What fun to find the announcement for the Top Shelf Magazine Awards and discover that A Dime is a Sign has won the award for Poetry! This is the 10th award for A Dime is a Sign, and my overall 79th Award.
(This is fun, since I am 79!!)
Thank you Jack Magnus of Reader’s Favorite for the lovely 5-star review for David’s ADHD
Reviewed By Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite
David’s ADHD is a picture book for children written by Sherrill S. Cannon and illustrated by Kalpart. David’s classmates don’t get upset when he acts out in the schoolyard or is hyper in class. They know sometimes he seems frustrated and unable to focus on the teacher and what they are learning. His behavior might have confused them in the past, but they know that David has ADHD. They understand that the camera we all have in our heads works differently in David’s; his focusing lens operates differently. David’s parents had wondered what was happening with their son. They could feel his despair and confusion — and even his rage. Finally, they learned after testing that David had ADHD. And that he wasn’t the only kid who had it. Best of all, they learned that the doctors could show them how to help David wake up his focus.
Sherrill S. Cannon’s David’s ADHD introduces the subject of ADHD to children and their caregivers in a fun and easy-to-read format. The author demystifies what is a confusing and upsetting mode of behavior and shows how caregivers can work with kids like David and help them explore their strengths more fully. I especially liked how the book also includes those kids who have had interactions with kids like David. It clearly explains why they behave as they do and what challenges they face. With that knowledge, kids can learn to empathize with someone they may have avoided in the past. Kalpart’s bright and colorful illustrations chart David’s progress as he consults with his doctor, works on his schedule with his mom and dad, and excels on his computer. I was pleased to learn that medication is not the only treatment for ADHD. David’s ADHD shows that quite clearly in a story that’s accessible to kids and caregivers alike. David’s ADHD is most highly recommended.
Once again, I am so pleased that the reviewer has captured the essence of the book – which is to help not only the child with ADHD, but his classmates. Patience and understanding are concepts that children should learn early, and will help them mature into responsible and caring adults…If possible, please share this book with your children, teachers and libraries!!!
Thank you to Feathered Quill for this wonderful review…!
“Author Sherrill S. Cannon tackles an important and timely subject in her latest children’s book, David’s ADHD.
Readers meet David in his classroom where all the students are attentively listening to their teacher. All the students except David. Instead of listening, David is distracted by his pencil. Throughout the day, David has problems in and out of class. He can’t sit still and he easily gets angry and frustrated. David shoves and plays too rough and his behavior was having an impact on those around him too.
Written in an easy flowing rhyme that children will happily follow along with, the book explains what ADHD is, and how to recognize it in others and themselves:
Everyone thought he was out of control;
His angry resentment was taking its toll.
The kids wouldn’t play with him; he was too rough.
He’d push and he’d shove, and he’d grab at their stuff.
Nobody liked him or wanted him near,
And he seemed to be getting worse, year after year.
David’s ADHD doesn’t sugarcoat the issue, but it also handles the topic with care and understanding. In the story, David’s parents realize that something is wrong so they take their son to the doctor. Once they have a diagnosis, David now has options for dealing with his ADHD. The author explains (all in rhyme) how some people need to take medicine, others find having schedules to follow helps, while still others might have a therapist to teach coping skills.
I was interested in reading/reviewing this book primarily because my son, now grown, was diagnosed with ADHD back in elementary school and I wanted to see how the author would tackle the subject. After reading the book, I suspect Ms. Cannon has worked with children with ADHD because she covered all the issues/solutions surrounding ADHD that we experienced. Those solutions include using a computer keyboard to type out classroom work, to following a strict schedule as well as having simple rules to follow. She also makes it clear that ADHD is something that must be dealt with every day:
He copes with ADHD day after day.
He knows it may possibly not go away.
While presenting all the obstacles surrounding ADHD and ways of treating it, the book stays very positive. Children who may be struggling with ADHD will certainly see themselves in David and be encouraged at how he deals with his anger and hyperactivity. The book is also an excellent tool to teach all schoolchildren about those in their own classroom who may exhibit signs of ADHD so that they can better understand and help their classmates.
Quill says: Another winner from author Sherrill S. Cannon, this time on a topic that impacts so many children, and their families. David’s ADHD should definitely find a place in every school library to help children with ADHD as well as to educate children who know someone with ADHD so that they can better understand, and interact, with their classmate(s).”
For more information on David’s ADHD, please visit the publisher’s website at: sbprabooks.com/sherrillscannon
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!!!
It was so much fun to read David’s ADHD to the 4th graders at Churchville Elementary… They were enthusiastic about the book, and asked lots of nice questions and made many complimentary comments.
I mentioned that I was entering the book in a contest and had an opportunity for a second category. The main one was Children’s Picture Books, but the second was between Children’s Education and Children’s Inspirational/Motivational. I was delighted that they all preferred the latter category, which meant that I had managed to get across the underlying goal of the book – to not only inspire kids with ADHD find ways to improve their behavior, but to help all children recognize and accept classmates with ADHD and strive to include and encourage!
I hope many of you will share this book with your children!!
Fun to find on amazon this morning!
Enjoy!!! (Please)
I’m happy to share another lovely review forDavid’s ADHD from Readers’ Favorite..
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers’ Favorite
“David’s ADHD by Sherrill S. Cannon is a children’s book that follows the main character, David, as he and his parents try to figure out and come to terms with David’s inability to focus and remain calm in situations that warrant either or both. School is difficult for David as he has trouble paying attention in class and he often gets into squabbles with the other children at school, who no longer want to be friends with him. His parents love him very much and are proactive in finding out where David’s complications stem from. When he is diagnosed with ADHD, his parents, therapist, and teachers work together on a structured plan for David so that he is able to redirect his energy productively and allot day-to-day activities and work into manageable slots of time.
Told in a rhyming narrative, David’s ADHD is as good for parents as it is for children. Sherrill S. Cannon brings a difficult and often misunderstood disorder to light in a sympathetic and constructive way, showing not only how ADHD impacts David, but also those who surround him on a daily basis. As a parent, I found this to book to be of comfort, particularly as ADHD is part of daily life in my family. I recognized many of the things David experienced, particularly difficulty making and retaining friends due to uncontrolled outbursts, and the grab bag (in our home it’s a reward’s chart) to incentivize positive steps forward. The illustrations are good and the message is excellent. Recommended.”
I found it rewarding to realize that this reviewer experiences ADHD and its social complications in her own family, and that she recommends this book to others. She endorses, supported by “verified experience”!! I am grateful for her recommendation.
So happy to share this lovely review 5-star review from Readers’ Favorite for David’s ADHD:
Review Rating: 5 Stars – Congratulations on your 5-star review!
Reviewed By K.C. Finn for Readers’ Favorite
“David’s ADHD is a work of fiction based on real-world social and medical issues and was penned by author Sherrill S. Cannon with illustrations by Kalpart. In this latest work by the author, who has already published 11 rhyming books on similar themes, we are introduced to classroom member David who has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Throughout the book, we learn about the difficulties that David has with staying focused and regulating his behavior so that he can participate in the classroom and make friends. Strategies are shown for success and we see David triumph and become popular and productive through their implementation.
Whilst this is clearly a highly useful picture book for kids with ADHD to come to terms with their own needs and see how potential solutions could work for them, I feel it is also a highly useful book that every child, and indeed many, many adults, should also take a look at to open their eyes to the differences and needs of those around them. David’s situation is far from unique in today’s educational world, and author Sherrill S. Cannon does a great job of displaying all the wonderful options and possibilities that are on offer to help kids like David to concentrate and achieve in the classroom, just in a slightly different way to other people. The illustrations by Kalpart are also really dynamic and friendly, endearing us to the characters and making David’s behavior and feelings even clearer. A highly recommended book for all.”
This perceptive review captures the essence of the book: That is not only for kids with ADHD and their families, but also the friends and classmates affected by some behaviors in the classroom that seem unusual but not prohibitive. Although ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a lot more prevalent now, partly due to early detection and diagnosis, it is increasingly more controllable – inclusion in the classroom is possible!!
After reading one of my stories to a young boy with ADHD, he remarked that he wished there were a story for kids like him… Now there is!!
I enjoyed being a part of the festivities with all the youngsters at the Annual “Lunch with Santa” event at Buckingham Springs. It’s always fun for me, since this is the best age group for sharing my books… Grandparents and parents who wish to participate bring a gift with their child’s name on it and leave it at the office the day before the event. When everyone arrives at the event, they have lunch and sing songs until the magic moment when Santa appears, ringing his bell and shouting “Ho-Ho-Ho”… The children cheer – and then line up to visit Santa and receive their designated gift! Very festive and happy occasion!!! 
I’m thrilled to announce that David’s ADHD is now available in paperback on Amazon.com and also bn.com! (It will soon be available as an eBook as well…)
I received several wonderful endorsements for this book:
“David’s ADHD is a timely topic for parents and children. A story in rhyme that demystifies ADHD. It explains a youngster’s behavior in terms of his inattentiveness and impulsivity and how it impacts those around him. A sensitive way of creating understanding for children with ADHD and their families.”… Dr. Valerie Allen, Licensed School Psychologist:
“This is absolutely wonderful! I will be using it for my clients when you publish it.”… Donalisa Helsley – Licensed Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, MSW
I would also like to point out that my “Classroom of Kids” is included in the wonderful illustrations by Kalpart, and readers of my former books should have fun finding them!! In fact, David has been a part of this classroom for quite a long time…
I hope that this book will provide helpful suggestions for those coping with ADHD, as well as help other children become aware of the challenges of the condition and become more patient and understanding with them.
(The book was actually written in response to a child who listened to one of my stories and said that he wished there were a book for kids like him…Now there is!)
David’s ADHD!!!
David’s ADHD has arrived… Such a cute cover by Kalpart Illustrations!
Stay tuned for availability…
There is a lovely quote on the back of the book…
“David’s ADHD is a timely topic for parents and children. A story in rhyme that demystifies ADHD. It explains a youngster’s behavior in terms of his inattentiveness and impulsivity and how it impacts those around him. A sensitive way of creating understanding for children with ADHD and their families.” ….Dr. Valerie Allen – Licensed School Psychologist
I hope this book will help kids with ADHD learn ways to cope, and that classmates will understand and learn to be patient and understanding.
This book includes my “classroom of kids”, with many characters from my previous children’s books, and I hope that some of my readers discover that David has been in the classroom for a long time!
Sherrill S. Cannon's Blog 