I am a mother of four and a grandmother of ten. I have written five published award-winning rhymed children’s stories, Peter and the Whimper-Whineys, Santa’s Birthday Gift, The Magic Word. Gimme-Jimmy and Manner-Man. I have also written six published rhymed musical plays for elementary school children. I love to write. My friends and family ask me if I think in rhyme and meter, and I have to admit that sometimes this is true! A former teacher, all of my books are in rhyme and all try to teach something like good manners and caring for others. I have had a varied career. I grew up in the Willard Hotel in Washington DC (my Dad was the manager) and lived in the DC area where I was a teacher and coach for ten years; and then became a professional newspaper sports photographer and columnist for several years. Later, I became a Dinner Theatre Company Stage Manager as well as a Talent Manager. Before I retired, I was a Business Administrator, handling payroll and contracts. My husband of over 50 years and I are now retired, and we travel in our RV from the east coast to the west coast each year to spend time with our children and grandchildren... sharing my books along the way!

Elisabeth did not use good manners. She never said "please" or "thank you" and she did not like to share. She and her mother planned a birthday party. They made invitations and sent them to all her friends. Each day Elisabeth checked the mail to see who was coming to her party. But there were no replies.

Her manners hurt friendships and kept people away. Her mother told her it was time to change. Elisabeth learned the magic words, "please" and "thank you." The next day at school Elisabeth remembered to say "please." Her classmates were surprised. They were shocked when they heard her say "thank you." Elisabeth found it was fun to share and to give to others. She asked her classmates to "please" come to her party.

While this book is written for children ages 4-8, I know several adults that could learn from this tale. The message is an important one. Sherrill S. Cannon presents it in a simple and easy to understand way. Children will like the rhythm of the words. They will love the illustrations which are bright colored and appealing. "Please," "thank you," sharing and all good manners are an important lesson that sometimes is lost in our society. I don't think manners should ever become obsolete.