It was just three short years ago, that Cheri embarked on one of the most amazing journeys of her life. A journey into the world of self-publishing. She had always dreamed of writing for children, but it was her grandchildren that inspired Cheri to take her dream one-step further. “My playful imagination is still a big part of who I am,” Cheri says with a grin. “Just ask my 6 grandchildren (all girls) . . . they say grandma is SO SILLY. I love it! Being a grandma is the best.” In 2006, Cheri published her first children’s book, Winter’s First Snowflake, followed by her second book, The Curious Polka~Dot Present, in 2007. Since then, both books have gone on to receive the prestigious “Mom’s Choice Award.” Cheri has had the opportunity to meet and speak with over a thousand pre-school and school age children, teachers and community organizations. Her book signings have taken her throughout the Midwest, giving Cheri the pleasure of meeting some of the wonderful children she loves to write for. In Fall of 2009, Cheri will introduce her next book, One Wish for Winifred Witch. Once again, Cheri has collaborated with artist Patricia Rose to bring her readers a delightful story filled with brillant illustrations. (a little peek)
Meet Cheri I came into this world on a very cold January morning in 1948 in the “Windy City”, Chicago, Illinois. My mother and I, along with
my grandparents, moved to Niles, Michigan before I turned two years old. During these early years, my imagination and fascination with the world around me was the beginning of a lifelong relationship with words. I would read my favorite stories and then dress up and act them out, to the amusement of my mother and my grandparents and any other unsuspecting relative or friend of the family. I remained an only child until I turned nine. Until then, my constant childhood playmate was my cousin, Donnie, who is five months older than I am. (Which I still like to remind him of today.) We would spend our days exploring the world around us with nothing more than a few toys, each other and our imagination. We would make up stories and imaginary playmates in order to fill ours days with great adventures. When I grew up my childlike imagination didn’t go away. It gave me the freedom to enjoy new and exciting adventures with my three daughters. It was during this time that I started writing down some of my ideas and stories. I didn’t have a notebook or journal. I would write things down on scrap pieces of paper, even on the back of phone bills, it didn’t matter. But I never told anyone about them. My life got busy and the writing stopped, but then I was blessed with grandchildren and life was renewed. One never really knows what path life will take you down, but I have learned to never give up on a dream and always believe in yourself. My husband and I have raised three wonderfully talented daughters, who have given us, so far, six fantastic and imaginative granddaughters. It is from these wonderful granddaughters that my passion for writing stories has been rekindled. They have given me back my childhood and I am loving every minute. Everyone should take a moment and enter the world of a child. After all, they say that the brightest future will always be based on a forgotten past.
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