Synopsis: Part travelogue, part valentine to a beloved pet, Ella in Europe chronicles writer Michael Konik’s magical six-week journey through Europe with his dog, Ella.  An homage to the friend who has “licked away my tears when I’m sad, hopped on her hind legs when I’m happy, and snuggled me when I’m lonely,” here is the story of a bond unlike any other–and an extraordinary dog who stole her way into one man’s heart. 
Los Angeles writer Michael Konik had always shared his life with dogs.  But Ella, a gentle Lab mix, was something special.  From the moment Konik laid eyes on Ella, he knew: This dog was meant to be his.  An enchantress who charmed all who met her, Ella Guinevere Konik had a truly unique gift–and soon Konik found a way for Ella to share that gift, signing her up for a program that brings dogs into hospitals, nursing homes, and children’s shelters.  
When Ella turned ten, Konik wanted to thank the “best friend” whose unconditional love had transformed his life–and given comfort and joy to others in need.  So a trip to Europe was planned–and for Konik and Ella a once-in-a-lifetime adventure began, one that would strengthen the already-powerful bond between them.  As they explore Europe’s most beautiful–and surprisingly dog-friendly–cities, Konik is amazed at the experiences he and Ella can share . . . Arriving in Vienna on July Fourth with Ella wrapped in her American flag scarf . . . Dining at four-star restaurants in Paris . . . Ella swimming in the Danube . . . Taking a gondola ride in Venice . . . Sunbathing in St. Tropez . . . Searching for a canine toilet in Monte Carlo.  But soon this journey of friendship, love, and discovery must come to a close.  And as Konik heads home, accompanied by the canine friend who “helped teach me what love means,” one thing is certain: Both dog and owner have been changed forever. 
At once a testament to the power of unconditional love and a celebration of devotion, Ella in Europe is 
a book for anyone who has ever felt a special connection to a dog they’ve loved.
                             
         
     
    
        
        
    
 
    LightSail includes up to 6,000 high interest, LexileⓇ aligned book titles with every student subscription. Other titles are available for individual purchase.
 
    
    
    
        
            
                
                    Watch the power of
 
Lightsail in action
                    
                        
                    
                    
                 
             
            
         
        
     
    
 
    
    
        
                            
SUPPORT GROWING READERS
                    
        
            
                            
                    
                    Immediately Engage Students
                    Simple intuitive design has classrooms reading within minutes.
                 
                            
                    
                    Exponentially Grow Reading Time
                    Students love the LightSail experience and naturally spend more time reading.
                 
                            
                    
                    Accelerate Literacy Development
                    Students reading 25 minutes a day on LightSail are seeing 2+ years of Lexile growth in a single year.
                 
                     
     
 
    
        LightSail Education is a comprehensive LexileⓇ and standards-aligned,
            literacy platform and digital
            e-book
            library. Including multimodal learning functionality and featuring books from leading publishers,
            LightSail
            holistically assesses and nurtures each student on their reading and writing-to-learn journey,
            throughout
            elementary, middle, and high school.
        
     
    *LightSail offers a 2,000 or a 6,000 title bundle with its student subscriptions. Other titles are available
        for individual purchase.