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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, and grandmother of two adorable granddaughters. She loves working with children and has tons of hilarious stories to share with her readers.
In addition to being a former ASP teacher in the North Georgia school system, Mrs. Shirley is the founder of Let’s Pretend Parties and Let’s Pretend Publishing. She continues to work with children of all ages as a party planner, entertainer, and hostess. These adventures along with her personal experiences are the basis for her heartwarming children’s books: “Diesel the Body Guard: No Bullies Allowed", "Go-Cart Gertie", "Doodle and the Magic Christmas Float", "A Song for Birdie: A Child’s Journey with Autism", "Stinky Feet Pete and the Mighty Hitters", "Charlie and the Catmas Tree", "Kitty Ballou’s Sanctuary Zoo", and the series of "The Fabulous Life of Minnie the Sassy Chick.”
Each beautifully illustrated book contains a valuable lesson that is ideal for elementary school-aged children. Her creative and fun-filled storylines are sure to make children everywhere laugh and smile.
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
In Henrietta Hopper's Big Secret by Cindy L. Shirley, Henrietta has been keeping something from her family and friends. Now that she is a teenager, Henrietta decides to tell them her secret: She is a vegetarian. She understands the natural order of things. Frogs are supposed to eat flies, but she can't make herself choke them down. She accompanies her lifelong friends, Milly and Molly, to the Country Club, planning to make her declaration over brunch. After the waiter brings an extra large platter of flies, Henrietta's secret springs from her lips, and everyone at the Country Club hears her. Henrietta fears her parents' reaction when they learn she not only eats salad but is friends with flies. At home, she is surrounded by her fly friends until she hears her parents at her door. In a panic, she hides some flies in her mouth as she awaits her parents' judgment.
Many children struggle with fitting in and wonder if their differences will alienate them. Cindy L. Shirley's book is a beacon of hope for individuals who seek acceptance and support from their families and friends. Henrietta's courage echoes across the pages as she tells her secret, not once, but twice in one day. Readers will understand her anxiousness and can relate to their concerns. Perhaps the story will motivate someone to share their feelings and receive the encouragement they deserve. Some people in my household are vegan and vegetarian, and, as I read Shirley's book to my children, they cheered for Henrietta's brave decision. It spurred a discussion about individuality, character, and acceptance that I think will be shared when this book is read. Henrietta Hopper's Big Secret is a story that caregivers will enjoy reading to children.
