Sonya Kimble-Ellis is a woman of many talents — and many friends.

When the writer debuted her fourth book, and first foray into self-publishing, The Sandcastle Kids: A Mayan Adventure, at Words Bookstore in Maplewood, N.J. on Sunday, July 10, throngs of folks flocked to the store to show their support.

And to buy some books.

In attendance were her husband, friends and family — including a few proud and doting aunts — as well as fellow alumnae from Douglass College, Rutgers University. Admirers came in from throughout Essex and Union counties — Kimble-Ellis grew up in Newark and Maplewood and now resides in Union. And young fans were equally impressed with and interested in the adventures of The Sandcastle Kids. Yasmeena, for one, eagerly lined up to have her copy personally autographed by the author.

When Patch doesn't have Kimble-Ellis running about — she works as a freelancer and as a weekend editor — she plans on adding more adventures to the Sandcastle Kids repertoire.

For more information on The Sandcastle Kids, visit www.thesandcastlekids.com.