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Award-winning children’s author, Cindy L. Shirley grew up in a small town in Cherokee County Georgia. She is a wife, mother of two, and grandmother of one amazing granddaughter. She loves working with children and has tons of hilarious stories to share. Cindy says, “So many heartfelt conversations, and silly experiences took place during my time working as an Cobb County elementary school ASP teacher. Kids just want to feel acknowledged and share their day with someone.” It was during this time that she decided to pursue a business in entertaining children. Mrs. Shirley founded Let’s Pretend Parties in 2006 and Let’s Pretend Publishing in 2017. She continues to work with children of all ages as a party planner and hostess. Ms. Shirley is also involved with annual community and family events throughout Cobb and Cherokee Counties. This adventure, along with personal experiences, would be the basis for her heartwarming children's books: "Diesel the Body Guard; No Bullies Allowed! Doodle and the Magic Christmas Float, and her new series, The Fabulous life of Minnie the Sassy Chick." These stories are based on real characters from her family, as well as her childhood experiences. Her creative and fun filled story lines were written to bring a smile to children’s faces. She says, “I will consider this new adventure as an author to be a huge success if I can make children laugh.”
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Go-Cart Gertie is an action and adventure, social issues graphic book for children and preteens written and illustrated by Cindy Shirley. Ten-year-old Gertie wished that she could hang out with her big brother and his friends. She was tired of going to school and coming home, and wanted to have the freedom her eighth-grade brother had. Gertie especially didn’t want to take the bus to school anymore. Her mom and dad were sympathetic, but they felt she needed to be a little older before she got some of those privileges. Gertie really didn’t like being smaller than and getting teased by Greg. She needed something to make life fun and interesting again. Then, she saw the used go-cart outside the toy store the family was driving past. Gertie loved watching car races with her dad and had always dreamed of having a go-cart. Her dad was actually considering her request to buy it, and her mom, well, her mom would probably have needed a bit more persuading, until Greg started laughing at his sister and saying that girls can’t race. That made up her mom’s mind. Gertie would get that go-cart, and she’d show the world, and Greg, that girls certainly can race.
Go-Cart Gertie lets kids know that it’s cool to have interests even if they’re not something that girls or boys are traditionally supposed to be able to do. And while playing with a baby little sister, or dolls for that matter, is always a nice thing to do, if a child is so inclined, I appreciated Gertie’s preference for something more active and adventurous. This book is particularly important in the messages it sends to kids who may not feel as confident as Gertie in asserting their non-gender specific interests. I also loved how Gertie and Greg’s sibling rivalry became more of a supportive team effort when race day arrives. Go-Cart Gertie is a grand selection for story time; one that will get young kids dreaming without limitations based on gender expectations. It’s also a well-written and challenging text for young readers. It’s most highly recommended.
