THE NICE LIST

Children's author donates proceeds from first book to Cancer Society

First time author Sue Mangum of Pageland, pen name; "Sue Boo" displays her first children's book titled, "Ja-cab joins the Monkeys" in her series of "Sue Boo" children's tales. Staff Photo by Charlotte K. Berger
Published:
Thursday, July 24, 2008 9:48 AM CDT
Charlotte K. Berger

cberger@thecherawchronicle.com

PAGELAND - It is a given that the "hope for the cure" for cancer be discovered one day for all.

This is one of the main reasons why Sue Mangum of Pageland, a woman with a heart of gold, a mother of four, eight grandchildren, is a brand new face in the literary world.

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Mangum is donating all of the royalties from her first published children's book to Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society.

"Ja-cab Joins the Monkeys" is the title of Mangum's book. The story is about a little boy named Ja-cab who not only gives Grandma Jean a run for her money, but he will make you laugh and wish you were there with him. The simple event of a grandmother taking her grandson to the zoo turns into an adventure. Jacob plays with the monkeys and swings from the trees in this first of "Sue Boo's" children's tale.

The idea of writing a children's book came about around six years ago while Mangum was visiting with her sister in Charlotte, N.C. Her sister's grandson, Jacob, became her inspiration for writing and publishing the story in 2007.

"We were taking Jacob home and I just made up this story and told it to him in the car about going to the zoo to keep him occupied," said Mangum. "He liked it so much that I wrote it up for him and gave it to him for Christmas. That was about six years ago, but last year I decided to publish it and to donate all of my royalties to Relay for Life and cancer research."

As well as staying busy with her career as a secretary at the the Chesterfield County School District Office, Mangum now begins her journey through the literary world with her "Sue Boo" series for children.

Mangum's pen name, "Sue Boo," came about in a very unique way.

"I had two daughters in college so I worked in a nursery on second shift in addition to my day joy to make extra money," said Mangum. "The kids in the nursery would ask me what my name was and I told them, 'Sue Boo.' My grandchildren called me 'Grannie Boo,' and it's been this way ever since."

"Ja-cab joins the Monkeys" is published by Tate Publishing & Enterprises, LLC; and is illustrated by retired artist and art teacher, Grace Roland of Pageland.

Available on several online web sites and local bookstores for $9.99, Ja-cab joins the Monkeys can be also be found at 1 Stop Shipping and Business Services in Cheraw, www.tatepublishing.com, www.amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Borders, Wal-Mart (online), and Burry Bookstore in Hartsville. Books have been donated to schools in the Chesterfield County School System as well.

Mangum says she has enjoyed the experience of promoting her new book through several public appearances. Recently, she was aired on Cecil's World on WBTW.

Mangum has traveled to Nashville, Tn. and Jacksonville, Fla. for book signings. In October, Mangum plans to attend another book signing in Monroe, N.C. at the Aquatics and Fitness Center.

"Book signings mean more royalties for cancer research," said Mangum

Mangum said that she is looking forward to visiting more schools and various children's hospitals to "just read to the kids".

" I really want to go and just read to the kids who are sick in the hospitals. I want to lift their spirits and make them laugh," said Mangum.

Currently, Mangum has penned five other "Sue Boo" books. She is working with Roland on the illustrations. Mangum hopes to publish them in the near future.

" I guess I still have a little kid in me," said Mangum. "I have a big imagination, and I really love writing children's stories that make children smile."