It’s a common adage in the writing world: “Write what you know.” Sherry McMillan, the Canadian author of the 2024 Canadian Book Club Awards-winning children’s book “My S’s Are Messes,” is a prime example of this principle in action.
The experience that led to her latest success story was a magical moment of empathy. McMillan was paddling her kayak in Semiahmoo Bay, where she had bought the vessel during the pandemic, in 2020. As she reached the westernmost end of the bay, she encountered a seal, and what followed was a profound realization.
- She had never seen a seal up close before.
- She was struck by the seal’s curiosity and openness to its surroundings.
- These feelings of kinship with the natural world resonated deeply with McMillan.
McMillan had been a frustrated writer for years while working in the technology field. However, her encounter with the seal changed everything. She began to see her role as a writer of children’s books as a way to share her love of nature with the next generation.
She teamed up with her childhood friend and award-winning artist, Carla Maskall, to create “What The Seal Saw,” a book that combined McMillan’s poetic text with Maskall’s charming illustrations.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Visual elements | The book’s illustrations were designed to complement McMillan’s text and showcase the beauty of nature. |
| Target audience | Children aged 4-8 years old. |
Since its publication in October 2021, “What The Seal Saw” has become a bestseller on Amazon.ca, at Black Bond Books, and at Indigo/Chapters. The book has also won several awards, including the 2024 Canadian Book Club Awards.
McMillan’s latest book, “My S’s Are Messes,” continues her mission to nurture a love of nature and language in children. This new book is aimed at children with speech differences, and it has been well-received by both critics and parents.
“To nurture a love of nature and language in little ones with big imaginations” is McMillan’s goal with her books.
McMillan’s own experiences with speech differences have made her book a valuable resource for children who struggle with communication.
- Speech differences or delays can include lisping, stuttering, articulation challenges, and differences related to ADHD, ASD, apraxia, and more.
- According to McMillan, 40% of the population will experience some kind of communication challenge at some point in their lives.
- McMillan’s book aims to help children develop an appreciation for nature and celebrate the wildlife that surrounds them.
McMillan’s experiences with her husband’s technology career and her own struggles with speech challenges have influenced her writing and the books she creates.
“I tried to describe the experience authentically,” McMillan said. “One thing I tried not to do was become didactic – I just write poetry, and it’s wonderful to see children reading it for themselves.”
“My S’s Are Messes” has been well-received by critics and parents alike, and it continues McMillan’s mission to nurture a love of nature and language in children with speech differences.
McMillan’s love of kayaking and nature has also influenced her writing process. She often records her poetry as she paddles through the bay.
Empathy through nature
McMillan’s experience with the seal in Semiahmoo Bay was a turning point in her life and career as a writer. It taught her the importance of empathy and understanding in her work.
“There’s something about the rhythm of kayaking that’s conducive to poetry,” McMillan said.
