Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The Sparkle Box ~ Book Review & GIVEAWAY

'Tis the season for all things beautiful!

Giving

Blessing

Loving

The Sparkle Box, by Jill Hardie, is a book to remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.  It gathers the family together for a meaningful way of sharing blessings, loving one another, and reflecting on the gifts we all have to share.

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.

My son (age 13) and I traveled to visit my sister's family this past week.  We were excited to share this book with my nephews, age 10 and 6, and my great-niece, age 2.  They all gathered on the couch to hear the story.  Matthew read it to them with such fun animation!  They all enjoyed the story and the beautiful illustrations by Christine Kornachi.

The children were so inspired by the story that they quickly went to work decorating their own Sparkle Box that came safely tucked in a pocket at the end of the book.

Markers, stickers, cuts of paper, and love went into their project!  They shared ideas of how they could give and bless this season and fill their Sparkle Box with lots of treasures for Jesus' birthday.

The finished creation was as unique as each of them and was safely placed on their mantle.  A wonderful family tradition had just begun!

What will  you do this season to add sparkle to the world?  How can your family be a blessing to someone?

You can purchase your own The Sparkle Box for only $19.99 by clicking HERE.

Get connected with these links:
  
Website: http://www.idealsbooks.com/The-Sparkle-Box-Jill-Hardie/dp/0824956478
Book Trailer: https://vimeo.com/49762666 
Author Video: https://vimeo.com/49763494 
#TheSparkleBox
  "Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it 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."

One lucky winner will receive a copy of their own book, The Sparkle Box.  All entries must be received by midnight EST on Monday, December 2, 2013.  Entrants must be 18 or older to enter. Due to international sweepstakes laws, this giveaway is for US entries only.  This giveaway is not connected to any social media site.  The winner will be contacted via e-mail and have 48 hours to respond.  If I don't hear back from you then I'll pick another winner, so mark your calendar and keep an eye out!  Get started now on Rafflecopter...

a Rafflecopter giveaway