Interview with Children’s Author Sherrill S. Cannon

All five of Sherrill S. Cannon’s books are in rhyme and all try to teach something like good manners and caring for others.  In less than three years, this former teacher and grandmother of ten has won a dozen National Awards for her books: The Magic Word, Peter and the Whimper-Whineys, Santa’s Birthday Gift and Gimme-Jimmy.  Her latest book, Manner-Man has just been released. She has also written six published and internationally produced plays for elementary school children. All of her books are part of a CureJM Fundraiser through http://sbpra.com/curejm/ where 50% of the cost of her books goes to the CureJM Foundation to help find a cure for this incurable children’s disease.

Welcome back to my blog, Sherrill. Each of your books is set in rhyme. That makes it fun for the children. Please tell us about your new book, Manner-Man.

Manner-Man is a Superhero who helps children learn how to cope with bullying, and to have good manners and consideration for others.  Using the phrase, “I am strong, and my flash is bright; and I will defend you and make things all right…” Manner-Man arrives, helping children learn about sharing and warning about not ‘hitting with words’, suggesting that if someone starts bullying, just shout out “not nice!”  Manner-Man incorporates messages and characters found within some of my earlier books, and invites children to become part of the Manner-Man team.  It reminds them that they each have their own inner superhero within themselves.

This is wonderful. Where did you get your inspiration for this children’s book?

My four-year-old grandson asked me to write a book about a superhero.  When his mother first read him the story (without any illustrations) he promptly decided to send me his version of Manner-Man, which he and his father drew outside on the patio in chalk! He has since given me his approval of Kalpart’s illustrations!!

That is so cute. I love it when authors add real life situations to their stories. Did you put real experiences in this book?

Mainly hearing “not nice” as a familiar phrase throughout all of my children’s and grandchildren’s growing-up years!  It’s a simplistic way to solve bullying problems, but children can begin to resist bullying at a very young age…and adults generally respond when they hear the phrase!

Thank you, Sherrill, for being on my blog once again. I always enjoy having you because your books are so wonderful for children.