Reviews
Reviews and Fan Mail
Now available in Kindle edition
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I hope EVERYONE discovers Gimpy’s Secret!
“I just finished reading your book “Gimpy’s Secret…it’s what’s missing” – WOW! You did an amazing job – what a wonderful story. Thank you so much for “sharing the secret” in such an enjoyable way. I hope everyone discovers it!”
Terry Leap
St. Louis, MO.
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Love & Relationships!
Thank You!…for Gimpy’s Secret….It’s What’s Missing! It’s always encouraging to learn of resources which address such relevant topics as love and relationships. We hope that many more individuals will benefit from this book, and we wish you all the best as you move forward with your project.
May the Lord bless and guide you in all that you undertake to accomplish in His service.
Darrell Green
Focus on the Family
Colorado Springs, CO.
Click “add to cart” to buy the book directly from the author
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Braille Edition
Creative, captivating and inspirational for children of all ages, Ms. McLellan’s story of Ellen’s encounter with Gimpy and his lessons of love has been a joy to read for the students and staff alike at the Tennessee School for the Blind. Many of our students genuinely appreciated having the book made available to them in a medium they could read themselves. As educators committed to teaching life skills in addition to the academics, our faculty found Gimpy’s Secret …. It’s what’s missing ! an invaluable resource with which to impart the virtues of kindness, consideration, and respect. Our sincere gratitude to Ms. McLellan for sharing her story with us and for permitting the book to be made available in Braille medium.
Jim A. Oldham
Superintendent, TN School for the Blind
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WOW!
It was a long time ago that I bought your book. And I didn’t read it. Here’s a bunch of BS excuses:
I was in the middle of 3 other books
I was “busy” (oh, I dislike that word, especially when I use it to describe myself)
I had other important things to do, etc, etc, etc
Recently I picked your book off the pile, and I could hardly put it down.
Wow, you have created a masterpiece, not only as a children’s book, but for adults as well. It is fun, insightful, intriguing, and so full of powerful messages.
At a number of places, and especially at the end, I just felt overjoyed with amazing feelings. I laughed, cried, shook with excitement, and stopped to ponder deeply the meaning in my own life.
I believe I do a good job of applying Technologies of Love, yet I know I will be doing it with a bit more intensity now. Thanks to Ellen and Gimpy, and especially you, Elaine.
If I could reach you, I’d give you a big, Bigger, and BIGGEST HUG!! Golly, I hope millions of adults and kids read this book. I’d like to give it to every couple we work with, encourage them to read it, and encourage them to read it with their kids. And every teacher in our schools could benefit by reading it themselves, let alone sharing it with their classes.
So Elaine, congratulations!
Dan Ohler, ACC
Canada
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Gimpy Delivers Powerful Life Education For Adults and Kids
I loved Gimpy! It is a heartwarming multi-layered gem. It covers so many life lessons which I wish I’d learned in school. I looked at the list of characteristics and thought “I’m a highly educated counselor and know all this.” I’m so glad I read the book anyway becaused it delivers a powerful emotional imprinting and showed me how much more I could do to foster love.
Bravo for writing it. I hope this book ends up in many classrooms because it will help children side-step much of the hurt that peer-pressure and bullying can cause. It was invaluable for this adult to read!
Valerie Stuart
Windhorse Care
Boulder Colorado
Momentous Occasion
After losing our first baby, late in pregnancy, the arrival of our second firstborn son was a highly anticipated moment! All of his firsts have been momentous occasions. As I’m sure that most mothers feel my love for this tiny creature is indescribable! I want only extraordinary things for him and a life full of joy and love flowing both toward him and from him. That’s why I could think of no better choice for my first book to read to him than Gimpy’s Secret. What beautiful words to speak over my son from his infancy. What a great message to raise him with! I look forward to reading this book to him and his siblings throughout the years. It is my hope that they will listen to it’s words and that with the help of such wonderful works as this, I’ll be able to raise children who are truly beautiful inside and out.
This book will surely mean so much to so many over the course of time because of the love the author has put into it. She has poured her heart into this book and I think that can be felt whether you know her personally or not. For my part, I can personally attest to her beautiful spirit and consider the display of it in this book such a treasure as she is the great grandmother of my son. Thank you, Mema, for such an incredible legacy for my children.
Mel McLellan
West Haven, Tennessee
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Excellent book!
Teaches important life lessons for all ages & will enrich the lives of all who read it.
Donna Shaffer
Winterset, IA
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I found comfort in your book!
I LOVE Gimpy’s Secret, “It’s What’s Missing”! I apologize for being so slow to write to you. My pace maker keeps me low on energy and close to home. Your book gave me some much needed comfort. -YOU ARE QUITE A TALENTED WRITER ! CONGRATULATIONS !
Helen Winslow
Gunnison, CO
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Click “add to cart” to buy the book directly from the author
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Gimpy Movie
Hello Gimpy. How are you? I have read your book 2 times! It is a great book and you are a great chicken! Are you going to come out with a series? I think that would be cool and it would also be cool if they made a movie about your book. Keep cluckin’!
Lots of Tennessee Love,
Kayla, Age 11
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Words of Wisdom!
I am thrilled to receive my very own autographed copy of Gimpy’s Secret. . .it’s what’s missing. As I read it, I found myself drawn again and again to the images and words of wisdom found in its pages. I am looking forward to showing it to my granddaughter, daughter-in-law, and son in Colorado Springs, CO, and to my brother in Spur, Texas. I can guarantee you that Gimpy has found a home with me and my family, and that I will share this book with my friends and their families. I truly feel blessed with our new friendship and with my new friendship with Gimpy and friends.
Sincerely,
Jill Alexander Scott
El Paso, Texas
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Yesterday I Bought the First 3 Books off the Press
I read all of Gimpy’s Secret . . . it’s what’s missing, last night, think I cried every other page. Last time I cried was 60 years ago when my mother would read me black beauty and the people were mean to the horse. and of course when Daniel got thrown into the fiery furnace.
Yesterday I bought the first 3 books off the press. They were bought for people with little children. After reading the book I want 3 more for much older people one of which is 66 like me.
If everyone in the world would read, Gimpy’s Secret, and let it sink in, what a nicer place we would live in.
Richard Britt
FedEx Pilot, Retired
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Family of 8 LOVES Gimpy!
I asked everyone in our family to tell me what they thought about Gimpy. Tesa Baillie (age 42 – Mom of 8) – “Everyone in our family has read Gimpy. That little chicken has taught us all! We talk about the mnemonic at the dinner table and help each other live it out. We got caught up in the story, enjoyed the fun pictures and then our life was touched with an awesome message.” Cassy Baillie (age 13) – “It makes you think. The story is really good and it has a good message.”Jade and Ryan Baillie (twins – age 10 – they actually said this in stereo) – “Gimpy teaches you what love is.”Travis Baillie (age 42 – Father of 8) “Every man over and under 40 should read this. I loved it! It will engage you with your children in a meaningful way.” Kolbe Baillie (age 7) “It’s good. I liked the pictures.”
Tesa Baillie,
Peoria, Illinois
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It’s What’s Needed!
Gimpy is indeed what is needed….a simple, practical and immensely entertaining presentation! A gentle story filled with many lessons to help those of all ages recognize Gimpy’s Secret……when it’s there and when it is not! My children, grandchildren and I have enjoyed the book immensely! Gimpy is a much loved and recognized creature in all of our lives.
Thank you!
Carol Dussault
Gunnison, CO.
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Clever, Insightful, Educational & Motivational!
Gimpy’s Secret is very clever, insightful, educational and motivational. The first part of the secret, “Attentiveness”, seems to be missing in most relationships today. Reading Gimpy’s Secret is fun and so helpful in making you aware of what is needed to improve your personal relationships. The secret and the answer are cleverly presented in the book. The illustrations are precious.
Ron Wright
Tucson, Arizona
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Reaching the heart, soul, & mind!
Your Book is surely a crown jewel of literature, reaching the heart, soul, and mind of the reader regardless of age. Your beautiful message is not only timeless; it is so timely in a world that needs it now. I suspect your “Gimpy’s Secret” will soon be requiring a lot of translators. May your great book reach far and wide and soon!”
C. Hansen
Colorado
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Our Family’s Favorite Book!
“If I could pick one book to excite the whole family as we snuggle and read, it would definitely be Gimpy. This book is a true ‘life story’ which will keep you wrapped, and it teaches the top level of ethics and morals while doing it! Almost everyday I ask myself if I’m putting all I learned from Gimpy into practice?” I only have to say the word ‘Gimpy’ and my 8 year old knows exactly how I’m expecting him to act.”
Rebecca Dussault
Gunnison, CO
Elite Athlete and Motivational Speaker
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Putting Good Manners to Use!
Hi Mrs. McLellan,
I want to thank you for the book, I have read it and loved it so much, it is full of positive words, the message in it is wonderful, I think is the kind of book that our children should have available at school, I believe that they would love it too. As I was reading it it made me realize that many times even grown ups need a little remainder about being nice and to put our good manners to use; sometimes we forget we have any. Now I’m going to try to persuade my 12 year old daughter to read it. Thanks again.
Veronica Brannon.
Rockvale, Tennessee
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Gimpy’s making the rounds!
I read your book and enjoyed it very much. It was well done.
I passed it on to my niece for her children and they are
taking turns reading it now. They will pass it on to other
cousins so it is making the rounds. Do make a sequel. You
have talent in writing.
Mary Frese
Forest Hill, Maryland
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Nothing is random!
Thank you so much for thinking of me and giving me your book. I had a wonderful time reading it!
After reading the book I’m sure you don’t think anything is just random, but by the Lord’s great design. Reading your book now was a time the Lord was widening the knowledge of his love for me. Thank you for your encouraging words and waves in the mornings, and I thank God for placing you here as my neighbors.
Joyfully,
Carey Miller,
Franklin, Tennessee
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Gimpy is a MUST read!
“Gimpy is a MUST read for children and adults of all ages. Sometimes we forget what’s really important in life, but Gimpy reminds us and puts things into perspective for us. Read it alone or as a family…you will be touched by the message of this book. You will be a happier, more appreciative person and those around you will also see a difference in you. This is a great book that everyone should read!”
Kate Whitney,
Boston, MA.
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Successful story beyond measure!
A friend of mine here had both feet operated on and was laid up. I loaned her Gimpy on Monday and she called today and said she just LOVED it. She said she feels you are going to be successful with your story beyond measure.
She just thanked me and thanked me for letting her read it. I thank you for writing it.
Carol Lapp
Hesperia, California
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Masterpiece of Literature!
I’ve simply enjoyed this masterpiece of literature!! It is pleasing how a disadvantage chicken can breath new life into a self-centered child and slowly and effectively change her attiude and thought processes towards others for the good!! It also, in one sense, compares Jesus and the chicken. Both were born in a barn, spoke messages to change people for the good, and that message when learned properly will remain forever in thought and action!! A beautiful book, I am, and have been blessed to read it.
BEST WISHES!
Cathy Moran
Kelso, MO.
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Fabulous Illustrations!
The fabulous illustrations are a caveat and match perfectly the incredible life learning messages found in Gimpy’s Secret! This book has something very important for everyone, regardless of age or experience. Can’t wait to share it with my niece…she will love it!
Mike Kiya, 65
Mountain View, CA.
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Real People from Holland!
What a delightful book you have put together. I had not heard the term “Gimpy” since I was kid living in the United States in Gunnison Colorado and that was in 1958! I have a God-Child named Ellen who will be 16 in April. I’m sending her a copy for her birthday…She might just recognize HERSELF within the pages. I shed a tear when I read page 183 about the characters in the book. Using REAL PEOPLE for the characters in your book make it all the more REAL! I had to laugh at Ellen in the beginning of the book…been there, done that! Laughing and crying all in one wonderful book, WOW!
Thank You, for your delightful book!
J.E. Walker
The Netherlands
Apeldoorn, Holland
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Reading and steering with my knees!
I received an email about this little book. I was almost ready to delete Gimpy, that is until I read the first 20 pages on the website. All that did was wet my appetite for the rest of it. So, I ordered 25 books. I received the books the next week. I was driving from Albuquerque to El Paso on I-25. I tried not to read it while driving, but, alas, my knees grabbed the steering wheel, and I grabbed the book. By San Antonio, NM, I finished……a better person. I have already sent 2 copies to my pastor, and sent a copy to a school superintendent I know, and I encourage all to read this book, and read it to those in your family who cannot read. Get this book and give to everyone you care about. You could not choose a better birthday gift. It contains a life restoring message. So, hurry…….and don’t drive with your knees!!
Jay Turner
Albuquerque, New Mexico
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Gimpy’s Gone Global
Thank you so much for “Gimpy’s Secret”, a timeless piece of ART. This BEAUTIFUL story is very easy to relate to for EVERYONE and has touched me DEEPLY! I absolutely LOVED the book, could not put it down, so read through in one day, and when I have reread this week, our children and others ++++++ will learn this wonderful story with it’s PRICELESS MESSAGE! A must “Read and Experience” for Everyone!
The World would be a Better Place if people knew “Gimpy’s Secret”
Love from our family, 🙂
Hannington Goldin,
Holterve, Norway
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Universal Appeal
…note from the author. I would like to draw your attention to the next two very special fan mails that arrived on the same day.
Why? Because they come from two ladies who have nothing in common, at all, except their love for Gimpy and his message.
Sasha is a twelve year old who lives in Florida.
Dorothy is a 91 year old, great-great grandmother who lives in California.
Gimpy’s Secret, goes directly to the heart thus by-passing age and location. His message is, indeed, UNIVERSAL!
It’s what’s missing . . .
1. I’m 12 and I know Gimpy’s Secret.
I would love to have my note on Gimpy’s website (I am going to be famous!) I was 12 on Dec 13th. I loved the book! I literally started to cry when I thought Ellen had lost her best friend! Now I know the secret! With Love!
Sasha Brickhouse
Kissimee, Florida
2. I’m 91, and I need 9 books for my great-great grandchildren.
A good friend of mine received Gimpy from a friend, who in turn loaned this fabulous book to me. I could NOT put it down. The author has an amazing talent. As part of my legacy I want to order 9 books for my great-great grandchildren. I hope they love this book as much as I do. Plus, I need one more, (for a total of 10) to give to a neighbor who has an autistic nephew. He said, after reading the story, “I think my nephew will be spellbound.”
Dorothy Parker
Hesperia, California
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Wow!
Well, All I can say is that I was anxiously awaiting this book. And it didn’t disappoint! I’ve been a Christian since I was 13 years old and I have to say that my life since then has been a roller coaster with God. Up until recently I didn’t quite see the bigger picture about what God is or what he truly wants from us. I couldn’t put this book down when I got it. I read half of it right away, stopped ate tried to do other things, but it kept calling me. So, I finished it and….Wow! It is absolutely amazing. I don’t know where the idea came from or how, but it was definitely the Lord working here. Gimpy is like Jesus. At least that is how I took it. Sometimes we can’t hear him until we are down on our knees and desperate for help. Then He speaks to us. And if your heart is open you can hear him. Love is the “Secret”! that is so true, b/c God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:17. I can’t thank you enough for this powerful little message. I am going to share it with everyone! Absolutely amazing!
William P. Gourley
Virginia Beach, Virginia
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Newspaper Review . . . “I LOVED IT!”
“A reader suggested a book to me, and I am SO glad he did! The book, Gimpy’s Secret . . . it’s what’s missing, is a brand new book by, E.H. McLellan. After reading the first few pages on line, I was hooked and HAD to buy this book. Gimpy and his caregiver, Ellen, have some wonderful experiences together. The book has a LOT to say about life and we could ALL learn from this book. Thanks for the tip about the book. I LOVED IT!”
Sandra Baxter
Review Appeal
Franklin, TN
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Spread The Love!
Thank you, so MUCH for your beautiful book! I enjoyed Gimpy’s Secret, very much. What a wonderful , loving and caring family you write about. They are SO blessed. And I am blessed that you shared your book with me! I, in turn, am sharing your book with family and friends to “Spread The Love!” Wishing you mush success with Gimpy’s Secret. God certainly blessed you with “TJ”…what a remarkable young man he was!
Thanks Again!
Debbie Sweeney
Nashville, Tennessee
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All About Me Society!
I finished your wonderful book. Way TOO many young folks (and older) have NO regard for the feelings of others! We have turned into an all about me society. Thanks so much for sharing Gimpy with me! I’ll pass it on, here on the farm, to my nieces & nephews and Great nieces & nephews!”
Ramona Walden Flaherty
Smyra, Tennessee
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I’m Different!
“. . . I’m telling you, I felt like I was in the book with the characters!
After returning from the Christmas break, one of the guys at work said “something looks different about you.” I said, “well I am wearing my old glasses” and he said “No, that’s not it”…I said, “I did have about 2 inches cut off of my hair”. He said “No, it’s something else that’s different”. I figured it out last night…It was because I know Gimpy’s Secret! People at work seem different to me now. I don’t know if it’s Gimpy or God . . . “
Brenda Cook Hatcher
Nashville, TN
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Something So Grand and Wonderful!
Gimpy is really a special creature/creation. He has the ability to change lives. So Nice! I’m so tickled and hope that my kids will have soaked up some of Gimpy’s knowledge, too. We are going to put his lessons to work for us. We are VERY excited about the results.
Thanks for such a Precious Gift!
Billie Jo Wiley-Garner
Birmingham, Iowa
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Gimpy’s Secret suggested for Newbery Award!
We had a wonderful Christmas and hope you did too in all that beautiful snow. The book arrived. Thank you. George and I have read it and now Sasha and Tom are reading it too. Yes, it should be read by all children. I think the author should also submit it for a Newbery Award. The author has our permission to use our full names, city and state. We love the book!
Kathy and George Brickhouse
Retired school teachers
Kissimee, Florida
It’s Real Good! Couldn’t put it down!
I received my 6 books yesterday. I started reading my copy and couldn’t put it down. I finished it about midnight. I sent a copy to each of my four grandchildren. I hope they enjoy it as much as I did. It’s GOOD, E.H. McLellan, It’s REAL GOOD! I think I got the Fedex lady to order one and gave my last book to my 90 year old Mom. Please send me 6 more. Thank you for writing this book!
Allen Cates
Lafayette, LA.
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The Gimpy Chicken is ME
“I just finished the book. I knew I would not want to put it down. I did take about a 15 min. break, but could NOT wait to get back to it! Thanks for making my day. I really needed this to begin the new year. ” The Gimpy Chicken is ME……This book is like you were looking into my life. I related to so much of the things in it. It was nice to be able to connect with the things you were talking about ….Loved, loved, loved the book. I love you my friend.”
B.C. Hatcher
Nashville, TN.
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Short and Sweet
My eight year daughter loves Gimpy’s Secret so much that she keeps her book by her bed side.
Sincerely,
Janel Zeiter,
Gunnison, CO
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Doctors Orders!
My 62 y/o personal physician, for over 20 years, absolutely loves Gimpy’s Secret. Not one to be too outspoken, he told me he had an idea. He said, “Gimpy’s Secret should be on EVERY school bus for kids to read”! Sounds like the perfect prescription!
Jim McLellan
Franklin, TN
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A Winner!
Elaine….Boy, do you have a winner here….I just couldn’t put it down until I finished the whole story. I’m not kidding but this book should be a “read” for every school child in the world….and not just once. Thanks a million for sending it to me…it brought tears to my eyes, but tears of joy.
Charlie Whitney
Boxford, MA.
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Unique and quite remarkable!
This little book is a unique and quite remarkable gem among children’s books. I found it to be especially powerful as a family read. My little girls couldn’t get enough of it and are asking me already to read it again.
It serves as a wonderful examination for families. Its simplicity is refreshing and while not deeply filled with religious overtones, it is a wonderful way to subtly introduce our young ones to the very real call to love not just in word but in truth and in action.
We have taken Gimpy’s secret into our prayer life as a family and are asking the Lord to help us now that we have read this wonderful and delightful story to really put it in to practice. We are discovering, just like Ellen that there are so many moments throughout the day that we can love. It is so nice to know what this really looks like and what practical things we can do to make love present in our homes. Besides…. Grandma Shaw’s Apple Cake is amazing! What a wonderful little bonus this baking project is…. it is the perfect opportunity to really see”the secret” at work. Enjoy!
Chantal Dussault
Aspen, CO
This will change a lot of people’s outlook on life/love!
What a terrific story! Your children’s book could be a book for adults, too! I read it all this afternoon… such a smooth reading and it WOULD be excellent reading for all elementary aged students! I can see teachers reading this in classrooms or parents reading with their children at nights. I could tell this book was well thought out and in the making for years. Hats off to you and we are honored that you would share this with us.
This will change alot of people’s outlook on life/love. I am so proud of you… you did a heck of a job! Your book is a gem… hope it becomes a best seller! I will pass the word along…
Congrats again! Again, thank you for the SIGNED book!!!
Ruth Osburn
Nolensville, TN