You are my sunshine

by Steve Metzger (Adapter), Jill Dubin (Illustrator)

Softcvr

Genres: Family, Childrens, Picture Books

30 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

I grew up in Queens, NY in the 1950s with my “baby” sister, Lois. She is now a wonderful writer of young adult novels and nonfiction. My mother was born in Vienna, Austria, and my father came from Brooklyn – an interesting match! My best friends were Neil, Robbie, Krebs, and Paul. I’m still good friends with most of these guys. It was less hectic in those days – no computers, no emails, fewer TV channels (MANY fewer!) We had lots of fun playing ball and listening to records. I’ll never forget when the Beatles came to America – Beatlemania!
After graduating from Baruch College in NYC, I didn’t know what to do with my life. I bounced around doing odd jobs, including taxi driver, dishwasher, and hotel desk clerk. One day, while relaxing in Central Park (OK, I was unemployed), I saw a group of children from a local daycare center. It struck me that I always liked children -- perhaps I could make a career out of something I liked. Eureka! Ever since then, I’ve been involved, in one way or another, with the lives of young children.

I received my Masters in Education from Bank Street College and taught preschool kids for a bunch of years. I loved the childrens' innocence and vivid imaginations. After moving into school administration for a few years, I began working at Scholastic, where I have been ever since.

At Scholastic, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to write children’s books. The first book that I wrote was "The Dinofours: I’m Super Dino!" Twenty-seven other Dinofours’ books followed. I hope my respect and appreciation for young children shines through in my stories.

Nowadays, I’m lucky to be married to my beautiful and talented wife, Nancy (she’s also a writer). In 1998, we were blessed with a terrific daughter, Julia, who helps criticize my story ideas and lets me play with her once in a while.

And furthermore…any recollections of my life would not be complete without mentioning my grandmother, Mutti. She was an ever present source of love, appreciation, and wisdom.

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids need to feel recognized, loved, safety, and belonging and of course parental love is the foundation of these good feelings. I think the kids will like this book and relate to this book because it's about the parent-child relationship. There's lots of opportunities for discussion about what the parent -child pairs are doing on each page and lots of opportunities to develop new vocabulary in the context of these discussions. Good to support team-building, community building, anti-teasing efforts I've done such as compliments, secret santa, etc.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

very cute picture books of the traditional lyrics

[Shanshad Whelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute little book, just wish they had the info right. Author's name is Metzger.

[Cassi · Rating 4 out of 5]

prek or kindergarten great book that goes with that song!=)

[Cassie Wengler]

This book is a very easy read for a first time reader. It makes a great beginners and bed time story book. This book talks about how much love parents have for their children. It also expresses how much they miss their kids when they are gone at school or a friends or family, etc. On almost every page, they say "Please don't take my sunshine away." Reading this made me realize how hard it is for parents to watch their son and/or daughter grow up and not succeed or not come home. This is such a sweet and creative book to read to your children or even have them read it for themselves while they learn!