• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

MarionMade

People, Places, Products, Programs

Visit Us On FacebookVisit Us On TwitterVisit Us On YoutubeCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram
We Are Having Fun!We Are Presidential!We Are Generous!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
    • MarionMade! 5k Sign Up
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

The World of the Woodland Elves

By MarionMade! on May 7, 2020

What does a high energy person do when she retires after forty years of teaching?  Shary Williamson created the world of the Woodland Elves.  What started as writing one book for each of her grandchildren, became much more.  A team of three friends created the five-book series, which includes Shary Williamson as the author, Jay Johnston as the illustrator, and Russ Kendall as the creative coordinator.  In March of 2020, the last book — The Woodland Elves: Fantasy In The Forest was released.

Each of the books —The Woodland Elves, The Secret in the Forest, Buried Treasure, The Magical Tale of Winter along with the new book, conveys important messages on every page that children and adults can discover and discuss.  These positive messages include:

  • One person, one group, or even one small idea has the power to help create a better, kinder, gentler, more joyful, more loving, and more peaceful world.
  • We are ONE in this world together. In a world of technology, focusing on the importance of relationships is critical.
  • Honoring the forest, appreciating nature, and being environmentally active is a responsibility not to be taken lightly.
  • Life is meant to be enjoyed. Don’t settle for less. The elves are a reservoir of joy that tries to ripple out to everyone because joy is contagious
  • The power of the imagination knows no boundaries and it must never die.
  • It is important to encourage children to let wonder prevail.
Woodland Elves Book Series
Woodland Elves Book Series

 

Shary shared for the team, “We hope that each word, each illustration, and each song, will put a smile in the hearts of the readers.”

Multi-generations share in the fun of the books that are available locally through the Marion Flower Shop, Home Again Stained Glass, or by calling Shary personally at 740.225.8391. Her website – www.woodlandelves.com, has a wealth of free activities as does her personal Facebook page with new weekly adventures, like coloring pages.

The world of the elves have taken Shary, Jay, and Russ in so many directions they never expected.  They have video conferenced with teachers, students, and families from around the world.  There have been presentations at art galleries, museums, schools, churches, service organizations, and more. The books have reached ninety-two countries around the world. In the last two books, there are QR codes on each page so children, as well as students learning English, could hear Shary reading the books. A musical CD, an enchanted village, a literacy adventure book, a ¼ mile trail adventure, a card game, and bookmarks made in Guatemala have all been added to the Woodland Elves world.  This has brought visitors to Marion from around the world.

Shary revealed just a few Woodland Elves secrets.

  • She starts each book with the ending and then works backwards.
  • On every page of the books, there is an elf; some are just harder to find.
  • The blondish-haired grandchildren represent Shary and her husband David’s real grandchildren and the brunette is Jay Johnston’s daughter.
  • The elves and fairies in this 5-book series exist in The One & Only Forest, located in Marion, Ohio.
Woodland Elves Team
Woodland Elves Team

These are just a few of the hundreds of secrets the books hold. She, Jay, and Russ plan on disclosing more at a later date.

The original book idea came from Shary’s love of nature and books, both of which she learned from her family.  Her mother would read to her nightly.   Her favorite book, at six, was The Giant Golden Book of Elves & Fairies.

Her childhood home had a beautiful forest, which became a magical place for her.  Each Sunday after church, the family would take an adventure to discover other woodland places nearby.  Her mother, father, and grandparents loved nature and had different ways to interact with it. But it was the time spent together as a family that Shary treasured the most.

When asked if she had three wishes what she would want, Shary replied:

  • “I would wish to always be grateful for everything and everyone and never take anything for granted.”
  • “I would wish that in some small way, our lives have improved the world a little bit.”
  • *JOY is one of the best legacies to leave for our children and grandchildren so I would wish that together, we have created something beautiful and inspiring that could last forever and continue to pass the joy of life around.”

A group of sentiments we all could share in a world that is seeing so many things to challenge us all.

Recent MarionMade! Stories

  • “Stop Practicing… Start Performing” Harding Grad Makes Stuff Happen

    Accomplished Musician. Entrepreneur. Teacher. Producer. Curious Community Connector.  Jason Gittinger said he has had “no trouble making stuff happen” throughout his life.  Born in Marion in 1977, Gittinger graduated from Harding High School in 1995 and has been touted as “…one of Detroit’s most versatile studio and live drummer/percussionists.” A graduate of Wayne State University […]Read More »
  • Marion Christian Softball

    GOOD FELLOWSHIP, SOFTBALL, and CHURCHES – A TRIPLE HITTER. The Marion Christian Softball Association is celebrating their 40th anniversary this year and still going strong. Not only do they keep over 350 people active, playing the game, but they also support good causes, having fundraisers to help to support food pantries and the city REC […]Read More »
  • Schrader Computer Watches Out for Local Customers

    When the computer wheel keeps spinning, or the blue screen of death pops up, many people want to tear their hair out in frustration, but not Jeff Schrader. This local computer expert loves taking on a technical problem. “I just like fixing problems. That’s all I’ve done all of my life,” Schrader said. Schrader spent […]Read More »
  • Cardinal Artists’ Project Deadline Extended to April 30

    The cardinals are coming to Marion and they need your help! Artists from throughout Marion City and County are encouraged to submit a design to bring these birds to life. Envisioned and led by Dean Jacob, president and CEO of Marion Community Foundation and lifelong resident of Marion, along with a team of interested community […]Read More »

Share Your MarionMade! Story

Click Here to share your story about MarionMade! people, places, products, and programs!
  • Get Involved
  • About
  • Events
  • People
  • Places
  • Products
  • Programs
  • Links
  • Contact

Marion Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Downtown Marion Love INC Marion Public Library Marion Area Chamber of Commerce Marion CANDO! Marion Community Foundation United Way of Marion County Marion Technical College

© 2025 · MarionMade! is a community initiative led by Marion Technical College · Website is powered by Neighborhood Image