Author Profile
Callista Gingrich
7 Books
Callista Gingrich is an American author, former diplomat, and the creator of the popular "Ellis the Elephant" children's book series. Her educational books, including "Sweet Land of Liberty" and "Land of the Pilgrims' Pride," are specifically designed to introduce young children to pivotal moments in American history. Gingrich's writing focuses on making historical events accessible and engaging for early readers.
Ellis the Elephant wants to understand how America became known as a land of liberty and opportunity.
His journey carries him back through important moments in American history, where he sees key events and meets figures who helped shape the nation’s story. With an animal guide at the center, the book gives young children a friendly doorway into ideas such as freedom, character, and the meaning of the past.
Sweet Land of Liberty is a picture-book introduction for children ages three to eight who are beginning to explore American history. It works well for shared reading, classroom discussion, or any child who likes time-travel adventures with a curious and cheerful guide.
6-8 Years
17 Pages
Ellis the Elephant is heading west, into the early years of a growing United States.
In this picture-book journey through American history, Ellis follows the country beyond its first days and meets important figures such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Lewis and Clark, and Sacagawea. Young readers travel from familiar names to new frontiers, seeing how exploration, leadership, and big decisions helped shape the nation.
Written for children ready for a lively history adventure, From Sea to Shining Sea blends time travel, colorful scenes, and a curious animal guide. It is a good fit for readers who like learning about famous Americans, westward exploration, and the story of how the United States began to grow.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
Ellis the Elephant is going back to the White House, but this time the spotlight is on America’s first ladies.
Remember the Ladies introduces young readers to women who helped shape American history from a place close to the presidency. As Ellis meets notable first ladies, the book shows that leadership can take many forms, including service, courage, ideas, and public example.
Designed for children ages six to eight, this picture-book history adventure makes a big subject approachable without losing its importance. Readers who are curious about the White House, American leaders, and the people who work beside presidents will find an inviting introduction through Ellis’s time-traveling journey.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
Ellis the Elephant is ready for a Christmas trip through America’s past.
With his curious spirit and friendly voice, Ellis explores the history and traditions of Christmas in America, helping young readers notice how a holiday can be shaped by families, communities, faith, music, and memory. The story brings together celebration and history in a way that feels warm, bright, and easy to follow for early elementary readers.
For children who enjoy holiday books, American history, and picture-book adventures with a lovable animal guide, this book offers a cheerful way to connect the season with the larger story of the country.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
Ellis the Elephant is stepping into the American Revolution, where bold voices and brave actions help change history.
In Yankee Doodle Dandy, Ellis travels through time to meet patriots and figures connected to the fight for independence, including the Sons of Liberty, Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, the Founding Fathers, and Betsy Ross. Through rhyming storytelling and vivid scenes, young readers get an inviting introduction to the people and events behind America’s break from British rule.
This picture-book history adventure is well suited for children ages six to eight who are ready to explore the Revolution through a clear, energetic story. Ellis’s journey makes a big historical moment feel lively, memorable, and approachable.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
Ellis the Elephant has reached the White House, and he is ready to meet the leaders who have served as president.
In Hail to the Chief, Ellis travels through American history to learn about some of the country’s greatest presidents and the choices, challenges, and leadership that shaped their time in office. The story gives young readers an accessible first look at the presidency while keeping the focus on curiosity and discovery.
For children ages six to eight, this picture-book history adventure is a friendly introduction to American presidents and national leadership. It is especially appealing for readers who enjoy time travel, famous figures, and learning how people in the past helped guide the country.
6-8 Years
44 Pages
Ellis the Elephant is off to Colonial America, where thirteen colonies are waiting to be explored.
Starting in Virginia and traveling through the original colonies, Ellis learns what made each place different and how early communities helped shape the future United States. Along the way, young readers meet historical figures such as Pocahontas and Benjamin Franklin and get a simple, engaging look at life before America became an independent nation.
Land of the Pilgrims’ Pride is a picture-book history adventure for children ages three to eight. With a friendly animal guide and an easy-to-follow journey, it introduces colonial history in a way that supports curiosity, conversation, and early learning.
6-8 Years
