Last Saturday, SGS Kindergarten teacher Shantel Woodland hosted an early release party for her new children’s book, Milly Has the Most Fun!: A Story of Acceptance and Inclusion, at Local Flavors. Attendees were able to purchase merch and grab an autographed copy.
On April 24, Shantel will present at the Friday Assembly at SGS in celebration of Autism Awareness Month. She will speak about her daughter and her journey as a writer and illustrator, and will read her book aloud to the lower school. Parents who have already purchased Milly Has the Most Fun! may send copies to school with their children for Shantel to sign and return.
On April 26 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Shantel will host a family-friendly Story Time at Wishing Tree Books (1410 E 11th Ave) in the Perry District. This children’s event will include a reading, exploration of various fidgets, and sensory-themed activities. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at Wishing Tree.
Shantel wrote Milly Has the Most Fun! from the perspective of her autistic daughter, Milly (Amelia), offering young readers a warm, honest look at how children with different needs experience play, music, and friendship. Sparked when students asked why Milly couldn’t attend certain activities, the book instead highlights what Milly can do—her love of drumming and the comforting vibrations of heavy metal—and the accommodations that help her connect with others. Shantel’s vivid illustrations and accessible narrative grew from years of lived experience—balancing teaching, parenting, therapies, and late‑night illustrating—and aim to validate families touched by autism while teaching neurotypical children that patience, positive intent, and curiosity can open the door to meaningful friendships.
Milly Has the Most Fun! will be available April 28; preorders are open now. Purchase Here!
Check out Shantel’s Author Facebook Page Here!
