Children's book "Can't-Wait Willow!"...and I'm giving a copy away!

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

"Can't-Wait Willow!" written by Christy Ziglar, illustrated by Luanne Marten

"Can't-Wait Willow!" is a great book to teach kids about making good choices.  As you saw in the trailer, Willow is so excited about going to the circus...something she's been waiting to do for a while.  She's saved her money, and now she's on her way to the circus.  (One of my questions was...why is she going on her own?  Where are her parents?)  On her way there are...temptations.  Ice cream, a kickball game, and lemonade are just a few things that are distracting Willow...costing her time and money.  But these are good and fun things and Willow has a hard time saying no.  In the end she learns about second chances and making better choices.

I read this book to my kids and they really enjoyed it.  Sophie mentioned the sparkles on the front cover as one of her favorite things : ).  The story line was also appealing to the kids...because they can certainly relate to wanting ice cream, toys, and the other things that Willow encountered.  As a parent, I see this story as a springboard for some good conversations.  Topics like how to deal with temptation, making good choices, making healthy choices, and even grace.  This book also made me think about how I respond to temptations in my own life.  There are things that I personally am trying to say no to...and I was reminded that if I can say no to these little things that I don't really need, then I can reap the joy of future benefits.  (ex: say no to chocolate now...lose weight later!)

This story didn't go down a spiritual route like I thought it would...or hoped it would.  There were some great opportunities to tie in spiritual insight, but instead the moral that was presented in this story was: don't say yes to things that might just seem good and save your "yes" for something that is really GREAT.  Hmm.  It would've been great if there were a Bible verse tied into this story and it explained about honoring the Lord with your choices.  But I don't think that this was meant to be that type of book.  Another thought I mentioned before...where were Willow's parents?  She looked like a little kid...I don't think I would ever let my little one walk down to the circus by herself. The kids didn't notice that when I was reading it to them, so maybe I just have to let that aspect go.  There really wouldn't be a story if the parents were there to tell Willow that she shouldn't play kickball or buy lemonade. 

There are definitely some pluses and minuses about this book, but my overall impression was that the book was good.  It was physically appealing--the illustrations were bright, fun, and the kids enjoyed following the little star on every page to see if it was happy or sad with Willow's choices.  The plot had an overall good message about making good choices and parents have some good follow-up opportunities.

If you'd like a copy of "Can't-Wait Willow!" leave me a comment!  We'll draw a name on Thursday and let you know the winner!

If you'd like to know more about this book, visit:
www.alwaysshinebright.com-- The author's website has great resources to support this book, including a printable poster with "Ways to Shine Bright," as well as a reward chart you can use at home.
www.idealsbooks.com --the publisher's site
www.facebook.com/IdealsBooks --the facebook page

God bless!