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Manner-Man

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"I am strong, and my flash is bright, And I will defend you and make things all right." These are the magic words to call upon Manner-Man - a superhero who can help control bullies and teach children ways to be considerate of others. Manner-Man arrives, shouting "To the Rescue," helping children learn about sharing and warning about not 'hitting with words.' He teaches that if someone starts pushing, just shout out "not nice!" Meet the children who form the Manner-Man team and find out how to join! Manner-Man incorporates messages and characters found within some of Cannon's earlier books - helping children learn how to cope with bullies and look within themselves for their inner superhero! This is the fifth rhyming children's book by this award-winning author whose other bestselling books include Gimme-Jimmy, The Magic Word, Peter and the Whimper-Whineys and Santa's Birthday Gift. Former teacher Sherrill S. Cannon has won a dozen awards for her four previous rhyming books and is also the author of six published and internationally performed plays for elementary school children. She has been called "a modern day Dr.Seuss" - GMTA Review. Publisher's website: http: //sbpra.com/SherrillSCannon

28 pages, Paperback

First published January 3, 2013

654 people want to read

About the author

Sherrill S. Cannon

20 books209 followers
I am the author of two books of poetry, A Penny for Your Thoughts & A Dime is a Sign, as well as ten published rhyming award-winning children's books, The Magic Word, Peter and the Whimper-Whineys, Santa's Birthday Gift, Gimme-Jimmy, Manner-Man, My Fingerpaint Masterpiece, Mice & Spiders & Webs...Oh My!, The Golden Rule and My Little Angel and David's ADHD. I have also written seven published musical plays for children which are available at Lazy Bee Scripts. I am a magna cum laude graduate of The American University in Washington DC, and have been a teacher, photographer, publicist, stage manager, and a business administrator - as well as an author!

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Gisela Hausmann.
Author 42 books369 followers
August 31, 2017
"Manner-man" is a fabulous book. As I read the book I thought that it is much more needed than when I was a child. In the 21st century, bullying has become a societal problem. Many parents wonder how to cope with it and how to protect their children.

Of course, like everything in life, bullying starts small. A toy is taken away, somebody is getting punched...

In her book Sherrill S. Cannon's protagonist is encouraged to find a "solution" how to deal with this problem himself.

Here is why Cannon's "approach" is brilliant. Not only does her protagonist learn (1) to "stand up", (2) encourage others, thereby also (3) empowering others, he also learns to call "Manner-Man." (Manner-Man is a super hero - in a golden suit with a huge blue "M" for Manner-Man on his chest.)

Cleverly, Sherrill Cannon rolls many elements into one super hero concept:

• Manner-Man is a cool super hero who looks for helpers (like Batman had his Robin)
• Standing up is a virtue
• everybody is working on bettering their society
• Calling "Manner-Man' is empowering as well as liberating.

In essence it's a double-coolness factor story. The bad guys are just bullies. They don't empower anybody and no super hero shows up to support them.

Perfect for at home and in the classroom!
5 stars,
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger

PS: I also appreciated that Sherrill Cannon featured boy-bullies and girl-bullies. Sadly, we learn that both genders bully others. It's time to put a stop to that.
Profile Image for Gisela Hausmann.
Author 42 books369 followers
August 31, 2017
"Manner-man" is a fabulous book. As I read the book I thought that it is much more needed than when I was a child. In the 21st century, bullying has become a societal problem. Many parents wonder how to cope with it and how to protect their children.

Of course, like everything in life, bullying starts small. A toy is taken away, somebody is getting punched...

In her book Sherrill S. Cannon's protagonist is encouraged to find a "solution" how to deal with this problem himself.

Here is why Cannon's "approach" is brilliant. Not only does her protagonist learn (1) to "stand up", (2) encourage others, thereby also (3) empowering others, he also learns to call "Manner-Man." (Manner-Man is a super hero - in a golden suit with a huge blue "M" for Manner-Man on his chest.)

Cleverly, Sherrill Cannon rolls many elements into one super hero concept:

• Manner-Man is a cool super hero who looks for helpers (like Batman had his Robin)
• Standing up is a virtue
• everybody is working on bettering their society
• Calling "Manner-Man' is empowering as well as liberating.

In essence it's a double-coolness factor story. The bad guys are just bullies. They don't empower anybody and no super hero shows up to support them.

Perfect for at home and in the classroom!

5 stars,
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger


PS: I also appreciated that Sherrill Cannon featured boy-bullies and girl-bullies. Sadly, we learn that both genders bully others. It's time to put a stop to that.
Profile Image for Patricia Kemp Blackmon.
503 reviews58 followers
March 27, 2013
We all like heroes and in this book Manner-Man is definitely my hero. He was created for Rob a young boy that was dealing with another boy that was determined to take things away from others. He had bad manner and was on the verge of becoming a bully. What is wonderful about Manner-Man is you can call on him anytime all you do is raise your hand high and call him because the hero is within you, then say, "I am strong, and my flash is bright, and I will defend you and make things all right." Anyone can do this when they are being bullied or if someone else is being bullied. Teach others about Manner-Man and join his team. In the back of the book there is even a badge for you to wear.

This author gets most of her ideas from her grandchildren and her grandson wanted her to write about with a hero. So what does she do, she writes this wonderful tale of overcoming your fears of being bullied and to encourage others to defend those who are being bullied. I recognized several of the characters from her other books in this story. The illustrations depict the story in bold colors and cute characters that will most definitely.

I highly recommend this book.

I rated this book a 5 out of 5.

Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book from the author for review. I was in no way compensated for this review. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Karen.
Author 19 books133 followers
April 19, 2014
MANNER MAN BY SHERRILL S. CANNON
Manner man is a great book for children from ages 4-8 to learn how to handle bullies and how not to be one. Manner Man is a hero who give advice to children who are being picked on and a role model for would be offenders.
This a great story that is easy to read as it is told in rhyme; I found it fantastic for kids who love poetry and they can recite Manner Mans creed.
I give the story 5 super heroes and found that the illustrations were well done.
Profile Image for Renee .
408 reviews708 followers
April 29, 2015
My son and I had the chance to review this book for Mother Daughter Book Reviews. Here's what we have to say:

SON SAYS:

This book is about Manner-Man who teaches kids how to be nice to each other. I like the pictures and the cover of the book. I like how there are characters from other stories in the book like Jimmy and Elisabeth and how there are book covers from other stories too. It's kind of unusual but good how there is a badge that you can cut out to join Manner-Man's Team. I am a Manner-Man Team member. I also liked that in the back of the book there are things to look for in the book - it was fun to look for those. I feel that this book is for little kids. I thought that the saying in the book about "I am strong..." is a bit silly but little kids would like it. I like reading books that are for older kids. This book teaches about how to stand up to bullies when someone is being mean to you or a friend. I learned that I should stand up for my friends who are being bullied. I already do that. This book was alright and I think kids who are 7 and under would like it. I think kids who are being bullied and those who are bullies should read this book.

MOM SAYS:

My Thoughts:


Sherrill Cannon is becoming the go-to author for picture books teaching young children about good manners. In The Magic Word, we are introduced to Elisabeth who learns the importance of using "please", "thank you", and "excuse me". In Gimme-Jimmy, the title character learns that there are consequences to being impolite and consequently develops "Jimmy's New Polite Rule". True to her winning formula teaching children to be polite and to have good manners, Sherrill Cannon brings back Jimmy (now called "James") and Elisabeth who become part of the Manner-Man Team - a team dedicated to teaching children to be considerate to each other.

I love the message behind Manner-Man. Not only does it provide direction for what to do when someone is bullying you, but importantly, it goes a step further to teach children that they also have a responsibility to look out for their friends or anyone else who is being bullied - thus the "Manner-Man Team" approach.This is consistent with what we teach our children at home and reinforces what they learn about bullying at school as well. There really is truth in the adage that "there is strength in numbers" and this is the implicit message underlying this book.

Sherrill Cannon does a fantastic of depicting various types of bullying including pushing and shoving, hitting, hurting with words, butting into line, and taking personal belongings without permission, for example. I think it's important for young children in particular to be presented with examples of bullying so that they understand that it takes many forms. I think both young children who engage in bullying behaviour as well as those who have been bullied could recognize themselves in this book. For kids that bully, it's important that they understand the impact their behaviour has on their victim and this is well-depicted in the book Manner-Man.

The illustrations in the book are super kid-friendly. Cannon provided a special treat by including both characters from past books as well as a special little girl - Addie, a beautiful little girl who is fighting a debilitating disease called JDM (juvenile dermatomyositis). Sherrill Cannon has been a champion for this cause. She has started a fundraising website and is donating 50% of the book price to the CureJM Foundation to help find a cure for this debilitating disease.

There are a few add-ons in the back of the book worthy of mentioning. As pointed out by my son above, there is a list of Team Members which include the Team Captain, Addie, as well as my two children! They were THRILLED to see their name in print in a book knowing that it was THEM being referred to. Also, there are a few activities such spotting the children from the other books, finding the red M on Manner-Man, and of course the Manner-Man Badge that can be cut out. These were all nice additions to the book.

As mentioned in my previous reviews of rhyming books, I am always slightly in awe of authors who can create a book's worth of rhyming verse, so I try not to be so critical about the rhyming. Overall, Cannon does an outstanding job of laying out the story in rhyme, but there are a few rhyming lines that, I must admit, didn't quite work for me.

I put up my hand, from the tips came a flash,
And Manner-Man came, just as if I had asked.


Ok, that's a bit of an anomaly in what I truly feel is, overall, brilliant rhyming!

My bottom line:

I love the message in the book; the story is great; I love how past characters are brought into this book; and the illustrations are bright and fun. It's another winner by Sherrill Cannon! I would recommend this book to families with children aged 3+. I can also see this book being read to a preschool and kindergarten classroom as part of the curriculum teaching about bullying.

* Manner-Man was provided to us by the author free-of-charge in exchange for our honest review.*
Profile Image for M.M. Hudson.
Author 1 book231 followers
July 9, 2014
Every kid I have ever known needs some kind of hero to look up to. Batman, Superman, Spiderman, and Wonder Woman are certainly all heroes that kids still may look up to but, they are getting pretty old. *wink*
They do not deal with the kinds of things kids today deal with, like bullying! So, what is a kid to do?

Enter Manner-Man: A new kind of hero for today's kids!
Author Sherrill Cannon created Manner-Man after a request for a superhero from one of her grandchildren.

This superhero helps children to learn kindness and manners. He shows children how by asking to share toys, not fighting, and definitely no bullying. When Manner-Man is called upon, all such things stop immediately but gives children the tools to be brave too.
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Sherrill Cannon created a complete book in poetic form just as she has other books. This is enough to make the book a winner, which by the way it is, but add in the illustrations by Kalpart and you have an amazing book. I love her poetry for kids!

She takes on the subject matter full force but also brings in characters from her other books that had some issues. They all learn that having good manners and getting along is where it is at. A few of her previous books appear in this book as well. Look for them!

If that is not enough coolness, she even allows kids to join in with Manner-Man and the crew by having a not-so-secret link to grab a Manner-Man Badge Sticker. Kids can get there own badge out of the back of the book too (that is, if you want to cut it out).

So, do you want to join the greatest and latest superhero, Manner-Man's crew? Well, then buy the book and find out how.

5 stars!

Disclosure: I received this book for my open and honest review. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ with yours.
~Naila Moon
Profile Image for Stacie.
Author 6 books100 followers
April 24, 2013
Manner-Man by Sherrill S. Cannon uses the power of a super-hero to teach children the importance of being kind to others through their words and actions.

When a little boy faces a bully at school he is at a loss as to what to do. That night, as he sleeps he hears these words "I am strong, and my flash is bright, And I will defend you and make things all right." He learns that these words are used to summon Manner-Man, a superhero who fends off bullies and unkind words by teaching children to treat others as they want to be treated. Manner-Man is a hero who "helps to teach children what's right and what's wrong" and encourages them to stand up for good everyday.

Sherrill S. Cannon uses playful rhyme to engage readers all while teaching them the important lessons of sharing with others, being kind, and never using words that hurt. I love that she chose to incorporate some of the characters from her other books. Jimmy from Gimmie-Jimmy and Elisabeth from The Magic Word team up with Manner-Man and help enforce the lessons they learned in their respective stories.

The illustrations by Kalpart are delightful. I especially like their depiction of Manner-Man who exhibits classic superhero qualities and characteristics.

I highly recommend picking up a copy of Manner-Man so your child can join the Manner-Man Team.
Profile Image for Mymcbooks.
520 reviews15 followers
June 24, 2014
My Review: Manner- Man is a story written by Sherrill S. Cannon about a young boy who was bullied by a kid who took his toy car. His mother gave him some advice on how to handle bullies and the need to stand for what is right. He promised himself that he will stand for what is right and help those in need. So while he lay sleeping his inner mind kept repeating, “Call upon Manner-Man; he’ll save the day and help all good children to share when they play. This hero’s within you; when you raise your hand, your fingertips’ flash will help them understand…”

So he when he saw children fighting, he knew to call on Manner-Man who stops all fighting and arguing and teaches them that instead of fighting they should use their words. For example, if someone pushes you, don’t push back. Just say, it’s not nice to push.

This is a book that teaches children the importance of being polite and learning how to treat each others with kindness. This also delivers an important message about bullying. A highly recommend book.






FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.
Profile Image for Sarah Mazor.
Author 114 books14 followers
October 6, 2013
The superhero of superheroes arrived in town!
True, Batman and Spider-Man and their ilk save the innocent from the claws of evil men, but seriously, how relevant and applicable are they to your kids’ lives?

Enter Manner-Man!

Author Sherrill S. Cannon’s creation ought to be introduced in every household with kids and to all teachers and children’s counselors! Indeed, Manner-Man’s prowess and his influence on kids’ comportment and their social interaction will overshadow the legends of Superman and Wonder Woman! And, mark my word: As the legend of Manner-Man spreads and thrives so will the quality of families’ lives around the globe.

Sherrill S. Cannon’s delightful and award-winning style displayed in Peter and the Whimper-Whineys and The Magic Word is present in this lovely book as well, as the author manipulates words and phrases and renders them deliciously rhymed.

—-

Reviewed by Sarah Mazor, publisher of MazorBooks
- Oh No! There Are Monsters in My Room
- Clothes Have Feelings Too! Charlie Learns to Care for His Things
- What I Want to Be When I Grow Up
Profile Image for LAWonder10.
953 reviews738 followers
November 1, 2013
Everyone prepare to meet the fantastic “Manner-Man”! He is someone badly needed and needs a lot of dedicated, exuberant followers. He is someone to “call on” when situations seem alarming.

The cover is very revelatory, bright, colorful and eye-catching.

The theme is carried well through this rhyming, delightful book, teaching children to be mannerly and to bravely speak up when conflict transpires.

This is a great early reader teaching tool for ages 4 to 10 years of age. Kalpart has beautifully illustrated most every page.

The author will provide a Manner-Man badge sticker for those who contact her at the website at the end of her book for each one of Manner-Man’s devoted, brave followers.

Sherrill is a very talented children’s book writer. This is her sixth book to date.

This is well-written book. It is sure to delight most early elementary age students.

This book deems a Five Stars rating from this review.

This book was generously sent to me by author for an honest review, of which I have given.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
701 reviews
May 4, 2014
Great resource for teaching kids

Manner-Man is in a series of books by Sherrill S Cannon to teach kids manners and other social skills to help them succeed. She approaches each story in a way that entertains and captures kids' attentions. Manner-Man is a super hero that kids can call upon to break up fights and stop bullying. Manner-Man teaches kids how to handle these tough situations. While Manner-Man is entertaining to kids, it gives parents and teachers the perfect opportunity to teach important principles. Many characters from Sherrill's previous books make an appearance in Manner-Man. It is not necessary to have read those books, but for those that have it is fun to see these characters make a cameo appearance. Sherrill provides a great resource for having important conversations with kids in a fun way.
Profile Image for Marta Moran Bishop.
Author 49 books78 followers
May 18, 2014
I absolutely loved Sherrill Cannon's new book `Manner Man.' It deals perfectly with those things that are so hard for children especially in our society today to understand. As a child is growing and learning the best ways of finding and keeping friends it is so beneficial to learn how much more fun it is when you share.

In Ms. Cannon's new book Manner-Man, children are taught not only the gift of joy they receive from sharing, but how to help their friends gain this gift. So precious is it that seldom is sharing recognized as a gift. A gift to both the one you are sharing with and yourself.

To take on this difficult lesson in such a fun and playful manner is truly a skill that Ms. Cannon has learned. She understands children and how to teach them new skills. The idea of forming a Super Hero group with friends to aid them all in this new lesson is truly inspired.
Profile Image for Jesse Kimmel-Freeman.
Author 28 books66 followers
March 20, 2013
Sherrill Cannon has done it again. Much like her book Gimme-Jimmy, this book is full of valuable lessons that kids get. It helps break things down in a way that children really understand.

This book in particular, really got my five year working on his manners. That's something any parent can be glad to hear. Sherrill just has a way with words that connects with kids and they want to be like what they heard or read.

I can't wait to see what she comes up with next! I highly recommend this book for all parents!
Profile Image for Vera Godley.
2,038 reviews60 followers
March 3, 2013
Manner-Man is a superhero who is called forth by Rob to help him and his friends deal with rude, bullying, mean, grabbing children. Manner-Man (with the wonderful red "M" on his hand) is summoned when Rob (and later Rob's friends) raises three fingers in the air (they actually form an upside-down M) and reciting:

"I am strong, and my flash is bright,
And I will defend you and make things all right."


Another key aspect of managing unruly playmates is to say (or shout out), "Not nice" whenever there is a grabbing, pushing, snatching playmate.

Manner-Man saves the day time after time no matter what. But as the day progresses and Manner-Man comes to the rescue, the kids are learning lessons in how to deal with different situations and people.

As Rob goes through the day, he (and we) meet more of Sherril Cannon's other book characters: Gimme-Jimmy, and Elisabeth of Magic Word fame. In the delightful Kalpart illustrations, we see Peter and the Whimper-Whineys book laying on Rob's blanket after has had fallen asleep. Covers to previous books by this author show up in Manner-Man. The illustrations by Kalpart are consistent in all of Sherril Cannon's books and bring continuity to the storytelling. I have reviewed these books by Ms. Cannon on Chat With Vera. To read, click links to books in this paragraph.

The themes of kindness, sharing, not-bullying, not pushing, not grabbing, not whining, etc. are brought out in these three books and are reinforced in Manner-Man. If a home or school has the entire set, they will see wonderful opportunities for reinforcement of good behavior and social skills by using the books interchangeably.

The rhyming text has a nice cadence and is a delight to read aloud or to listen while it is being read. Young readers, with somewhat advanced skills, will be able to read it to themselves but it is delightful to read aloud to young children.

Another wonderful aspect of purchasing one of Ms. Cannon's books is that it supports a wonderful charitable organization: Cure JM Foundation (found at http://sbpra.com/CureJM/) 50% of the cost of these award-winning books by author Sherrill S. Cannon will go directly to the Cure JM Foundation. Juvenile Myositis (JM). JM is a group of rare and life-threatening autoimmune conditions affecting approximately 17,000 children in the United States alone. Visit the Cure JM Foundation website.
Profile Image for Nikki.
143 reviews26 followers
August 31, 2013
I was fortunate enough to win Manner-Man through the GoodReads Firstreads giveaway program. The personalised message from the author was a really nice touch. Thanks!

My first thoughts are in "spoilers" and the rest will be my little cousin's reaction/my reaction to his reaction.



Update #1: After reading it to my five year old cousin some issues have become apparent with the book. The biggest one, I think, is that it has no real plot. It's more of a series of barely connected events involving manners. This doesn't keep a kid's interest very well and it was clear that my cousin found it boring. If there had been more of a beginning, middle, and end (like "Manner-Man and the Case of the Unshared Teddy Bear" or something, with a continuing arc) it would have made it much more enjoyable.

Another thing was the repetition. The Manner-Man speech part was repeated far too many times and it really took away from space that could have been used for plot/developing a story.

I think it's still an interesting idea and has a great message, but as is, it's less of a children's "story" and more of a character concept with a LOT of potential.
Profile Image for K.L. Bernard.
Author 1 book22 followers
February 12, 2013
Bullying can start at an early age. When young children don't want to share or take another child's toy away, this is a minor form of bullying. Author Sherrill Cannon has created a rhyming story that children will love. Young readers are introduced to their own inner Manner-Man.

A young boy has a bad day when his toy is taken away. That night he promises himself that he would stand for what is right and help others. He finds his hero within and helps other children use their words to say things like “not nice” when they are being bullied. The young boy recruits other kids, and even some you may already be familiar with, for his Manner-Man Team.

Young readers will be shown the good ways to behave and the bad behavior they should do away with. Bright colorful pictures will engage children and create dialogue with parents and educators. Fun rhyming and easy to read words with a message will get readers excited about being a part of the Manner-Man Team.
Profile Image for Leyla Atke.
Author 2 books229 followers
February 21, 2015
Manner-Man by Sherrill S. Cannon is a wonderfully illustrated children's book which teaches kids good manners. Manner-Man - the main hero of the book, comes to help children when the right action must be done. Manner-Man teaches children what is right and what is wrong, and tells them exactly what to do in a difficult situation when the action is required. Manner-Man exists in children's imagination only but his role is very important. Wonderful illustrations give a clear picture of how he looks and what he actually does.

Manner-Man by Sherrill S. Cannon is a perfect guiding book for children of early ages, when they must learn good manners. Beautiful illustrations add a great value to the book. I would recommend this book to every parent who has a small child!
Leyla Atke, author of
Charm: An Amazing Story of a Little Black Cat
Profile Image for Hayley Rose.
Author 26 books88 followers
June 3, 2015
Manners are so important. They promote kindness, self-awareness and all around good karma, and Manner-Man is no exception! The story is written in rhyme which makes the lessons of the book memorable and fun to read. Kalpart's beautifully illustrated pictures really help to drive the story home. The story of Manner-Man touches on bullying, sharing, please and thank you, friendships and standing up for whats right. It’s the perfect book for children especially those starting school or having trouble in social situations. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to unleash your inner super hero with Sherrill S. Cannon’s “Manner-Man.” Let the fun begin.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews