"Gifts from the Heart" Book Review and Giveaway-Extended

Christmas has always and will always be my favourite holiday to celebrate. It means the most because of the wonderful family I have and now get to pass on my traditions on to my kiddies. I love everything that is associated with Christmas. I want my kids to know the real reason for the season as well as the "Santa" factor. Last Christmas was the year I started to get crafty and spread my craftiness into our family gifts. I made my brother in law a poker themed clock and a remote control sofa hanger, and may my baby sister a handbag and a t-shirt necklace. This year I am up in arms with what to give everyone for Christmas. And the thought of making more gifts actually is t me more meaningful. I also love trying to think of gifts that would make those special people go "Wow" when they know we put our hearts into the gifts.
So when we received a beautiful book called, "Gifts from the Heart" to review, it was with pleasure to be able to spread the idea of gifts don't have to come from a store to mean the most, I jumped at the chance.

Gifts from the Heart by Victoria Osteen; Illustrated by Diane Palmisciano; ISBN-10: 1416955518 ISBN-13: 9781416955511; Hardcover, 32 pages; Little Simon Inspirations; October 2010, Ages 3-7, $16.99
This is a beautiful story where the author continues her series of the royal adventures fit for the most rambunctious of princes and princesses. A brother and sister, Jon and Sue, take an imaginary journey into a medieval world of kings and castles. they find themselves in a bustling town that's getting ready for a party in their king's honour. The townspeople are busily trying to find fancy gifts to buy for their king, Jon and Sue- with the help of their new friend Maryanne- remind everyone that the talents God has given them are the most precious of all the gifts to give. The celebration of the king is a success with each person giving gifts from their heart. The morale of the story is reinforced at the end with and interactive question encouraging the parents and children to talk about the lessons they have just learned and discover the adventure in their own daily lives.
My Review: Reading this book to the kids was a time for us to unwind after a busy day. We cuddled up on the sofa with only the reading of the words the sound in the house. Princess loved to idea of prince and princess in the story. The Cheeky Monkey just sat and pointed at the pictures on the page. As we went along in the story, Princess would ask questions about the events in the book. She loved the idea of the concert and asked about each person in the story. We also discussed the actions some of the king's people were acting out in the story. The illustrations were colourful and well drawn. The story was well complemented with the illustrations. As a parent, I loved the idea of teaching my kids that God has given you talents which are gifts that you can share with others, and that the material stuff is not as important as giving of your talents. This to me is very important as we come upon the Holiday season. I am trying to bring about Princess' understanding that it is better to give than receive as she becomes sucked in by the advertisements and store shelving loaded with toys. We have started to discuss how her making a wish list of wants can only be answered with her making the decision of donating her no longer used toys to children who are less fortune than she and her brother. Throughout the time we were reading the story, we discussed the pictures on the page as we went along, such as facial expressions and mannerisms. I loved how the ending of the book poses questions for us to discuss and if helped Princess start to understand how we can give of ourselves to others the gifts that God has given us, those talents be they singing, comforting, listening, humour or artistic; we all have gifts to give from our hearts. Truly a story that is special at this time of year. Give gifts that come from your heart to your fellow people.

Giveaway

Little Simon and Schuster Inspirations book division has offered 5 lucky winners from AM2CW a copy of "Gifts from the Heart" by Victoria Osteen.

How can you win a copy? (please leave a separate comment for each entry)

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11. Tell me your favourite book as a child (get 2 bonus entries)

There you have it...12 chances to win one of the 5 copies of "Gifts from the Heart" by Victoria Osteen!!!

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for this giveaway!

Good Luck to all of you who enter! 

Stay tuned for more giveaways coming up.

Giveaway will run until November 30th!

Winner to be announced on December 1st!

Ciao,