About Us
Our Story
One night, when Della was 5 years told, she started to tell me a story while we were sitting at our kitchen table. I grabbed my laptop, started typing, and the story of Della and Lila Meet the Monongahela Mermaid was born.
It was a cold and snowy night but somewhere, in Della’s beautiful, sweet mind, she was swimming with mermaids, river otters, and ducks. It was a warm day and, of course, her family, friends, and all kinds of magical creatures were there with her. As Della’s story began to unfold – I was mesmerized. I typed as fast as I could, trying not to miss anything. Della’s story was centralized around the idea of her trying to help someone (in this case, a mermaid). Della is a gentle creature herself so it came as no surprise when sweet little animals started popping up in the story too. Family, friends, animals, and mermaids all started to make their appearance. I loved this story from the moment she created it.
After Della was done with her tale, there were a few loose ends (cliffhangers) that needed a bit of clarification. I asked my (sometimes complex) questions in regard to the plot, subplot, etc. and, without hesitation, she provided answers. She knew what happened with each character in the story fully and completely. I continued to type and took down everything she said. I have always loved her stories but this one was, by far, my favorite to date.
The whole “book process” of Della and Lila Meet the Monongahela Mermaid was an extremely fun and exciting adventure. Our illustrator, Sian Bowman, was such a joy to work with. Once Sian had the text, she brought our story to life. Her illustrations are whimsical, beautiful, and absolutely perfect for the story of the Monongahela Mermaid. Our entire family enjoyed watching Della’s story come to life through the artwork. It was such a magical process.
It is our wish that our readers will enjoy Della’s story was much as we did.
We also hope that Della’s tale will inspire other children (and adults) to be kind to each other, respect nature, and create their own stories.
Meet Our Family
It is our wish that our readers will enjoy Della’s story was much as we did.
We also hope that Della’s tale will inspire other children and adults to be kind to each other, respect nature, and come up with their own stories to tell.
Della Mitchell
Author
Della Parker Mitchell is a story-telling, song-writing, adventure-loving little girl.
She enjoys dancing, acting, music lessons, and spending time with her family and friends. She also enjoys decorating, party planning, all things Disney, Jim Henson, and Sesame. Della began making up stories and songs as soon as she could talk. Her father is also an avid storyteller and song- maker-upper. They especially enjoy these activities when they’re together.
Lila Mitchell
Author
Lila B. Mitchell is a spunky, full-of-life, sweet, funny little sister. She loves playing soccer, basketball, swimming, taking care of animals, and Sesame Street. Lila loves to use her imagination. She also enjoys climbing trees, running in the grass, swimming in the river, riding horses, and being a true free spirit.
Recently, Lila has started to cook, can, and bake and enjoys coming up with new recipes to try!
Mitch Mitchell
Dad
Herbert G. Mitchell, III ( “Mitch”), is the fun and exciting father of Della and Lila. Mitch is the founder and owner of Herbert G. Mitchell, III Law Offices and the very popular Mitchell Surety Company.
Mitch is a much celebrated and respected athlete, playing 4 years of Division I baseball for Oklahoma State and Villanova University. Mitch graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law and settled in his beloved hometown of Brownsville, Pennsylvania.
“Coach Mitch” is a well-known name in youth sports in the area, where he heads up a youth basketball program, coaches two basketball teams, and his daughter’s soccer teams. Mitch truly enjoys helping young people in sports and has the gift of bringing out the best in all of his players.
Brianne Mitchell
Mom/Author
Brianne Mitchell is the very proud mom of Della and Lila. She enjoys spending as much time with her girls as possible, especially when traveling.
In addition to working on children’s stories with her daughters, Bri works as a media strategist, is the host and producer of Local Productions, and previously taught college for seven years. You can also catch her on red carpets and press junkets, while working as a journalist. She holds an MA in Communication and a BA in English.
Bri has been named as one of Pittsburgh’s 40 Under 40, an Inspiring Women in Philanthropy Award Winner, the Observer-Reporter’s ExtraORdinary Person, and a Real Beauty Real Women Socially Conscience Fashionista Awardee.
She is rarely seen without a cup of hot tea and her iPhone.
Empowering Women in Philanthropy Award
Brianne Mitchell is the 2017 winner for Inspiring Lives Magazine Empowering Women in Philanthropy Award.