Winner of six national awards in 2011-12, teaches good manners and consideration for others, well illustrated, lyrically written in rhyme and meter, very popular with pre-schoolers, kindergarteners and first graders. They ask each other, What's the magic word?
The Magic Word is a book emphasizing good manners, which can be read to toddlers as well as K-2. It is a rhyming story of a little girl who was rude, selfish and demanding – and had very few friends. Her mother suggested that she needed to improve her manners; so when she went to school the next day, she thought of her mother’s advice, “What is the magic word?” and she started saying “Please” and also “Thank You”. She tried to become more thoughtful of others, and discovered that she was a much happier person. The repetitive use of the phrase “What is the magic word?” has children answering “Please”, and teaches children that being polite and considerate of others helps to make friends. One of the important lines in the story is “If you want to make friends, you must be polite and treat them the way that you know you would like”. That’s what the Golden Rule is all about!
Excerpt
Elisabeth Keys was really quite rude -
She pushed into lines and she gobbled her food;
She never said "Thank you","Excuse me", or "Please",
She made fun of people, she'd argue and tease;
She took what she wanted whenever she could -
Elisabeth Keys was not very good.
Professional Reviews
Midwest Book Review
"The Magic Word" is a versed tale about a rude little girl named Elizabeth Keys, who never said "please." Sharing, taking turns, cooperating in play, these were not for Elizabeth. But when her mother suggests they plan a birthday party, with invitations, how many friends would come to Elizabeth's party? After a few tears and some disappointment, Elizabeth learns about the magic word, "please," from her wise mother. Changing her manners is not always easy, but Elizabeth tries. She discovers the Golden Rule is good for me and you. Brightly illustrated and jauntily presented, "The Magic Word" is a clever presentation of a wise lesson for children 5 and up. – Midwest Book Review, featured' on their online book review magazine "Children's Bookwatch".
Cafe Libri - Sheila Deeth
The lovely pictures in Sherrill Cannon’s book The Magic Word really complement the text, making it easy for a child to follow the storyline. The book invites early readers with large clear pages of writing opposite full-page illustrations. The text has a nice rhythm and rhyme without feeling too forced, and the font is very simple and clear. Non-readers will read the pictures very easily while their elder siblings follow the words.
The story’s a nice everyday tale of a child learning the benefits of good behavior; saying “Please” and “Thank you,” not pushing into line, sharing toys... A nice mix of children join the main character in the school playground. And the mother is very politely addressed as Mrs. Keys—a pleasing touch that fits in nicely with the story. With a main character who’s just starting school, this would be a great book for pre-schoolers and any parents or grandparents who feel their children need a nudge to “say the magic word.” The pleasing refrain of Elisabeth hearing her mother’s voice in her head gives a nice way to tell children “how” to remember.
Biblioreads Review
Very well done! I was very impressed with Sherrill Cannon's expert use of rhyme. Not only does the text flow smoothly and rhythmically, it weaves a story that totally makes sense and stays on target without fail due to forced rhyme. And because it is done so well and is so comfortable and fun to read, the reader and listener will be quite entertained. This is an exceptional story about the benefits of good manners and common courtesy. The reader will really care about Elisabeth, her predicament and the final outcome. I immediately liked the tender and gentle way Elisabeth's mother guides and counsels Elisabeth. This book will definitely encourage the use of the magic word and I suspect manners will improve greatly with the reading and re-reading of this book.- Biblioreads
Gemma succeeds in starting a girls' football team at her new school, but bitter rival Tyrone does everything he can to stop the girls playing. So begins a battle of wits between the girls and boys, and also between Gemma and sports teacher, Mrs Lawfo
