Sallie Bee Writes a Thank-You Note - Courtney Sheinmel

Author: Courtney Sheinmel and Susan Verde

Illustrator: Heather Ross

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Rating: 10 stars (Rounding down to 5 for practical reasons.)

In a Nutshell: Awwwwwwwww!!! My cup of happy emotions overfloweth!

Dear Courtney Sheinmel and Susan Verde,

As you have so beautifully demonstrated the power of a ‘Thank You’ note with your story, allow me the chance of writing a ‘Thank You’ note to you in turn.

Your protagonist Sallie Bee is an adorable child. Her excitement on getting the surprise gift from her grandma was almost contagious and I loved to see her pen a considerate note of thanks with such enthusiasm and care. Her decision to continue writing little notes of gratitude to one person daily warmed the cockles of my heart.

Your story made me feel all gooey and fuzzy inside. In this day and age where good manners have all but gone for a toss and writing has been relegated only to screen messages, your story reminds children in a gentle way how good it feels to give (and receive) a personalised handwritten note of appreciation.

I have always tried to imbue the ‘Attitude of Gratitude’ in my kids, and I feel this gem of a book fits in perfectly with that ideology. Just as we do in our prayers, we say ‘please’ a hundred times to everyone around us, but rarely do we utter a word of ‘thanks’. Your story teaches children never to underestimate the power of a heartfelt ‘Thank you.’ At the same time, you kept the events relatable and did not restrict the situations to saying thanks only when receiving surprises or gifts. I adored the way you made having a proactive and grateful approach a part of routine life. It would surely allow children to look at the world around them with keener eyes, focussing on the myriad positives than on the few moments of despair, and at least whisper a prayer of thanks if not write a note about it.

You could have simply stopped after completing Sallie’s story. But no! You chose to add, at the end of the book, guidelines on how to write a good ‘thank you’ note – how thoughtful of you! Not to forget the tip of adding swirlies to such notes – loopy swirlies and cute doodles enhance the charm of a hand-written note, for sure!

The vocabulary level of your story was simple and age-appropriate, making it a perfect read for its target age group of 4 to 8 years (Grades P to 3.)

Dear Heather Ross,

I have not forgotten you. Your illustrations took what was already an awesome story and sent it spiralling upwards into the highest levels of cuddliness. How sweetly you have drawn the human characters as well as the background detailing in the sketches! I must also mention the notes that seem to have sprung from Sallie herself, what with their childlike scrawly charm. Every page was a treat to the eyes! You deserve as much credit as the writers for elevating the experience of this book.

My heartfelt thanks to all three of you for writing/illustrating such a powerful and beautiful story. I heartily recommend your book to every little one who wishes to spread their warmth across their family and friends with a loving note. A positive outlook does brighten the day for all, and a ‘thank you’ note satisfies not just the writer of the note but also the receiver. I am sure your book will spread tons of happiness all around.

Please find enclosed 10 glittery stars decorated with loads of colourful swirlies.

Thank you again,

Rosh.

A final note of thanks to Abrams Books and Edelweiss+ for the DRC of “Sallie Bee Writes a Thank-You Note”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.