Book Review and Giveaway: The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie, Illus. by Christine Kornacki

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. 
 


Review: Kiddo loved this book! She was enchanted from page one. We read it last month, as soon as it came in, and I was surprised when she asked for a different box right away! i gave her on and she advised she needed me to help her write out some good deeds to put in the box. I was thinking she meant for Christmas, like the book, but she said no. She wanted to make a box of all the good things I had done for HER, to give to me for my birthday (which was coming up). After a pause, I saw what she had taken from the book, and how she saw that sharing back how we show love for another person is a wonderful birthday gift for anyone! 

She also informed me that we would be using the included sparkle box for after Thanksgiving, for Jesus' birthday box, and the goods deeds we did as a family. Sometimes what seems like a simple kids' book, really does resonate with your kids and the simple message sinks in more than you realize. I can see this being a new tradition in our family, and I think it's a lovely one for all families!

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

About the 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.  


I am thrilled to be able to offer one lucky BTHM reader their own copy of The Sparkle Box, to share with their children and grandchildren this season, and every season!

 

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 Disclosure / Disclaimer:  I was offered this book, free of charge,from FlyBy Promotions, for review on this blog. No other compensation, monetary or in kind, has been received or implied for this post. Nor was I told how to review the book.