"Can't-Wait Willow" Book Review & GIVEAWAY!! (5/22) *Closed*

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned below 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.

About Shine Bright Kids:

The Shine Bright Kids series provides children and their families with a relevant framework to help instill solid values and teach the importance of making good choices. The principles that will be explored include: using good judgment, taking responsibility, having a positive attitude, and demonstrating perseverance.

 

The first book in the series: Can't-Wait Willow!
Willow is so excited that the Over-the-Top Circus has finally come to town! The only problem is, that when left to her own devices, she can’t say “no” to some good things. On the way to the show, she is distracted by enticing treats and fun that she just can’t turn down. Willow arrives late and is sad to find that, not only has she has run out of time, but money, and she won’t be able to enjoy the pink cotton candy she’s been dreaming of. Willow is given valuable advice and a second chance and is ultimately taught the lesson that sometimes in life you have to say “no” to good things to end up with something great!

About the Author:

Christy Ziglar, financial planner, mother of twins and niece of legendary motivator and the world’s original optimist, Zig Ziglar, is bringing the same timeless wisdom and ageless advice to an entirely new, younger audience through her new Shine Bright Kids picture book series.

 

About the Illustrator:

Thanks to her first grade teacher, who recognized her superior skills in drawing a robin, Luanne Marten has been drawing, painting and sketching ever since. She is a great experimenter and has a fresh, whimsical approach to bring her characters to life.

Can't-Wait Willow! from Ideals Children's Books from Ideals Books on Vimeo.

My Review:
We absolutely LOVE Can't-Wait Willow!  First of all, the kids really enjoyed just looking at the beautifully sweet illustrations throughout the book.  Plus, each page has a little star character whose mood changes depending on the decisions Willow makes.  The kids thought this little star was GREAT!  They may have missed the story the first time around because they were so busy looking for that star, but the book was such a joy to read that we ALL wanted to read it again anyway! ;-)

As the parent, I am absolutely thrilled with the message in Can't-Wait Willow!  The book set us up nicely for a family conversation about the importance of making good decisions.  In the book Willow kept using up her time and money and ended up not getting the see the circus or buy the cotton candy that she had waited so long for.  (Of course the story goes on from there and has a happy ending.) We talked about saving money for things we REALLY want or need and not wasting it on little less important things.  Next time we read Can't-Wait Willow I'd like to talk more about the time aspect and how it's important to make good decisions with our time too!

I HIGHLY recommend picking up a copy of this book if you have young children.  Can't-Wait Willow teaches a very valuable lesson that I think every child should learn. :-)

Please visit the following sites for more information about Can't-Wait Willow:

Website:  http://www.alwaysshinebright.com

The publisher site is: http://www.idealsbooks.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdealsBooks
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/63779686

Buy It!
Can't Wait Willow is available for preorder ($14.99) at Shine Bright Kids and at Ideals Books.

Thank you to FlyBy Promotions and Ideals Books for providing me with a copy of Can't-Wait Willow to review and another to giveaway!!

Giveaway:

Congratulations to comment #10, Anonymous!

One of my readers is going to be blessed with their very own copy of Can't-Wait Willow!

To enter to win, please leave a comment below. Please be sure to leave your e-mail address, so that I can contact you if you're the winner!

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Open to U.S. residents 18 years and older. Giveaway will end Sunday, May 22nd, 2013 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be chosen shortly after and contacted via e-mail. The winner will have 48 hours to respond otherwise I will have to choose a new winner.