Does this sound like your family life?

You’ve had a tough day. You are so happy to be home. Then you walk in the door and your children’s toys spread near and far across the floor. You were counting on the comforts of home. You can feel your temper rising …

How do you address the issue of your kids needing to pick up after themselves while still remaining calm in your frustration of the moment?

Sherry Ellis, a professional musician and mom, felt like that. She wrote a children’s book with one goal: improve the quality of her family life by getting the kids to address the issue. That Mama is a Grouch serves as a reminder to children that their parents need their help in keeping the house clean, as well as reminding parents that kids need guidance because they are kids!

In addition to That Mama is a Grouch and her music career, Sherry has also written another children’s book that covers another topic of family life – getting used to a new baby. Her second book is  That Baby Woke Me Up, AGAIN and she is working on several others.

Please welcome Sherry to the Spotlight!

Help kids with Family Life through Story

MCA: Hello Sherry! Can you tell us about your motivation for creating That Mama is a Grouch?
Sherry: A broken toe! Several years ago, my kids had left a disaster area on the family room floor. Toys were scattered everywhere! I walked in carrying a full basket of laundry. Not seeing one of the toys, I tripped and whacked my foot on the sofa – hence the broken toe.

After that little experience, I thought it might be a good idea to create a book that would teach kids the importance of cleaning up.

MCA: Ouch! Other than dealing with the painful inspiration of family life, what was the greatest challenge in bringing your kids’ book to completion?
Sherry: The biggest challenge in creating That Mama is a Grouch (or any book, for that matter) is the revision process. It takes a lot of rewriting to get it just right!

MCA: Have you seen any rewards for that hard work? What sort of responses have you had from readers of That Mama is a Grouch?
Sherry: I’d have to say “wonderful,” based on the comments from reviewers. Readers share stories about how much their children enjoy reading the book, and they say the end result is that their kids are more willing to clean up after themselves. It doesn’t get any better than a happy family life.

MCA: What do you consider That Mama is a Grouch‘s most important contribution as a children’s book about family life? 
Sherry: I wanted to create a product that would not only teach kids the importance of cleaning up and following rules, but also help parents understand the importance of setting guidelines and being patient with their children.

MCA: Has developing That Mama is a Grouch brought you any insight about your own life?
Sherry: It has reminded me as a parent that kids are, well, kids! A little chaos is to be expected. But at the same time, it is important to have some rules. That way everybody is happy.

MCA: Looking ahead six months to a year, what’s next for you?
Sherry: I have written a chapter book series for kids and have just gotten agent representation. The first book is Big Hole to China. I hope to see it picked up by a publisher within the year.

Mom’s Choice Awards® Honors

That Mama is a Grouch
by Sherry Ellis
Children’s Picture Books
Silver – Family Life

Contact, Connect, and Network with Sherry

The Alumni Spotlight is a periodic feature on the official Mom’s Choice Awards® blog. It is part of our ongoing effort to “shine the spotlight” on you and your award-winning, family-friendly products, services, and media.