJJ Give the Gift of a Gi program. Her volunteer work helps to make sports and music participation affordable and accessible to children and adults around the world.

After a successful high school stint in the Bay Area Elena attended Washington State University and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Master of Science degree in Animal Science. Her thesis work included the discovery and characterization of the anaerobic ruminal fungus Neocallimastix frontalis EB188. Elena eventually decided to get a teaching credential and has now been teaching high school for more than 20 years. She teaches primarily AP Biology and a college-in-the-high school course called The Brain and Addiction. Elena has also taught high school and community college anatomy and physiology.

In 2001 Elena received the National Association of Biology Teachers Outstanding Biology Teacher award, and in 2003 became a National Board Certified Teacher in Adolescent/Young Adult Biology.

Elena has been teaching high school Biology for over 20 years. In 2012 her first book Flowing with the Go: A Jiu-Jitsu Journey of the Soul was published (WriteLife Publishing). Elena wrote and illustrated her first book for children, Frango & Chicken that will be published in 2018 by WordVerve Publishing.

Elena is a member of Society of Children’s Book Writer’s and Illustrators, Pacific Northwest Writers Association and International Society of Latino Authors.

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A Children's Book

Their father says he’ll never cut his tree down.
The bird calls are calming,
The shade is soothing,
The tree is for tying.
It’s his knotting tree.

Based on experiences shared by Robert Prado da Fonseca, macrame artist in Brazil, this story reminds us of the importance of family traditions, such as art forms, in lightening a burdened soul.

The Knotting Tree
by Elena Stowell

About the book

Ideas & Inspiration

STORIES BY ELENA

Want to See Elena Stowell Live?

PAST & UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday October 12th 2019

Kentwood HS Holiday Boo-tique

Saturday October 26th 2019

St. Barbara’s Holiday Bazaar

October 2018

St. Barbara’s Artisan Bazaar

32416 6th Ave
Black Diamond, WA  98010
9am – 4pm

May 2018

Seattle Book Fair
Seattle WA

New Holly Hall

12pm – 6pm

November 2017

Elena’s First Art Show
Seattle, WA

May 2017

Book Signing Event
San Bernadino, California

Testimonials & Reviews

WHAT PEOPLE SAY

James Foster

3rd Degree Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt

“The story of Frango & Chicken exemplifies the amazing life lessons and principles that are passed from teacher to student through the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Elena has a unique way conveying positivity through adversity, while maintaining the narrative and effectively delivering the underlying message, all in a fun and whimsical manner.”  ~~ James Foster, 4th degree black belt and 3x IBJJF Master World Champion, owner and head instructor of Foster Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Reader's Favorite

Book Reviews and Award Contest

With both of his arms having been amputated at three years of age, Frango is an inspiration to young people who have dreams in life yet obstacles stand against them. He holds his dream to be a world champion dearly and works daily to achieve it, despite the challenges that surround him. Definitely a great read!
Read More

Janice White

Teacher and Librarian

“This book has it all … colorful illustrations, multicultural appeal, and a wonderful story of friendship. Children will love the story of Frango & Chicken.” ~~ Janice White, teacher-librarian, Seattle

Leslie Cronkhite

Children’s Book Illustrator

“Elena Stowell, author and illustrator, uses a distinctive artistic collage style, which is both playful and engaging for readers of all ages. To illustrate her latest children’s book, Frango & Chicken, Elena cobbles together the simple ingredients of childhood magic; colored paper, paste, and scissors! Elena has captured the heart and soul of Brazil in this charming tale, using effective writing and authentic characters served up as a visual feast for the reader. Elena’s enchanting story is based on a real life hero, Frango and his sidekick chicken. Her captivating illustrations are reminiscent of author/ illustrator Eric Carle’s whimsical children’s books. Artist Pablo Picasso once said, ‘It has taken me a lifetime to learn to paint as a child.’ Elena’s work clearly captures the spontaneity of childhood expression with the technical mastery of her craft. ~~ Leslie Cronkhite Armstrong, children’s book illustrator

Maximiliano Uloa

Para-Jiu Jitsu Athlete

“What a great book, with a beautiful display of how adversity only exists in the mind. I really like the artwork—it gives a humble and authentic feel to the story.” – Maximiliano Uloa, para-jiu jitsu athlete, founder of Para Jiu Jitsu Magazine 

Discover the Exciting World of

Frango & Chicken
by Elena Stowell