Today I have best-selling, award-winning children’s author, Sheri Fink, with me to talk about her new illustrated children’s book, The Little Firefly.
The Little Firefly is an enchanting tale about a late-blooming firefly who can’t wait to be all grown up. When all the other fireflies are glowing except for the Little Firefly, she discovers that true friends will love and support her just the way she is.
This charming story helps kids learn about love, friendship, and acceptance.
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Sherri sent me a copy of The Little Firefly to review and I have to say, I absolutely loved this book. The illustrations are beautiful, the book is of super high quality and the story line is adorable. The message is perfectly delivered to the intended audience and it definitely passes the kid test. My four-year-old grand-daughter wanted me to read it to her over and over again. She could even recite to me the story and she understood what it meant. If you have young children in your home, this book (along with Sherri’s other books) are must have’s. They will bring your children hours of joy while learning life-long lessons.
Now that you’ve learned about Sheri’s latest, soon-go-be best-seller, let’s meet Sheri!
Hi Sheri! Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to spend some time on my blog. Why don’t you tell us a little about the book. What inspired you to write it?
Sheri: The Little Firefly is a storybook about a late-blooming firefly who wants to be all grown up like her friends. When she’s the last firefly to begin glowing, she learns about unconditional love, true friendship, and acceptance. I was inspired to write The Little Firefly when thinking about the magical experience of seeing fireflies at night when I was a kid. I grew up on the east coast of the United States and moved to California ten years ago. We don’t have them where I live now. So, I thought it would be fun to write a book about them for kids.
Me: Your stories inspire children and lift their self-esteem. Did you ever have a problem with self-esteem as a child?
Sheri: Yes, I think we all struggle with our self-esteem at some point in our lives. I definitely had my challenges as a child and still have some today. I write books that have the messages that everyone needs to read, including myself.
Me: What advice do you have for parents of children who don’t like to read?
Sheri: Kids who don’t like to read just haven’t discovered the right book for them yet. I would suggest checking out a variety of types of books from the library and letting the kids explore until they find something of interest. Also, children who see their parents reading often become more curious about it themselves.
Me: Was creativity always encouraged at home when you were growing up? Did you know from an early age you wanted to write?
Sheri: I grew up in a small town in rural Virginia. I began creating my own characters and stories at an early age. I even made my own books out of paper, cardboard, and fabric. I did it for fun back then and I’m having fun doing it now as my business.
Me: Do you work independently or collaboratively with your illustrators, in this case, Mary Erikson Washam?
Sheri: Mary Erikson Washam is an amazing illustrator and I’m so happy to get to work with her on my books. I give her the story and tell her the feeling I want the book to have. We collaborate on the development of the characters. Then, she works her magic.
Me: She sure does! I fell in love with her artwork right away. Now for some fun questions:
Cupcakes or ice cream?
Sheri: I think we must have both cupcakes and ice cream for maximum enjoyment. 🙂
Me: Coffee or tea?
Sheri: Definitely tea, I’m digging chamomile tea right now.
Me: Chocolate or fruit?
Sheri: Milk chocolate on top of fruit
Me: Day person or night owl?
Sheri: Not sure … I’m pretty content and energetic day or night. I get a lot done during the day but probably have more fun adventures at night.
Me: Would you ever go to the movies with a young child while wearing pajamas?
Sheri: Yes, sounds like fun!
Me: If you had a time machine, where would you go and what would you do when you got there?
Sheri: I would go into the past to my childhood and visit myself as a 7-year old. I would tell that little girl how precious she is and that she’s going to have an amazing life. I would encourage her to be more of who she really is and to value herself. I would also tell her to dream BIG and to always play to win in life.
That sounds like a wonderful thing to do. I’d never thought about it but I’d probably like to do the same.
Thank you Sheri for stopping by. Let me know if you ever want to stop by again. You’re always welcome.
For all you out there in reader land: here are some places you can find Sheri. Stop by, introduce yourself and tell her you saw her here:
Other books by Sheri:
The Little Firefly will retail for $24.95 and will be available on Amazon.com starting March 22, 2013.
YA Chit Chat 