Kelli Coats is a multi-talented new author who combines her dirt road upbringing, her creative writing education and school teaching experience in her children’s stories. Her stories help children discover ways of coping with life’s challenges, including separation anxiety, bullying and comparisons.

Kelli’s cherished memories of her demolished childhood home inspired her to write her childhood stories. She is a native Melbourne, Florida resident and is a natural Florida advocate and optimal living enthusiast. In addition to writing, she enjoys being in nature, creating art and teaching Ceramics/3D Art.

“Saved by a Book” is Kelli’s first in a three-book series for children. It is a rhyming story about five-year-old Kiki (Kelli's childhood nickname), who is excited about her first day of Kindergarten. Once her mom drops her off at school, Kiki’s excitement spirals downward into full blown anxiousness when she realizes her mom won’t be staying with her. Find out how Kiki copes with her separation anxiety, by discovering something in the classroom that helps her feel calm and safe. “Saved by a Bully” and “Saved by Dirt” are children's chapter books that will follow.