Review/Giveaway: The Sparkle Box

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The other day, my sparkly little 6yo Miss Esmé called to me from the kitchen, asking me all the steps for making a cup of coffee with our Keurig.  Soon she headed back towards me, the best cup of (slightly watery) coffee ever carefully balanced in her hands – made just for me.

Not too much later, a slip of paper covered in 6yo handwriting was deposited into a sparkly silver box:  “Made coffee for elders.” 

“Elders?”  I guess I’m okay with that.  

Just one example of The Sparkle Box come to life in our house…

Synopsis

Here is the touching story of a young boy who unknowingly participates in a powerful new Christmas tradition: honoring Jesus on His birthday by giving to others. 

Sam is so excited about Christmas! He's thinking about his Christmas list, looking forward to holiday parties, and puzzling over one very mysterious gift: a sparkly box sitting on the mantel. In the midst of the festivities, Sam and his family participate in various acts of kindness to others. On Christmas morning, when Sam finally opens the Sparkle Box, he finds only slips of paper that record the family's good deeds. Sam's mom explains that the things that they've been doing are, in fact, a gift for Jesus, for Jesus said that whatever we do for those in need, we do for Him.

About the Author

Author Jill Hardie and her family began placing a gift for Jesus under their Christmas tree as a way of bringing more meaning to the holiday.  The first time they opened His gift, the commercialism of the season melted away and they felt a profound joy and peace.  Jill hopes that The Sparkle Box will spark a new Christmas tradition, bringing light into thousands of lives.

About the Illustrator

At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life.  After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dreams of illustrating children's books began to take shape.  She spends her days painting in her studio, which adjoins a charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut. 

Format:  Hardcover with jacket, 10 x 10, 32 pages, fold-out Sparkle Box included!
Age Recommendation: 4 - 8 years old
Publisher:  Ideals Books
List Price:  $19.99
To Buy:  http://www.thesparklebox.com/buybook.aspx
For More Information:

Website: http://www.idealsbooks.com/The-Sparkle-Box-Jill-Hardie/dp/0824956478
http://www.thesparklebox.com/
Book Trailer: https://vimeo.com/49762666
Author Video: https://vimeo.com/49763494
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdealsBooks

Mom’s Review
I got a cup of coffee out of this – what’s not to love?!

This is an easy read-aloud, with a little sparkle and gorgeous colorful illustrations that fit the story and the season.  The colors are gender-neutral; the sparkle appeals to this little girl, while the story-line is about a boy.  Esmé really enjoyed it.

And while the reading is fun, the inspired activities extend the book far beyond the pages.  There are practical ideas included in the storyline, and even more ideas on the book's webpage.  Be sure to take a look at www.thesparklebox.com for gift ideas for Jesus, as well as activities and materials you can print out and use for free.

I have a class of 4-6yos at church, and I’m always looking for a way to “take the lesson home;” some application that a child can use during the week.  This book fits the bill perfectly.  Parents, expect a sparkle box coming your way this season!

Mostly, I love how this book applies the magic and sparkle of the season to bring out the spirit of generosity.  And draws the point that anything done for others is a gift for Jesus Himself.

And now, we have a giveaway copy of this amazing book for you to kick off this season of giving!  US or Canada addresses only on this one.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THE SPARKLE BOX - Official Book Trailer from Ideals Books on Vimeo.
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Disclosure:  Thanks to FlyBy Promotions, author, and publisher for coordinating providing review and giveaway copies of this book.  I received these for free in hope that I would mention them on my blog.  Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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