“Elsie’s Adventures to Harmony Hills: The Big Move” out now — a story of courage, change, and emotional growth
RAPID CITY, SD — Dr. Whitnee Coy, award-winning educator, poet, and children’s book author, has released her highly anticipated second children’s book, Elsie’s Adventures to Harmony Hills: The Big Move, available now as of Wednesday, August 6, 2025.
A follow-up to her acclaimed debut, Elsie’s Adventures to Brainy Cove, this new story supports children through the emotional challenges of anxiety, transitions, and starting over. Centered on relatable characters, imaginative metaphors, and practical coping strategies, The Big Move helps children build emotional resilience through storytelling.
Book Synopsis
When Elsie finds out her family is moving to a brand-new town, her stomach flips, her chest tightens, and her thoughts begin to spiral. Thankfully, Granny Grace is there to help her understand what’s happening inside her brain and body—and how to work through those big feelings using strategies like deep breathing, positive self-talk, and naming her emotions.
With the help of a brain “guard dragon” metaphor and Granny’s warm guidance, Elsie learns how to calm her anxiety and face her new adventure with courage and confidence.
The book also includes a “Learning Spot” for caregivers and educators with tools for recognizing signs of anxiety and helping kids navigate emotional regulation.
“This book is the story I wish my younger self had,” said Dr. Coy. “I wrote it to help kids find bravery in their feelings and language for their inner worlds.”
Praise for Elsie’s Adventures to Harmony Hills: The Big Move
“A clever children’s book that helps young readers understand and manage anxiety. Through Elsie’s journey, children learn simple coping strategies like deep breathing and positive self-talk. Coy’s engaging storytelling makes complex emotional concepts accessible and relatable.”
- Joanna Kerr, 5th grade teacher and mother of three
“This is the exact book that would have helped my super cerebral, anxious kiddo prepare for a big move. I love the imagery of the amygdala guard dragon and how
to go to battle with your own brain to help yourself calm down. This book will be an amazing tool for children and families before any big change. Bravo on another fantastic adventure with Elsie!”
- Heidi S., 5th grade teacher and mom of young children
About the Author
Dr. Whitnee Coy is an award-winning educator and writer living in Rapid City, South Dakota. Her work centers on equitable education strategies, including social-emotional learning (SEL), family engagement, and culturally sustaining teaching practices. She holds a doctorate in Education Policy, Organization, and Leadership with a focus on Diversity and Equity from the University of Illinois, as well as advanced degrees in teaching and creative writing.
In 2024, she released her first children’s book, Elsie’s Adventures to Brainy Cove, which was celebrated for its empowering message and engaging approach to emotional learning. She is also the author of several poetry collections, including this deep, wide, dark world (Alien Buddha Press) and the newly released A Limb Outgrowing a Weathered Tree (Finishing Line Press), a moving exploration of motherhood and premature birth. Her debut full-length poetry collection, We Left Constellations In Each Other (Kelsay Books), is forthcoming in late fall 2025.
As a mother of three, Whitnee’s work is deeply informed by family, empathy, and a passion for creating inclusive learning environments.
Book Tour Events
Whitnee kicked off her Black Hills Book Tour with a “Sneak Peek” reading at Storybook Island’s Books and Blankets event on August 4. She will continue to meet with families, educators, and readers throughout the region:
- Cohort Brewery, Hill City – August 23 at 12 PM
- Rapid City Public Library – August 30 from 2–3 PM
- Monarch Bookstore, Rapid City – September 6 from 12–2 PM
- Henry’s Books, Spearfish – September 13 from 12–2 PM
- Sturgis Library PreK Storytime – October 1 at 11 AM
- Spearfish Brewery Poetry Event – October 12
The book will also be featured in the upcoming Spearfish Storywalk.
Where to Buy
Elsie’s Adventures to Harmony Hills: The Big Move is available on Amazon, WhitneeCoy.com, and at select local retailers including Monarch Books and Boutique, Dandelion Bouquet, and Henry’s Books.
Invite Whitnee to Speak or Lead Workshops
Dr. Coy is available for author visits, classroom read-alouds, keynote talks, and professional development workshops. Her sessions combine deep expertise in SEL and literacy with her warm, relatable storytelling style.
To book Dr. Coy or learn more about her offerings for schools, families, and organizations, visit
