Pages That Might or Might Not Be of Interest to You!

Sunday, November 11, 2012

The Sparkle Box Review and GIVE AWAY!


**Disclaimer: My laptop is being wiped clean and fixed so the pictures are not the quality I would normally include in a review but the ipad wouldn't cooperate with me! **

For years I have been dismayed at the shift in thinking about Christmas. It has become increasingly about giving and getting presents. I know I have heard several conversations with our kids and their aquantances and the talk is always how many gifts they got and how much they cost.

That is so sad to me. Christmas should not be about gifts. Don't get me wrong, getting gifts is great; but, it shouldn't be our soul focus. We should focus on the reason we give and get gifts-because God gave us the ultimate gift in sending his Son to us when He wrapped mortal flesh around an infinite God. That is best present of all.

So, when I was offered this book to review I jumped on it.

I was not disapointed. This book is exactly what I was looking for. This book is beautiful in its message and the pictures are scrumptious. I love this book. The Sparkle Box is one I would recommend for every family wanting to get back to the simpleness of Christmas.

What's it about you ask? Let me tell you:

"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."



Look at these pictures...




Didn't I tell you it was beautiful? While I was sitting on my bed reading The Sparkle Box, I started crying. Crying for the simplicity of the message that resonated in my heart and for the reminder of what we should be focusing on at Christmas. I can not wait to get our Sparkle Box set up and filled!

Want your own copy? Head over to Ideals Books and pick up your copy for $19.99.

Don't forget to visit them on Facebookor follow these other great links to find out more about the book and the author and illustrator.

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

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

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

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

Want to win a copy for your own family? I have one copy of this wonderful book to give away, just leave a comment telling me one tradition you have in your family. I will draw a winner on November 19th. Oh and don't forget to leave your email in your comment so I can contact you!



3 comments:

Jill Hardie said...

Thank you for your touching review of The Sparkle Box. I am so glad the simple message resonated with you. I wanted to let you know that there are free printables and crafts your family and followers may enjoy on www.TheSparkleBox.com. May you and your family be blessed to be a blessing this Christmas! --Jill Hardie

Karla said...

I love our tradition of driving around looking at Christmas lights. The time together in the car is precious and priceless.

Libby@Everything's Coming Up Green said...

Well I left a comment before but it didn't seem to go through. We have done a scaled down Jacob's Tree in the past, and this year I think it will be even better since our eldest is now 4 and will understand things better. I am hoping to start many more traditions in the future this being one of them!