Press & Praise
Explore press highlights, reader reviews, and media kit resources featuring Eli the Eel, Trina Burkhart, and the creative world of GramWorks Studio.
Press Coverage
Reader Praise
Readers are falling in love with Eli! Here’s what they’re saying:
“A delightful and engaging read aloud that has a great message about acceptance. I read it aloud to my students, even though they are upper elementary. They were totally engaged and we had a great discussion about showing kindness to each other at a much needed time in the school year. I also gave it as a baby shower gift and everyone at the shower loved it. It’s my new go to gift for all future baby showers.” – Sue D., elementary school teacher
“What a lovely book! Through Eli’s experience, children (and adults!) learn that there is beauty in every creature. The illustrations are rich and vivid, and narration in verse makes the message and the characters memorable. Can’t wait to see more of Eli and his friends!” – Halli, teacher
“Eli the Eel is a beautiful story about finding friendships at just the right time. It is a great reminder that all of us have felt alone and left out at one time or another, and that if we are open to it, friendships appear at exactly the right moment to give us the hope we need. If you have young children or grandchildren, this is an absolute MUST for their bookshelves!!” – Kim A., teacher
“What a special book! Eli the Eel is full of warmth, friendship, and such an important lesson about not judging a book by its cover. My former high school teacher wrote this, and I couldn’t be prouder of her for creating something so heartfelt and meaningful. It’s the kind of story that sparks conversations about kindness and acceptance. It’s perfect for bedtime or classroom reading. A must-have for every little one’s bookshelf or a great “first week” read too for classroom teachers.” – Ashley M., teacher and parent
“Such an amazing read! It shows to never judge someone based on their looks. It shows that just because someone looks different doesn’t mean they aren’t a good person! Eli the Eel is an inspiration!” – Destiny H.
Media Kit
Here you’ll find resources about Eli the Eel and author Trina Burkhart, including high resolution images, book details, author bio, logos, and contact information. Please feel free to use these materials in articles, blogs, social posts, and reviews.
Book Information: Eli the Eel
- Title: Eli the Eel
- Author: Trina Burkhart
- Illustrations: GramWorks Studio
- Publisher: GramWorks Studio
- ISBN: 979-8-9999373-0-8
- Publication Date: October 7, 2025
- Trim Size: 8.25″ x 8.25″ (32 pages)
- Categories: Children’s Picture Books, Friendship, Marine Life
Book Description
Meet Eli, a lonely eel with a kind heart and a shy smile. Making friends isn’t easy when others swim away before giving him a chance. With bouncy, read-aloud rhyme and cozy undersea art, Eli’s story shows how kindness and a little courage can light the way to new friends.
Author Information
Short Bio
Trina Burkhart is a children’s author, teacher and Gram. Her debut picture book, Eli the Eel, brings themes of friendship, empathy, and belonging to life through cozy undersea watercolor illustrations. She lives in Ohio and enjoys spending time with her family and reading with her granddaughter.
Long Bio
Trina Burkhart is a teacher, author, and grandmother whose love for stories and family inspired the creation of Eli the Eel. She first dreamed of Eli nearly twenty years ago, scribbling rhymes and ideas between lessons and bedtime routines. Over the years, the story stayed with her and found new life when her granddaughter Evelyn was born.
Drawing from her background in education, Trina brings both heart and intention to her writing. Her work focuses on themes of kindness, belonging, and friendship – lessons she has carried into her family and classroom for decades. With GramWorks Studio, her independent imprint, she is building a space where children’s books can spark imagination and comfort, while celebrating friendship and family bonds across generations.
When she isn’t teaching or writing, Trina enjoys spending time with her family, reading with Evelyn, watching sports, and working on creative projects.. Eli the Eel is her debut picture book, marking the beginning of what she hopes will be many undersea adventures with Eli and his friends.