The Sparkle Box Book Review & Giveaway

Disclosure:  I was provided with this book to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  Thanks so much to FlyBy and the sponsor for providing this information and giveaway.

    

I have a new book to tell you about, The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie and illustrated by Christine Kornacki.

Inside you will find your very own Sparkle Box to make and use.

Here is our box right after we put it together.

 A couldn't wait to read this one.  She actually went and read it first and then came and told me all about it.

I have really enjoyed reading this book with all the children.  It is never too early in my opinion to teach generosity and opportunities to give and make a difference in the world.

E loves the bright, vibrant illustrations.

Let me tell you a bit more about the premise of this book!  Sam is a young boy who is excited about Christmas approaching.  He notices a sparkly box on the mantel of his home.  His mother tells him that it is a special gift that they will open later but first they must fill it.  Throughout the story Sam and his family participate in various good deeds and acts of kindness - donating blankets and food, they help provide a well for a village in Africa so that they will have clean drinking water, and Sam even gives a candy bar and mittens to a stranger in need.  When Christmas finally comes Sam is beyond excited to open The Sparkle Box.  He discovers slips of paper inside documenting the acts of kindness that they have participated in.  His parents explain that the Sparkle Box is a gift for Jesus and that every time they help someone in need they are indeed blessing Jesus - what better way to celebrate His birthday.  I love this idea and symbolizing the spirit and heart behind Christmas.

Our kids and their friends at church have been given a challenge to show compassion and give generously in a practical way by helping raise funds to buy shoes for children who don't have them.  The kids were each asked to raise $10 to "fund" a pair of shoes.  It has been such a joy and blessing to see our kids think of ideas and develop a heart of the Lord for giving.  We recently went through out playroom and they picked out toys to sell in a garage sale to raise money for these children.  They also baked blueberry muffins to sell during the garage sale. 

 Here are A and B with their friend at the Bake Sale table.

I am so proud of them and last Sunday they were able to take $30 with them to church and help fund 3 pairs of shoes!  I cannot wait to see what they and we as a family come up with next.

Read more about this book, author, and illustrator below.  And be sure and enter the giveaway for your chance to win your own!  Or go here to purchase a copy.

About The Sparkle Box

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.

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, here 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.

Ready for a giveaway?  One of you will win a copy of The Sparkle Box for your own.  Just enter below and good luck!

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