Jo Anne Cushman Burrill is the seventh and youngest daughter born to Italian parents. Both sets of her grandparents came from Italy to settle in Upstate New York in the early 1900s. She met her wonderful husband in kindergarten and he has been so supportive in making her dream of publishing a book become a reality.
Here are our kindergarten pictures.
Jo Anne is an avid downhill skier to this day and strives to stay fit so she can ski well into her 80s and 90s. She splits her time between living in Upstate New York and the country of Panama where she watches spectacular sunrises and sunsets. In Panama, their condo is right on the Pacific Ocean and they enjoy their daily walks on the beach looking for shells and sea glass. They still feel like two little kindergarten kids enjoying life!
Jo Anne has been truly blessed with six sisters, six children, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild, wonderful nieces and nephews and has many compassionate friends. She has always enjoyed writing short stories, poems for special occasions, and making up funny stories to tell children. After reading countless children’s books to her kids and grandkids, she realized that she too could publish a children’s book. When she made up the story of “Granny Mouse Ears”, it created so much laughter from her grandchildren. So she decided to publish it. She has penned three more Granny stories and they can be found in her recently published second book, “Granny’s Trilogy”.
“Granny’s Trilogy – About The Author
Jo Anne Cushman Burrill is affectionately known to her grandkids as “Granny” and she has penned three more Granny stories for your enjoyment. These heartwarming stories are a result of Jo Anne’s long-time ambition to publish children’s books.
In this fast-paced world of electronic devices every where you turn, Jo Anne strives to encourage young children to develop a love for reading and to visit their local libraries. This gets children away from constantly being on a computer. She has enjoyed the wonderful bonding experience from reading to her children and grandchildren and she looks forward to sharing books with her little great granddaughter. Jo Anne believes not only does it open up a child’s eyes and ears to something new when you read to them, it also gives a child a sense of touch, a taste for more reading and that lovely smell of a new book.
It is quite evident that Jo Anne’s tremendous faith has carried her throughout her life. Jo Anne professes that when you get knocked down in life, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and carry-on, putting one foot in front of the other and always moving forward. Remember don’t look back, you’re not going that way. Always look forward to each new day as a blessing and you will live happily ever.
Her book “Granny Mouse Ears” can be found in nine different countries:
- USA
- Canada
- Switzerland
- Bulgaria
- England
- Scotland
- Japan
- Luxembourg
- Panama
Granny Mouse Ears has been translated into Japanese
Granny Mouse Ears
By Jo Anne Cushman Burrill
Translated by Shinnosuke Itsuki
& Seitaro Shimokawa
『ねずみみおばあさん』
作者：ジョアン クッシュマン ブリル
翻訳：伊月進之介・下川誠太郎
あるところにおばあさんが住んでいました。みんなは、おばあさんのことを『ねずみみおばあさん』と呼んでいました。でも、おばあさんはなぜみんながそう呼んでいるのか、わかりませんでした。
ある日のことです。おばあさんはご近所さんに「なんでみんな私のことを『ねずみみおばあさん』と呼ぶのかしら？」と聞いてみました。すると、ご近所さんは、「おばあさんの耳が、とてもとがっているからですよ。」と、答えました。
そこで、おばあさんは家に帰って鏡を見てみました。おどろいたことに、なんと2つの ねずみのような耳がつきでているではありませんか。「なんてこった」おばあさんはそれまでそのことに全く気づきませんでした。
そこでおばあさんは考えました。「いいことを思いついたわ。耳をかくすためのニット帽をつくりましょう。」 そこでおばあさんは、あみばりと毛糸を持ってきてあみはじめました。
おばあさんはできあがった帽子をかぶって鏡の前で大きさを確かめました。しかし、帽子の両側をどれだけひっぱってもおばあさんのねずみのように大きな耳をかくすには小さすぎました。
おばあさんはイスに座って、もう一度あみ始めました。気づけば、外は真っ暗です。そこで、おばあさんはまた鏡の前で帽子の大きさを確かめました。
しかし、こんども耳をかくすには小さすぎました。おばあさんは帽子の両側をぐいとひっぱって耳をかくそうとしました。でも、手を離すと、くるっととがった耳のすぐ上にもどってしまったのです。
おばあさんはとてもつかれていたので、ベッドで横になり、「明日には必ずしあげて見せる。」と心に決めました。次の日の朝、おばあさんは起きて朝ごはんをたべ、食べ終わってすぐにあみはじめ、お昼になるまでひたすらあみ続けました。そのうちあみすぎて手がつかれてしまいました。
おばあさんは昼ごはんを食べてから、鏡の前で帽子の大きさを確かめました。
すると・・・バンザーイ！！！！帽子は、おばあさんのとがった耳を、すっぽりとおおいかくしているではありませんか。これにはおばあさんも大喜び。
それからというもの、おばあさんはその帽子を気にいり、一日中、買い物に行く時も、ごはんを食べる時も、なんとねる時までその帽子をかぶっていました。
それから月日はながれ、帽子をかぶりはじめてから何年かたち、耳のまわりの毛糸はだんだん細くなってきました。帽子をかぶっていても、おばあさんのとがった耳がほとんど見えるほどでした。ある朝のこと、おばあさんは鏡を見てそのことに気づきました。 おばあさんは鏡に顔を近づけ帽子の両側をひっぱってがんばってかくそうとしました。すると・・・
「ヒャア～～～！」 なんと、帽子に穴が２つもあいてしまいました。おばあさんは鏡に顔を近づけました。すると突然、「ビヨーン、ビヨーン」とおばあさんの耳が穴から飛びでてしまったのです。
でも、おばあさんは平気でした。『ねずみみおばあさん』と呼ばれなくなってさみしかったので、もう耳をかくさないで、生きることにしよう、と決めました。それから帽子で耳をかくしておくよりも、ずっとよく聞こえるようになったのです。
もし、みんなの耳がこんな耳だったとしても、泣かないで。そんなときは『ねずみみおばあさん』のことを思い出して。そうすればこわくないから。それに、その方がいつまでも、きっとよく聞こえるよ。
翻訳：伊月進之介・下川誠太郎 (中学1年生13才) 小学4年から多読・多聴を開始し、4年間で伊月進之介は約600冊（800,000語）、下川誠太郎は約700冊(300,000語) の英語の本を読み、現在も読書を継続している。進之介は長い本を好み、誠太郎は様々な短めの本を好む。読み方は違うが、二人とも英語での読書を大いに楽しみ、現在も読書を継続している。二人のリーディング力・リスニング力の伸びは目覚ましい。
Translated by Shinnosuke Itsuki & Seitaro Shimokawa, 13-year-old 1st year junior high school boys. They started studying English at the age of 9 by using extensive reading/ extensive listening (ER/EL) method. Shinnosuke has read 600 books (800,000 words), and Seitaro has read 700 books (300,000 words). Shinnosuke likes to read long books, and Seitaro prefers various kinds of shorter books. They both have been enjoying reading English books, which has lead their reading and listening skills to improve greatly.
134 comments
Andy
What a wonderful series and a great message for children. It’s always so refreshing to find something new and genuine to help children grow. Well done!
Jane Sippel
Our three children love the Granny Mouse Ears books! They are so engaging and send a wonderfully positive message! JoAnne Burrill is such a talented author!!
dr amy b miller
jo ann has a playful sense of humor that, with her soft and gentle kindness, makes her the perfect writer for children.
Anne
So proud of my sister JoAnne for her children books. Granny Mouse Ears has a special message to children as well as adults. Keep following your dreams.
Ro Mulligan
Jo Ann and her family were such a positive influence on my son when he was growing up. He was so pleased when I gave him copy of Granny Mouse Ears to read to his young daughter, She loved the book and even more so because her Daddy personally know the author. Thank you Jo Ann for being such a wonderful person and talented author.
Rosemary Coons
Jo Anne has been a friend of mine for a very long time. We worked together, skied together, took evening walks together after her children were in bed. We helped each other in good times and bad. I wish her much success in her endeavor to author children’s books.
Rosemary Coons
Jo Anne has been a friend of mine for many, many years. We skied together, worked together, took walks together and much more. We were always there for each other in good times and bad. I wish her much success as an author of children’s books.
Michael Cobb
Jo Anne, Your incredible and diverse life experience including your expat adventures in Panama give you a unique and exceptional ability to tell stories that have real meaning and depth. Well done. The children of all ages are fortunate to have you writing and sharing with us. Keep up the great work. Mike
CAPT. Charles Piersall, PhD
Jo Anne is a talented and committed author who provides sunshine and pleasure to her readers- focusing on the young reader but interesting to all ages. She is a wonderful story teller who captures the attention of her readers=young and old.. She is a masrer storyteller and many young people will be captivated by her stories. WELL DONE JO ANNE – A RISING STAR
Sandy
Jo Anne,
I Ioved reading your childrens book. The family fell in love with them too.
I am so happy you got to follow your dreams.
Judy Lennox
The book about Granny Mouse Ears is entertaining and educational. It’s a cute story with a moral that needs to be discussed at all ages.
Pamela E. Kirk
These are great books. Jo Anne lives her life to follow her beliefs.
Carol Melewski
Jo Anne is a lovely local author who has generously shared her time and talents with local children by reading Granny Mouse Ears at our Storytime. The kiddos love the author and her books!
harry koharcheck
I have seen first-hand the passion Jo Anne has as she reads to her grandchildren and that same passion comes out in the heartwarming children’s books she writes from her heart.
Sue Harrison
Joanne is a very warm person and so proud of her children’s books – as she should be. I hope lots more children ( and parents) read and enjoy her books. Keep on writing Joanne.
Tammy Marchese
Adorable books, cannot wait to read them to my grandchildren someday!
It takes a great commitment and dedication to write a book! You chased your dream and did an awesome job, so proud of you for creating funny, sweet and sincere books!
With love and admiration for you and your talent.
Tammy Marchese
Adorable books, I look forward to sharing your stories with future grandchildren!
I have nothing but admiration for you, you chased your dream of writing children’s books and not only did you do it, you did it with heart and dedication!
Congratulations on your great success….so proud of you Aunt Jo!
With love, respect and sincere admiration,
Tammy
Annie Schell
Aunt Jo is not only a gifted writer but an exceptional human being. Her kind, caring ways and love for her family are evident to all that know her. The books are wonderful and I hope to have grandchildren one day to read them to!
CJ Merritt
Great books for children. Hope Joanne continues to write some more
Nicole Davis
Granny Mouse Ears is precious and sweet- exactly the kind of story I want going into my kids’ hearts and minds! This collection of endearing stories is a reflection of the warm, tender heart of the author❤️
Lynda Morrison
Jo Anne is a talented writer for children, and I have purchased both books. I read about Granny to my granddaughter, and I love the books as much as she does! I especially love the positive message that we are all different and to accept the way that we are, which is how God made us.
Mary Armao McCarthy
Granny Mouse Ears is a delightful series that tells stories in a gentle manner that deliver positive life messages.
Mary Armao McCarthy
Granny Mouse Ears is a delightful series, telling stories in a gentle manner that deliver positive life messages.
Cheryl K Holtzinger
Jo Anne writes from the heart – her stories have a beautiful message for kids. Glad to be able to call her a friend.
Mae boyer
I have known Joanne for many years she is a genuine caring person it’s a privilege to be friends with her. My grandchildren love her book. It speaks volumes in our world today.
Mel Jacobson
Jo Anne Burrill has always been a very creative and talented person. She has written poems just for fun when she worked for the State of New York. Jo Anne is quick witted and it is clear in her Granny Mouse Ears and Trilogy Books. Jo Anne’s kindness to all never ends and her optimistic outlook should bring joy to all who meet her whether in person or thru her books.
Anne Mirabile
Wonderful books. I have read both books over and over to my great nieces and nephews! My beautiful Aunt is the author of these books.
Jeff Linebeck
Wonderful books from a writer who truly writes from a place of goodness. Nicely illustrated, too!
Lori Johannssen
Aunt Jo has good stories and is always making new stories that have meaning and are interesting to read. Made with love, stories that were meant for her grandchildren now are for the whole world to read. Granny will be around forever ❤️ I love her so much
Lois Arndt
No matter the age, “Granny Mouse Ears” is enjoyed by all readers. Its themed message is needed now more than ever in our society. Keep up the beautiful and heart-felt writing dear friend!
Lois Arndt
No matter the age, “Granny Mouse Ears” is a heart warming story enjoyed by all readers. It is also themed with a message needed now more than ever in our society. Keep up the beautiful and heart-felt work dear friend!
Steven Jacobson
My granddaughter always wants to have these books read to her. She really enjoys them
Brad and Carleen
Fun books with great lessons for folks of any age. It was great to attend one of her book signings and getting to hear a part of her story there. Keep up the great entertaining work!
Lewis Thorneycroft
We love Granny Mouse Ears!
Me, my grown up daughters and sons and my granddaughter’s and grandson’s!
Granny Mouse Ears for President!
Well done Jo!
So important that kids read and to do that, kids have to be engaged. Your stories do that.
rachel
My daughter loves Granny Mouse Ears and we read it all the time!
Tom Norcross
I’ve know Jo Anne for several years and can say she writes from the heart about what matters in life in a way that will speak to her audience.
sheri schwartz
i was fortunate to purchase Granny Mouse Ears for my twin niece and nephews. What cute storyline. I can’t wait until my grandson is old enough so I can get both of Jo Annes books for him. Great gifts
Sandra Sippel
Though written as children’s books, the Granny Mouse Ears books are truly for any age. Life’s lessons of acceptance and kindness are always appropriate. Thank you, Jo Anne for your delightful books. Keep on writing; you have a gift.!
Sandra Sippel
Though written as children’s books, the Granny Mouse Ears books apply to us all, no matter the age. Life’s lessons are invaluable!
Thank you, Jo Anne for your lovely books. Please continue to write; you truly have a gift.
Sheri Senecal
I had the pleasure of working with JoAnne for many years. She has a knack for reaching people whether that be in person or through her writing. It was no surprise to me that she would be successful after her first book was published. I have enjoyed reading her books and I look forward to one day sharing the series with my own Grandchildren! The premise of the story is endearing and provides a great message for today’s youth.
Yvonne Collins
Jo Anne is a great story teller. If I didn’t know better, I would have sworn she is Irish. “Granny Mouse Ears” reflects her philosophy and the exemplary Christian life she lives — inspirational and supportive. She teaches young minds, and not so young minds, that “it really doesn’t matter how you look, it’s what’s inside your heart that counts.” Jo Anne’s books are great, both for gifting and reading to one’s children and grandchildren.
Cheryl Bush
Granny Mouse Ears was inspired by my creative and talented Aunt Jo Anne. I have purchased her books for my grandson and neighbor children. The messages in Granny Mouse Ears are not only for children but adults as well. So proud of you Aunt Jo. Continued success and love.
Gayle Montgomery
“Granny Mouse Ears”, is my go to gift for my friends children and grandchildren.
It’s such a wonderful story for all to read.
Great job, Jo Anne!
Sherry
Wonderful stories to be read or better yet shared with your grandkids on your lap.
Alanah Hempstead
The author is not only an amazing writer but a wonderful person inside and out! To know her personally is an extreme honor! Not only does she bring sunshine into the world with her writing but just with her huge heart and lovely smile she brightens any space she’s in!!! She is very loved and will hopefully continue to spread peace and love in her books! 💖
Tricia Nier
The Granny stories are just delightful. Thank you Jo Anne for these wonderful stories for me to share with my grandchildren.
Jeffrey Delbel
Jo Anne Burrill has the rare knack of really engaging children. Her stories are wonderful
Lyndi Allion
Granny Mouse Ears shares a powerful message of valuing people in a well-told story that children and their caregivers will love.
Richard van Dyk
I think it’s fantastic that JoAnne has recaptured the tradition and wonder of reading, with her Granny series of books.
Nowadays, computers and video games have just become “babysitters” for parents that have gotten too busy! JoAnne has not forgotten that a good book can still be a connection between kids and their parents or grandparents.
Fred Schell
You do not have to be a kid to love these books. I’m 53 and love them. It’s fun to read them to the kids too.
Sue Horan
I have had the great fortune of knowing Jo Anne for many years. I have always been amazed at her creativity and talent for writing, so her success has come as no surprise. She has always had a passion for what she does – whether spending time with family, skiing, boating or, of course, writing. I love the premise of her books that we are all perfectly imperfect. We should embrace our flaws and turn them into something positive. What a great message to start teaching children at a very young age! I am so proud of Jo and her many successes in this “chapter” of her life! 😊
Christopher Biasini
Very proud of my Aunt JoAnne! Everyone will love Granny Mouse Ears