Can't Wait Willow Review & Giveaway

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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.

About the Author: (Recognize the last name Ziglar?!?)
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.Christy is available for Q&A, author interviews, Skype calls, etc.!

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 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.

My thoughts
This book tells a short, simple story about making choices in life. Beautifully illustrated with lots of bright colors, the pictures tell the story along with the words. Willow is faced with choices on her way to the circus she had dreamed about and because of that, she misses out on the day's show. Written on a child's level, the story is easy to understands and teaches the lesson that sometimes you have to say no to eventually get what you want. 

I was a little surprised that Willow's parents are not mentioned in the book. In today's world, not many parents would let their child walk to the circus alone. I found that a bit odd, but since the focus is on Willow and her choices, I can see why she was by herself. Perhaps the author wanted to teach kids that they CAN make good choices even if Mom and Dad are not nearby. 

Connect
Visit the author''s website. The website has great resources to support the book, including a printable poster with 'Ways to Shine Bright,' as well as reward chart you can use at home with your children. There is a wealth of information on there. 
Visit the publisher, Ideals Books website 
Like Ideals Books on Facebook
You can also see a Trailer for the book 

Win your own copy
Thanks to our sponsor, one lucky reader will win their own copy of Can't-Wait Willow. How awesome is that? Just simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below to be entered to win. Giveaway is open from May 10, 2013 to May 24, 2013 and is open to US Residents 18 years and older. Please be sure to complete the mandatory entry for any additional entries to count. Good luck!!

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