Award Winner! Little Ant & the Epic Battle - $10.00
"And as the germs infiltrated, all the world watched and waited."
This colorful picture book features the little ant and his battle against coronavirus. When the ant learns his neighborhood is under attack, he must call on his colony and good friends for help. An epic battle ensues, and in the end, it is up to the smallest bugs to fight the virus and save the world. Can they do it? Check it out and see! This is the sixth book in the Little Ant series. It received the 2020 Royal Dragonfly Book Award.
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Inspiration
I wrote this story at the height of NJ's coronavirus outbreak. The entire state was on lockdown, schools were closed, and we were afraid to leave our homes, even for groceries. It was such a dark time. Yet out of the darkness, came a little bit of light — the inspiration behind my new book Little Ant & the Epic Battle.
But that light didn't come quickly! When the pandemic first hit, I (like many) was filled with fear and anxiety as I put my own career aside to homeschool my children. I couldn't find my inspiration! I was on autopilot, just trying to get through another day.
And then, everything changed. One night, I had gone out for my millionth walk (because that's all we were allowed to do!) and instead of walking straight, I turned right. I am so glad that I did! I ran into my sons' old daycare teacher, and a good friend of mine. We chatted for a while, and out of an ordinary conversation, came this incredible spark of an idea. It was all I needed to start writing again!
Little Ant & the Epic Battle was written the very next day. It is now available on Amazon.com and it is by far, my favorite story. It is so personal to me. It taps into the uncertainty of our time, uses real-life details and events, and explains COVID-19 in a way that children can understand. It is entertaining, educational, and above all, empowering.
I really loved writing this book. I hope you enjoy reading it!
The day the whole world shut down.
Press
About the Author
Ilene Dudek, Award-Winning Author & Illustrator
Children's author and illustrator, Ilene Dudek, began her career in the advertising industry. She worked as a creative in a New York City ad agency and later, as a copywriter for Movado Group. Although the corporate world was rewarding, nothing compared to time well spent with her two beautiful, fun-loving boys. Ilene eventually saw the opportunity to change her path and follow her dreams. She now writes and hand draws a Little Ant children's series, inspired by her sons who are always on the go and looking for the next big adventure! Ilene has participated in over 50 local author events, including a book signing at Barnes & Noble, and has been featured on "Spotlight New Jersey" - News 12 New Jersey. Her new book Little Ant & the Epic Battle was awarded the 2020 Royal Dragonfly Book Award—earning honorable mention in the Picture Books 6 & Older category. Ilene was also a guest speaker on 16W with Norman A Podcast. In the future, Ilene plans to continue writing her Little Ant series and sharing her books with the local community.