Jo Shepherd Ripley

Jo Shepherd Ripley

About

I am an author and an artist living and working in Springboro, Ohio with my husband Richard.  Writing for children is uplifting and enlightening.  Having 11 children, I have learned how important it is for children to have "somebody" believe in them and for them to believe in somebody in return.  I wrote Jolly over 45 years ago for my oldest daughter Dee.  I love Christmas, and at a very basic level, I think, like most people, I don't want it to end.  Jolly helps Christmas be more than just one day, and helps families celebrate more than just the presents.  Over the last few decades, the Jolly story and tradition has spread across the country and even overseas.   Now thousands of families practice the Jolly tradition, some don't even know from where it came.  We are thrilled to finally bring this story and tradition out in book form.  For more information about Jolly, please visit www.jollytheelf.com.
Jolly The Elf is published by shepherdripleystudiollc.

The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky

The Daughter of the Sea and the Sky

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Description

<p><em style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;">After centuries of religiously motivated war, the world has been split in two. Now the Blessed Lands are ruled by pure faith, while in the Republic, reason is the guiding light—two different realms, kept apart and at peace by a treaty and an ocean.</em><br style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;" /><br style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;" /><span style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;">Children of the Republic, Helena and Jason were inseparable in their youth, until fate sent them down different paths. Grief and duty sidetracked Helena’s plans, and Jason came to detest the hollowness of his ambitions.</span><br style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;" /><br style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;" /><span style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;">These two damaged souls are reunited when a tiny boat from the Blessed Lands crashes onto the rocks near Helena’s home after an impossible journey across the forbidden ocean. On board is a single passenger, a nine-year-old girl named Kailani, who calls herself “the Daughter of the Sea and the Sky.” A new and perilous purpose binds Jason and Helena together again, as they vow to protect the lost innocent from the wrath of the authorities, no matter the risk to their future and freedom.</span><br style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;" /><br style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;" /><span style="color:rgb(24,24,24);font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:13.63636302947998px;line-height:17.563634872436523px;">But is the mysterious child simply a troubled little girl longing to return home? Or is she a powerful prophet sent to unravel the fabric of a godless Republic, as the outlaw leader of an illegal religious sect would have them believe? Whatever the answer, it will change them all forever… and perhaps their world as well.</span></p>

Story Behind The Book

Jo Shepherd Ripley wrote Jolly the Elf approximately 45 years ago for her oldest daughter, Dee. Every year, Jo would read the story to friends and family and give each an elf to start their own tradition. Over time, Jolly unknowingly became a tradition that spread across the Country and across the Pond. So many families know the story of Jolly even if they did not know who wrote the story. This is actually the original story upon which a number of other elf stories are based. Every year, families that know Jo started the tradition reach out to her about how to get the story and where to buy the elf. Jo has done her very best to fulfill every request, but now she is making it a lot easier.

Reviews

Jo Ripley’s Jolly the Elf story is a delightful addition to the Christmas sagas. It is an authentic<br />family tale and tradition inspired by the most wonderful prompter of invention—a child’s<br />curiosity. The text is sweet and wistful, and the illustrations are magical. Yes, Virginia, there is a<br />Jolly the Elf.<br />— Jack Kerley, New York Times and London Times best-selling author <div></div>