Give-A-Way - The Sparkle Box

I was so excited when I saw this book.  It looked like something my kids and I would enjoy doing.

About The Sparkle Box - A Gift with the Power to Change Christmas 

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. 

Written by Jill Hardie

Illustrated by Christine Kornacki

Available now!

Hardcover with jacket, 10 x 10, 32 pages, with a fold-out sparkle box included!

ages 4 to 8

We have read this book and we have taken out our sparkle box and put it together.   I want to make sure the kids understand that doing good for someone else isn't about what we get out of it though.  I want them to understand why we do good, why we love our neighbor, it is not for our own sakes or a pat on the back.

It is"in fact, a gift for Jesus, for Jesus said that whatever we do for those in need, we do for Him".

It has been interesting to put things into the sparkle box.  It has made my daughter a little more aware of doing things for others.  I think it will be so neat to read these on Christmas day.  The book is so beautifully illustrated too.  It is a sweet book to read this time of year.

We have it out as a reminder so that we have a lot of time.  I'm hoping we can come up with some creative things to do as a family for others during the holidays (and throughout the year for that matter).

Website: http://www.idealsbooks.com/The-Sparkle-Box-Jill-Hardie/dp/0824956478

 http://www.thesparklebox.com/buybook.aspx

Book Trailer: https://vimeo.com/49762666

Author Video: https://vimeo.com/49763494

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdealsBooks

#TheSparkleBox

Author Bio

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.  

Illustrator Bio

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. 

I have one to give-a-way!  If you would like to enter just leave your e-mail address and a comment about something you can do for others this season (especially with kids). 

The give-a-way ends on 11/20/13 at 9pm EST.

"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."