Meet the author
Melanie Solar Theel, BS, RTC, is an author and Reality Therapy Certified.
She is originally from the Baton Rouge, LA area. Lake Charles has been her home for many years. Melanie serves as a seminar leader and story-teller. Sharing “The Invisible Bag” with children and watching their light bulbs of understanding go off are her passion. Boating and birdwatching are her favorite pastimes. Her greatest joy is spending time with her husband John, their children, and grandchildren.
About the Book
The Invisible Bag—originally published 25 years ago—has re-emerged as a timeless children’s classic after winning three Eric Hoffer Book Awards in May 2025. Written by Melanie Solar Theel and illustrated by Holly Stone-Barker, this beautifully crafted story follows four-year-old Jennifer as she struggles with the transition to daycare after her mother begins a new job. With the help of her magical “invisible bag of choices,” Jennifer learns how to manage big emotions, build confidence, and navigate separation with courage. Perfect for parents, teachers, and counselors, The Invisible Bag remains an empowering resource for guiding young children through change—proving its enduring relevance a quarter-century after its debut.