Peter and the Whimper-Whineys

Peter and the Whimper-Whineys by Sherrill S. Cannon, illustrated by Kalpart (Strategic Book Publishing)
PB RRP $13.00
ISBN 9781609115173
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton




Peter is a whiner and he is driving his mother around the bend with his bad manners. One night, he finds himself transported into the woods with the Whimper-Whineys in Whimper Whineland and discovers that everything in their world is sour and ruined. It is with great relief that Peter wakes in his own bed.

Written in rhyme, the tale allows children to reflect on how their behaviour affects not only them but also the world around them. The illustrations cleverly show that Peter's world is one of life and colour whereas Whimper-Whineland is dark and foreboding.

Peter and the Whimper-Whineys has won a Bronze Readers Favorite Award - and is also now available as an App on iTunes, where it can be used as an audio book, regular eBook, and can also record parent and child reading the story. Australians can buy through any online store and the book is printed and shipped from Melbourne.

The Magic Word

The Magic Word by Sherrill S. Cannon, illustrations, book design and cover art by Kalpart (Strategic Book Group)
ISBN 9781609769093
Reviewed by Vicki Stanton

Almost every child must have been told at one point to use 'the magic word'. In Sherrill S. Canon's The Magic Word Elisabeth Keys has never said thank you, excuse me, or please. The results for the little girl are devastating when she discovers that not one person has accepted her invitation to her birthday party. After a rethink, and a change in her behaviour so that she considers others, Elisabeth is delighted that her classmates now like her and accept her invitation.

The Magic Word is written in rhyme and the story moves quickly. The ending is predictable though satisfying for a child reader. The colourful computer-generated illustrations reflect the text detailing the change in Elisabeth from a selfish, stroppy child to one that respects those around her. The Magic Word has won three awards: a Gold Readers Favorite Award, a NABE Pinnacle Achievement Winner Award, and a Global eBook Finalist Award. The Magic Word would be a useful tool for parents and teachers to reinforce the importance of social skills. Australians can buy through any online store and the book is printed and shipped from Melbourne.