By Susan J. Berger
Cheryl has a lovely blog called the Children and Teen Book Connection. She's giving away a copy of the book at the end of this post.
Please tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a wife and mother of three who is also a licensed real estate agent. Our son is married, but our two girls are still at home. We also have three cats and two hamsters. In my spare time, I like to garden and cook. I love firsts, so tell me about the moment when a publisher told you they wanted to publish your first book.
This was so exciting because I had read many books by Guardian Angel Publishing(GAP) prior to submitting Little Shepherd to them. GAP believes “we can change the world by investing in children, one child at a time.” This is a powerful mission that I wholeheartedly support. As soon as Lynda sent me the contract, I started texting, emailing, and calling everyone I knew. Please tell us about Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgiving.
Macaroni and Cheese for Thanksgivingfinds Macy employing quick thinking and ingenuity to help save dinner when the dog swipes the turkey off the table. 
What inspired you to write it?
In 2010, I participated in Picture Book Idea Month (PiBoIdMo) for the first time. This annual event challenges writers to create 30 picture book ideas in 30 days. Believe me, it’s not as easy as it sounds. This was idea number 24. I really wanted a book that wasn’t simply about being thankful. There are plenty of kid’s books about Thanksgiving with that message. This review captured the essence of the book well, “The author has written a story about a family, much like yours or mine, perhaps, that works together when life doesn’t turn out the way they want it to. They take a situation and make the best of it… And in working together, they also discover that being with family is more important than what they eat.”
What do you want kids to get out of this book?
Be creative. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Just because something has always been done a certain way doesn’t mean you can’t do it differently. Since we are in the Holiday season, what is your favorite Christmas/Kwanza/Hannukah Tradition?
I am a huge Christmas fanatic. If it weren’t for the cats, the tree would stay up all year long. Spending time together at Christmas has always been important to us. It’s fun to see the traditions carry on from generation to generation. Are you working on anything else right now?
I’m gearing up to participate in PiBoIdMo this coming January (it used to be in November). My sincere hope is that I can finish the middle grade historical I’ve been working on and get it ready for submission. I also have several picture books that are looking for homes. Website Address: http://ccmalandrinos.com/
Blog Address: https://childrensandteensbookconnection.wordpress.com/
Twitter Address: @ccmalandrinos
Facebook Address: https://www.facebook.com/Cheryl-C-Malandrinos-170542359697682/
Goodreads Address: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4341623.Cheryl_C_Malandrinos
Thank you for being here, Cheryl.
5 Comments on Interview with Cheryl C. Malandrinos & #giveaway, last added: 12/29/2016
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Mine was Christmas in Cuba in 1957. We had rice and beans and pork and gave away our presents to a poor family on Christmas Day. We thought we were giving a family a good Christmas. What we didn't know was that in Cuba Santa comes on King's Day, January 6th
Thanks for the interview. Loved these questions.
What an interesting Christmas dish, Susan. It is so nice to hear of these gifts you gave from your hearts. That's what the season really is all about.
Good luck to all who enter this giveaway.
Very nice Cheryl.
Thanks, Lou.
Oh, for cute. I read the ebook of this and would love to put a copy of this in my classroom library. thanks. I really can't say I've eaten anything out of the ordinary for Thanksgiving or Christmas.