‘My Fingerpaint Masterpiece’ fights bullyism and a deadly disease

See alsoPersonal Technology Bullying Awareness & Prevention

Sherril. S Cannon, author; Illustrations by Kalpart

5-Star Review

Victoria Wagner Ross
San Diego eBooks Examiner
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April 20, 2014
Sherrill S. Cannon’s ‘My Fingerpaint Masterpiece’ adds accent to her work on behalf of fund raising 50 percent of her book revenue to JM = Juvenile Myositis, an incurable children’s disease. Her website has information about fund raising for this life important effort.

As her new endeavor to help prevent bullying takes off this week, I had an opportunity to interview Sherrill S. Cannon and get her insight on writing books for children. This is the second part of my review of her new book with an interview with the award winning author, Sherrill S. Cannon.

Q. What was your motivation to use rhyme?

S.C. I have always loved rhyming poetry, and began writing poems before I could write-as a 4-year-old when my mother wrote them down for me. Since that was 70 years ago, I almost predate Dr. Seuss! My favorite one, Horton Hatches the Egg, was published the year I was born. I think children relate to rhyme and it is fun to help them hear the music of the words. When I read to children at schools or book signings, I get the wonderful, delighted response, ‘It rhymes!’

Q.What is your favorite part of writing children’s books?

S.C. My favorite part of writing is reading to the children. It makes my heart smile!

Q. There are many children’s books on the market. How do you choose a topic and characters that will engage children.

S.C. Once a teacher, always a teacher… and I always try to have a message which involves some way to help children become better adults. Most of my books teach good manners and consideration for others, disguised as fun stories.

Q. What is your favorite book for children that you give to your grandchildren?

S.C. My very favorite book is Santa’s Birthday Gift, which was written in response to a grandchild’s question after I finished reading the story of the Nativity to her. She asked, ‘But where’s Santa?’ Santa’s birthday gift is not what Santa gets, it is what Santa gives and Christmas gifts are really birthday gifts for the Christ Child.

Q. Do you read to your grandchildren? Any tips for parenting and reading to children or choosing children’s books?

S.C. Yes I read to my grandchildren and often take their advice about any changes to the story! My main advice to parents is to be sure whatever you read to or with your child teaches good values as well as being entertaining. Way too many books are written using ‘bad’ words and less than desirable attitudes, simply for the shock value. We need to inspire our children to become the adults we wish we could have been!

Sherrill S. Cannon’s books are available on both the Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites as well her website.