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About Me

For over 30 years, I have found my way into classrooms as a school social worker, substitute teacher, mindfulness educator and now as a children’s writer.

I have been dreaming up picture book ideas since 4th grade when I attended my first Young Authors Conference. I officially put pen to paper when the pandemic forced me to get quiet and listen to my inner voice. The past four years have been immersed with webinars, connecting with two dynamic critique groups, reading picture books, going to the library, collecting ideas and of course, writing, writing and more writing (even if it's on the back of a grocery receipt).

I spend my free time walking or paddle boarding on Chicago’s lakefront with my husband, baking chocolate chip cookies for my three ravenous kids and looking for “wow moments” I can weave into stories.

Awards and Honors:

2023 PBRising Stars Mentee
2022 and 2023 Write Mentor Scholarship Recipient
2023 50 Precious Words Contest-Honorable Mention
2023 Kid’s Choice Kidlit Writing Contest-Honorable Mention

Proud Participant of:

Testimonials from classroom visits:

"Every time Cheryl visits my classroom to teach a lesson, the children learn a new way to think about their emotions, their friendships, and our classroom community. Her lessons about gratefulness helped my students to talk with each other (and write in notebooks) about the small things in life that we can be thankful for. The way she taught my students to give "word gifts" to each other changed our classroom culture. We began to notice and compliment each other more often, building our awareness for others and growing our confidence. Cheryl designs her lessons to meet the developmental needs of the children, the children are engaged in her lessons, and she brings real-life examples and creative ideas to her teaching. She offers educators practices that we can use throughout the day to teach children to respect and care for each other. Just a few small lessons can change the way children in your classroom interact, view themselves, and work with each other."

--Stacy M. Holzwarth, First and Second Grade Teacher, Nettelhorst School, Chicago

Cheryl Simon came to my daughter's second grade classroom to work with them on some lessons on caring for one another, being part of a community, and grateful citizens. Through games, and worksheets and her warm and friendly chat-she created magic. The impact was immediate and the lesson spilled over into our home when my daughter came home eager to share what she learned. The lessons stay with all of us to this day - and helped us to realize the life lessons that can be tucked into school in such a natural, fun, and meaning-filled way. Cheryl is not only a wonderful mom and role model in and around our school, but touched the class in such a meaningful way on so many levels. We are grateful for her time and how she works her magic with the kids. We would highly recommend her classroom visits - and look forward to her coming back in third grade!

-Barri Leiner Grant