As April unfolds in a bloom of spring colors, it brings with it a sense of healing, renewal, and possibility. It's a season that invites us to shed the weight of winter and embrace fresh starts. April is also a time of deep reflection and advocacy, marking both Child Abuse Prevention Month and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. In that spirit, we’re excited to spotlight a powerful new children’s book launching with a timely and transformative mission: to empower kids with the tools they need to protect their peace, their bodies, and their voices.
Written by award-winning advocate, creative leader, and mental health coach Ashley-Lauren Elrod, Maya’s Magical Adventures: Maya’s Magic Word is a beautifully illustrated story that introduces children ages 2–4 to the importance of emotional safety, boundaries, and self-trust. Through the journey of a bold and imaginative young girl named Maya, readers learn the power of using their "magic word" to speak up and feel safe in their world.
With 1 in 7 children experiencing abuse or neglect, early intervention and emotional literacy are more important than ever. Maya’s Magic Word offers a gentle, age-appropriate way to begin these crucial conversations at home, in schools, and in community spaces. It’s a vital tool for caregivers, educators, therapists, and advocates who believe in protecting children’s whole selves.
“I wrote Maya’s Magic Word with the hope that every family who reads it feels more connected, empowered, and equipped to help their children find and protect their voice, minds, and overall well-being. My dream is for this book to be more than a bedtime story—but a safe place where important conversations begin, and cycles of silence are broken.”
— Ashley-Lauren Elrod
“We’re not just telling stories — we’re rewriting the narrative around childhood safety and self-worth,” says Elrod. “This book is a joyful, magical entry point into conversations that every child deserves to have.”
Pre-orders are now live, and early supporters will receive exclusive bonuses, including a signed first-edition copy, printable affirmation coloring pages, and access to a virtual story time with the author.
To learn more and purchase the book, visit: https://www.ashleylaurenelrod.com/mayasmagicword
About the Author: Ashley-Lauren Elrod is a child abuse survivor turned award-winning creative, survivor advocate, and board-certified mental health coach. Through her production company and healing-centered initiatives, she champions storytelling as a tool for transformation, empowerment, and justice. Maya’s Magical Adventures is her debut children’s book series and a cornerstone of her mission to create safer spaces for the next generation.