About the author
From Me to You Stories presents a breakthrough in children’s literature. Combining the magical world of fairytale characters with real-life exotic locales, author and publisher Sherry Cutrer is bridging the gap between traditional picture stories for beginning readers, and chapter books for school-age booklovers.
Founded in 2006, independent author and publisher Cutrer, owner of From Me to You Stories, uses her background in education as well as a lifelong love of world cultures to weave the tale of the publishing world’s newest star, Roxanne Adrianna Wafflestone, into a story designed to offer the same content found in chapter books with illustrations that help emerging readers with comprehension and understanding. With years of experience volunteering in the refugee communities of Africa, southeast Asia and eastern Europe, Cutrer provides a perspective not normally afforded young readers.
Having completed the first five books in a series that will eventually number twenty, Cutrer has already taken Roxanne on a whirlwind tour of the Mediterranean Sea, where she learns valuable lessons in how to be a friend. Fiercely independent with a tendency toward perfectionism, Roxanne enjoys being in control of any situation, yet remains at all times a good-hearted little girl. Her three-dimensional personality allows readers of all ages to identify with her as she circles the globe, unlocking the mysteries of positive relationships with the help of her newfound friends, and more than a few surprises along the way.
The “Roxanne” series brings young readers to locations not typically found in children’s books. From Istanbul to Morocco, the Dead Sea and Petra in Jordan, children will delight in the detailed descriptions of countries that can often seem a world away, even to adults. By bringing these places into focus, the positive contributions of their societies, in addition to their cultural significance, can begin to resonate with these children at an early age.
Roxanne and Ruby the Rug begins its journey in Istanbul, Turkey at the Hagia Sophia, but the journey does not end there as Roxanne learns the value of new places and letting go of the familiar. Roxanne and George the Green Genie continues Roxanne’s personal journey toward acceptance of others, while the third book in the series, Roxanne and Lola the Lemon Pixie uses lighthearted humor and some very interesting characters to illustrate important lessons of respect.
Rounding out the Mediterranean series are Cutrer’s fourth and fifth volumes. Roxanne with Cleo, Pat, and Ray brings Roxanne to Jordan and Egypt where she meets a hilarious new group of friends that help her accept herself as she is, while Roxanne and Phyllis the Pink Genie encourages children to support others, even in the midst of challenging moments. All titles in the series are also available as audio books, featuring originally scored music by Brian Gorman and narration by Kristin Laviolette as Phyllis the Pink Genie, who is always ready to help Roxanne when she needs it most. Amanda Cadran of Fit to Print is the editor of the series. The audio book for her second title, Roxanne and George the Green Genie was nominated for Foreward Magazine’s 2007 audio fiction book of the year award.
Cutrer will be busy in 2011 as she gears up for several global book fairs in places Roxanne would love, like Abu Dhabi, Bologna, Italy, Beijing, Frankfurt, New York and London.