Bikers For Children's Books

This story was written very well for children and as a adult I enjoyed it.

I found this book educational for children and adults.

I would highly recommend this book

Interview With Sherry

Describe your earliest memories of writing: When I was about eight years old, I wrote my first “book.” It was called, The Kingdom in the Clouds. I was so proud of it! In fact, I still have it amongst all of my special treasures. I wrote a lot of stories throughout my childhood. As long as I can remember, I have enjoyed reading and writing.

Your book, That Mama is a Grouch has won several awards, including first place in the 2011 Pinnacle Book Awards, and was a the recipient of the Silver Award from the 2013 Mom’s Choice Awards. Tell us how you felt when you heard that your book was selected for these honors. I was really excited! It was such an honor to have my book recognized this way. I think it also gave me a little boost to move forward with my writing career. It’s nice to know that people like what you write!

Being a professional musician who plays and teaches violin, viola, and piano, does this helps with your writing? It does. I think I have an innate sense of rhythm and flow that comes from being a musician. When I read something aloud, I am usually able to pick up if something sounds good, or if a few words need to be changed. I also think that my involvement with music has helped nurture my artistic, creative side. Creativity is a necessity if you’re an author!

Were you encouraged to write or was it something that came natural? Writing does come naturally, but I have to say, I never intended to make a career of it. My daughter was the one who encouraged me to get my first book published. That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN was a poem I created in my head when my five-month old son kept me up during the night. I didn’t sleep much when my kids were babies. I suppose the lack of sleep somehow got the creative juices flowing. Anyway, I shared the poem with my daughter. She liked it and thought other kids would like it too. The rest is history.

Are you working on a new book? I’m working on a series for middle grade readers. I call them the “Bubba and Squirt” books. They are similar to Mary Pope Osborne’s Magic Tree House series in that a couple of kids travel via magic to different countries. My books are all set in the present, though. The kids have an adventure while experiencing the culture and language of the countries they visit. I have recently found an agent, and he’s working on finding a publisher for the series. The first book is called, Big Hole to China. I’ve written five books so far, and am working on the sixth.

What do you do when you’re not writing or promoting your books? When I’m not doing “author stuff,” I’m either running around like a maniac with my kids, or I’m doing something with music – playing, teaching, or writing songs. I like to hike and do outdoor things too.

How did you come up with your characters? The characters in my first two books were based on personal experiences. So it’s fair to say that my kids were the models for the characters in those books (although my daughter really does not like to have people think she was the messy kid in That Mama is a Grouch).

What advice would you give parents on selecting the right books for their children to read? First, make sure the books you choose are age-appropriate. Kids have to be able to understand what’s going on in the story. Second, read books about things they enjoy. This helps to hold their interest. I think good pictures help too, especially with books written for younger children.

What advice you would give to new writers? Read a lot of books that are similar to what you want to write. This will give you a good feel for what publishers want to see, and an idea of what kind of stories people want to read. Then research publishers to see which ones might be interested in your work. Last but not least, always submit your best work!

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers? Reading books is such a wonderful thing to do with your children. I’m so glad my parents read to me! I hope you’ll take the time to read about some of the other wonderful books on this blog. Thank you so much for having me as a guest!

Connect with Sherry: www.sherryellis.org

http://sherryellis.blogspot.com

Biography of Sherry Ellis

Sherry Ellis is a freelance writer and children’s author. Her first book, That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN, was published in 2005. Her second, That Mama is a Grouch, was published in 2010 and was honored as a finalist in the 2010 USA Book News Awards as well as in the 2011 International Book Awards. It also took first place in the parenting category of the 2011 Pinnacle Book Awards, and was the recipient of the silver award in the 2013 Mom’s Choice Awards.

Sherry is also a professional musician who plays and teaches violin, viola, and piano. She has appeared as a soloist in Germany and was a semi-finalist in the 2004 International Viola Competition in Paris, France. Sherry is also a former PADI SCUBA instructor. She has travelled to many exotic places and has seen much of the world above and below the water.

Sherry lives with her husband and two children in Atlanta, Georgia.

You can learn more about Sherry Ellis on her website, www.sherryellis.org

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About The Author:

Born and raised in Fairhaven, Massachusetts and attended University of Lowell (now University of Massachusetts, Lowell). It was there that I learned to love jazz. I have been performing jazz and other kinds of music for over 20 years, throughout the New England area. I live in North Reading, Massachusetts with my husband Richard, and my son Charlie.

http://www.journeytojazzland.com/

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Genre: Children's Book

Publisher: Flying Turtle Publishing

Release Date: July 1, 2013

Amazon

Book Description:

Join Windy Flute, Spitz Trumpet and their friends as they travel to a legendary place where music is joyous, creative and free.

Excerpt:

One day during an orchestra rehearsal, Windy Flute was playing a piece of music and her mind started to wander. Over and over, she had practiced this piece and played this piece. Feeling bored, she felt that she wanted to be a little different.

Then something special happened. She began to hear notes that weren’t on the page of sheet music on her stand! When she started playing what she heard, Windy realized these new notes made her feel better. The harmonies and the melodies were the same, but the music moved differently. Before she could figure things out, she was interrupted by a stern voice.

“Excuse me, Ms. Flute, do you mind playing with the rest of us? Where do you think you are — Jazzland?” said Mr. Conductor, scowling down at her.

After the rehearsal, Mr. Conductor gave Windy a severe look and stomped off the stage.

Windy turned to her friends in the woodwind section. “What’s Jazzland?” she asked. She was still thinking about the good feelings she got from playing different notes.

“It’s a myth,” said Mr. Bassoon.

“That’s right,” said Mr. Oboe, “It’s a legend. It doesn’t really exist.”

            “I think it exists,” said Spitz Trumpet.