'Is my tummy bad?'

By Anya Tikka
MILFORD — The new illustrated children’s book “Ella’s Tummy” isn’t just a nice story for kids. It carries an important message about weight, bullying, and family relationships, says artist Joyce Ellen Weinstein.
Joyce Ellen, a longtime resident of Gold Key Estates, created the book with daughter Rebecca Weinstein, who's written two books of her own. Both women are accomplished in their own fields, with "Ella's Tummy" their first joint effort. They focused on what Joyce Ellen says is the last acceptable target for mockery, even public mockery — over their weight.
From the book:

Ella visits the park and meets a new boy.
He yells. “You’re so fat!” Full of anger, no joy.
His anger hurts Ella and makes her feel sad.
She questions herself, “Is my fat tummy bad?”

The story is based on Rebecca's personal experiences, Joyce Ellen said, along with growing scientific research into what causes weight gain.
“It’s not all because of eating whipped cream and not moving,” Joyce Ellen said.
Rather, genetics, the kinds of foods eaten, and chemicals in food are among the reasons some people gain more than others, she said.
“Ella’s Tummy” is a story of a little girl who goes to the park to play and becomes a target because of her round tummy. She’s confused because her daddy loves her as she is.
To see how it turns out, get the book.

Joyce Ellen recently made the difficult decision to move from Milford to New York City because of her work.
“To make it as a fine artist, you have to live in New York,” she said.
It was okay to travel back and forth constantly with her artist’s equipment in the summer, she said, but icy roads and other inclement winter conditions in the Poconos made the commute impossible for her.
“I have wonderful memories of Milford," she said. "I had wonderful friends and a beautiful house. But for my professional career, it was a good decision to move."
"Ella’s Tummy" also features a mother-daughter relationship. Joyce Ellen says it’s very important to start a discussion about weight with chldren as a first step toward a solution.
Rebecca has written books based on interviews with children exploring the mean underbelly of schools, friends, home, and sports coaches, who she said can bully kids over a 10-pound weight gain.
“It’s terrible,” Joyce Ellen said. “Every group today has protection against bullying — except fat people. It’s okay to make fun of them in everyday life.”
Joyce Ellen and Rebecca want to visit schools, to reach kids and teachers. They hope their beautifully illustrated book, and its serious message, will reach many people.
For more information visit ellastummy.com.