Multicultural Children's Book Day

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Is My Cup Empty? by Sherri Graves Smith Review and Giveaway

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Sherri Graves Smith is an award-winning author of children’s books and a popular, motivational speaker. She currently has three picture book series with more than 50 titles in print: the Lil’ Sherri series, the Game Day Rules series, and a series of counting and alphabet books.Sherri Graves Smith

Is My Cup Empty? (Mascot Books, 2014), the first book in the Lil’ Sherri series, is about hope, optimism, and perseverance. Sherri’s inspiration for this series is very personal and best understood in her own words, which also provide some biographical information: “Many lessons instilled during my childhood prepared me for the adversity that I faced as an adult, including books that I read such as Happiness is a Warm Puppy and The Little Engine That Could. The lessons in my book stem from my outlook on life after battling Stage IV cancer for the past eight years. I was only 36 years old when I was diagnosed. I found out that the cancer had metastasized one week after returning from my honeymoon, and I found myself in a position where all of my hopes, dreams, and plans were empty.”
“Lil’ Sherri is me when I was six years old. Is My Cup Empty? takes different things in life that are empty and shows how they can be filled with good things. I wanted to write something for children that could instill a lesson of hope and optimism in the face of adversity. I wanted to write a book that would be uplifting for a child, but also lend a helping hand for whatever adversity he or she may face in the future. My wish is to instill lessons in hope and optimism at an early age so they may be relied upon and strengthened as children grow and mature. In addition, I thought that even if an adult is reading the book to a child, the adult also can be uplifted.”

sherri graves

Is My Cup Empty? was honored as a Phillis Wheatley Book Awards Nominee and a New York Book Festival Awards Runner-Up in 2015. Sherri was kind enough to share her thoughts and passions with us. We are very honored to have her as an Author Sponsor for MCCBD2016!

What was your inspiration for Is My Cup Empty?

Sherri: In my adult life, I have faced, and continue to face, tremendous adversity.  Some of the lessons that were instilled in me as a child have helped me to face and to overcome challenges in my life.  With regard to my own adversity, I was an attorney at The Coca-Cola Company until I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer  at the age of 36.  At the time of my diagnosis, I was being considered for a position to work in Vienna and went to the doctor for a routine visit to be blindsided with the diagnosis of cancer.  During the first year of treatment which was tremendously difficult, I was motivated by hopes that the cancer would be behind me after the completion of radiation, surgery and chemotherapy.  Also, a life-long friendship developed during that year of treatment which resulted in my getting engaged, and I was extremely excited about getting married and starting a family.
One week after returning from my honeymoon, I learned that the cancer had spread to my lungs. Eventually, the disease was diagnosed as a chronic condition which was basically a diagnosis that I would be on chemotherapy for the rest of my life.  Due to this, I was unable to return to work and unable to have children.  All of my hopes, plans and dreams for my career and family were empty.  I felt lost, depressed and trapped by life.
I started rebuilding my life and making new dreams and goals.  One of those goals was to touch the lives of children in a positive way.  As a person who always has loved reading, my way of reaching children is through writing.  The first lesson I wanted to instill is that there is always hope even if one thinks that none is left.  From there, I started thinking about things that may be empty in life and how they can be filled with good things.  Writing Is My Cup Empty? is my way of bringing a message of hope and optimism when life seems empty and extending a helping hand from someone who understands and has lived with adversity to a child who needs that message now or to a child who may think back on its message in the future.
Who is your mentor or biggest influencer when it comes to your writing?
Sherri: I love that Dr Seuss wrote in rhyme.  I believe that a child remembers the story better and they style is fun.  His style is a major influence, and I enjoy writing in rhyme.  Another influence is Charles Schulz.  While he wrote cartoons for children, there is a tremendous amount of wisdom for children and adults.  In Is My Cup Empty?, I wanted for an adult to be inspired by the message as well as a child.
If you were to let parents, teachers and librarians know ONE THING about Is My Cup Empty?..what would that one thing be?
Sherri: It is a message of hope and optimism in which all of us in our common humanity can find inspiration.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Sherri: Cancer-free!!!  Remember, there is always hope!!!!  I would love to have a series of Lil’ Sherri books that instill universally uplifting stories that has been published in multiple languages, and I would be tickled for her to have her own animated series.  I envision traveling to read to children and spread positive and unifying messages.  I like to dream big so I would love for Lil’ Sherri to have a balloon in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade!!
If you were to give any advice to the those who dream of writing and publishing a book, what advice would you give?
Sherri:Before getting bogged down about thinking about publication, marketing, and the challenges involved, write the book!  Sometimes the anticipation of the difficulties and challenges makes a person stop before starting.  Take the time to outline, write, edit and make the story into a reality.  Once the investment is made into writing the book, then start the research process of publication.  I read articles and blogs which helped me tremendously.  Be open to constructive criticism.  Do not be afraid to ask questions and never let the word “no” deter you.
What are you most grateful for?
Sherri: I have been on some form of chemotherapy for over eight years.  Just a few months ago, I lost part of my vision temporarily due to a brain lesion and had to undergo radiation.  Given such challenges, I am grateful for the simple things in life, like being alive, being able to eat and drink (something I have had to learn how to do again), seeing a loved one, laughing, playing with my dogs, sing “Happy Birthday” to my 89 year-old daddy this weekend, reading a good book, holding my husband’s hand, hugging my mother, etc.  In sum, I am most grateful that I am acutely aware of how all the little things we easily can take for granted are so precious, and living a life of gratitude makes my life very fulfilling and full of joy.
What would you like readers to know about Sherri Smith Graves?
Sherri: Lil’ Sherri is me as a six-year old.  The illustrator used my first grade picture as the basis for the character.  No one has control over the packaging in which God places us.  While I was not sure how well the character would be accepted, I wanted for her to convey a universal message which is relatable and positive.
I am from a small town in Alabama called Tuscumbia, and it is the birthplace of Helen Keller.  Helen Keller’s achievements despite being blind, deaf and mute always inspired me.  I believed that if she could become a prolific writer and orator despite her challenges, I could achieve whatever I set my mind to doing.
I LOVE to read.  I read about three or four books a week!
I have another series called GAME DAY RULES.  In the series, a mascot takes a child on a game day and teaches manners and good sportsmanship in the context of a game day.   There are over forty participating universities and covers rivalries between Alabama and Auburn, Ohio State and Michigan and Duke and North Carolina.   The series has one NBA team (Dallas Mavericks), and two MLB teams (New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox).
Another Lil’ Sherri book is coming out this year entitled Open Your Life to Happiness.  This book is about gratitude.  The essential message is that an open and grateful hearts makes a happy heart.
I enjoy giving back to the community.  I have given proceeds from the sales of my books to cancer foundations and educational organizations.  One of the most fulfilling aspects of writing is being able to help others.  I also have worked with the Legal  Department of The Coca-Cola Company is raising over $600,000 for the Atlanta Cancer Care Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that helps adult cancer patients and their families living in the metro Atlanta area who are facing financial difficulties as a result of undergoing treatments.
Connect with Sherri on Twitter.
 {thoughts and prayers to Sherri and her family}
Is my Cup Empty hardcover books and delightful inspirational card-making activity kit for kids.

GIVEAWAY! TWO lucky winners will receive one of Sherri’s lovely Is my Cup Empty hardcover books and delightful inspirational card-making activity kit for kids!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS
TWO winners will receive one copy each of Is my Cup Empty hardcover books and delightful inspirational card-making activity kit for kids.

Giveaway begins 2/10/16 and ends 2/27/16
• Prizing & samples courtesy of Author of the above book
• Giveaway open to US addresses only
• ONE lucky winner will win one copy of each of the above books.
• Residents of USA only please.
• Must be 18 years or older to enter
• One entry per household.
• Staff and family members of MCCBD and Audrey Press are not eligible.
• Winners will have 48 hours to claim prize
• Winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter on 2/28/16
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Comments

  1. Leroy Willis says

    Sherri, we met signing books at Coldwater Books. We talked a great deal and you encouraged me to keep writing and I have. My second novel is just out and I am working on a third. I pray you are doing well and tell your husband hello. I hope we can sign together again sometime. GOD BLESS, Leroy Willis