Under the name L.M. Elliott, her first novel “Under a War-Torn Sky,” a World War II story about a B-24 bomber pilot’s experiences with the French Resistance, is a Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies. Other novels are “Annie, Between the States” and “Flying South.”

Elliott is the author of several books for children including "The Hunter and Stripe" picture book series, inspired by her life as a mom and school volunteer, and ”Hunter’s Best Friend at School,” illustrated by Lynn Munsinger.

Elliott's talk on Tuesday will lead off the activities of the next day, Frostburg Kids' Express on Wednesday, July 12, in which the FSU Children's Literature Center, Frostburg First and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad team up to provide tales, trains and treats all the live-long day.

Activities include a ride aboard Mountain Thunder, with train songs and rhymes to entertain passengers on their journey up the mountain to Frostburg; a talk by children's author Kathy Mallat, who will speak at the Frostburg Palace Theatre about her book "Trouble on the Tracks"; and a flurry of activities on Main Street, from face painting, paper airplanes and crafts to model trains, storytelling and much more.

All children will receive a gift of a train whistle and will build their own paper train from carriages collected at Frostburg businesses during the day.

Those who can't ride the train are welcome to join the Frostburg fun for free beginning at 11:15 a.m. at the Palace Theatre.

Train tickets cost $10 and must be purchased in advance at Main Street Books in Frostburg, The Book Center in Cumberland or the Children's Literature Center in 207-6 Framptom Hall on the FSU campus. For information, call the FSU Children's Literature Center at (301) 687-4420.

This event is made possible by the assistance of the Allegany Arts Council, Frostburg First, Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, Sheetz Inc., Western Maryland Reading Council and Frostburg City Parks and Recreation.