#256 – Manner-Man by Sherrill S. Cannon

by Sherrill S. Cannon

Illustrated by Kalpart

Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co.

4 Stars

From Website: This dynamic superhero helps children learn to cope with bullies and teaches them ways to be considerate of others. Manner-Man incorporates messages and characters found within some of Cannon’s earlier books – and shows children how to look within themselves for their inner superhero!

A young boy has a toy grabbed away by Rob, a bully. The boy’s mother offers advice saying he should stand up for what is right. Thinking about this that night in bed, the young boy falls asleep, but not before he hears a voice telling him to call upon Manner-Man, a super hero charged with helping children behave and do the correct thing; like treating others like you want to be treated and using words to solve problems not fists.

When boy sees more kids fighting at school, he calls for Manner-Man by raising three fingers in the air (upside-down “M”), and recites the Manner-Man chant:

“I am strong, and my flash is bright,

And I will defend you and make things all right.”

Manner-Man swoops in, stops the fighting and arguing, and then gives the kids a better way of solving problems. The super-hero has the kids to use words, not fists and say “Not nice,” when someone hits, pushes, or takes something that is not theirs to take. Later that day, James, from Gimme-Jimmy, asks to be part of team Manner Man, bringing his politeness rules with him. James brings on Elizabeth from The Magic Word. Together, the three kids stop problems in the schoolyard, giving Manner-Man the opportunity to teach problem solving and good manners. Where is Peter? His book is part of an illustration, but sadly, he is not.

Ms. Cannon has now written her fifth children’s book. Each book contains a message for the kids (except Santa’s Birthday Gift). Manner-Man takes on problem solving and dealing with bullies. He is the first hero in any of her books, not including the kids who take advice on the chin and change for the better by books end. Manner-Man has the kids solve problems calmly with words, though not words that hurt. When someone hits, pushes, takes a toy, or any other injustice, he has them shout “Not nice” to the offender. This is rather simplistic for a bullying solution. Most likely, the bully will laugh, but continue to bully. Nonetheless, I like Manner-Man.

Manner-Man seems to be a combination of the last four books and their messages. This idea works. Children need reinforcement and Manner-Man does a terrific job doing this, with the help of the original characters. The previous books work best as part of a series, with Manner-Man at the center as the series’ guide. Writing rhyming stories, each a lesson in good manners, self-control, and making friends is what Ms. Cannon does best.

Peter and the Whimpy-Whiners taught kids the perils of whiney and pestering. Gimme-Jimmy taught kids about politeness and making friends. The Magic Word taught the best way to make and keep friends is with the words please and thank you. Now, Manner-Man is on the scene to bring all of those lessons together. That is not to say Manner-Man cannot stand on its own. It does, but will have a bigger impact if the three previous books have already been read.

The Kalpart Team again does the illustrations. This has brought a consistency in the books making them ideal as a series. The kids are bright-eyed, cheery, and full of life. The bullies are easy to detect. They have the scowls and the raised fists. Manner-Man ends by asking you, the reader, to join Manner-Man’s team. Ready? Raise three fingers upward (upside –down “M”) and say with conviction,

“I am strong, and my flash is bright,

And I will defend you and make things all right.”

A large portion, 50%, of the books proceeds benefit the Cure JM Foundation, an organization dedicated to finding a cure for Juvenile Myositis. JM is a group of rare and life-threatening autoimmune conditions affecting approximately 17,000 children in the United States. The young spokesperson for Cure JM is Addie. Addie is also a character in Manner-Man. Her illustrated self is on pages 19 and 20, wearing a purplish dress.

The author has issued new challenges to her young readers. Can you find the covers to her other books? Can you find any of the children from the other books? Can you find Addie from the Cure JM Foundation, uh . . . oops. Finally, can you find a red M on Manner-Man? Those that decide to join the Manner-Man-Team can go to Ms. Cannon’s site and get a copy of the Manner-Man-Team Badge.

If you have read and liked any of Ms. Cannon’s previous book, you will enjoy Manner-Man. If not, Manner-Man is a good introduction to Ms. Cannon’s rhythmic style and kid-friendly stories. One of this decades prolific children’s authors, Ms. Cannon writes with ease. Her books are great read-alouds and make wonderful books for kids with advanced beginner reading skills.

Manner-Man

by Sherrill S. Cannon     website    blog    FB
Illustrated by Kalpart    website
Strategic Book Publishing and Rights Co   website
Released on January 3, 2013
ISBN: 978-1- 62212-478-7
28 Pages
Ages 4 and up
Copyright © 2013 by Strategic Publishing and Book Rights
Text: copyright © 2013 by Sherrill S. Cannon, used with permission
Illustrations © 2013 by Kalpart