Can't-Wait Willow! On Tour And A Giveaway

There’s something about children’s books that always brings a smile to my face. While I don’t have children of my own to share them with, I think it’s just knowing that the next generation (and the next) will still have wonderful books to read and enjoy.

Today I definitely have a book that will bring a smile to your face and that of your youngsters’. It’s entitled, Can’t-Wait Willow! and it’s the first in a new series that promises to be both educational and entertaining for children. Thanks to the great folks at Propeller, I have a print copy to giveaway (more on that at the end of the post). Since this is a promotional tour for the book, I’ll also include some additional information after my review.

But first up, Propeller advises that due to the new FTC Policy (March 2013) the following disclosure should be placed at the top of my review in order to clearly disclose material connections that would not be obvious to the readers in each of my posts.

Can't-Wait Willow! By Christy Ziglar

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above 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."

We all find it hard to say no sometimes, especially to things that we really want or enjoy doing. For youngsters, that decision can be even harder if they don’t understand the difference between bad, good and great choices.

Willow has been dreaming of eating pink cotton candy at the Over-the-Top Circus when it comes to town. The big day has finally arrived and she’s excited as she heads to the circus. However, along the way she stops to enjoy a few of her favorite treats and activities.

When she finally arrives at the big tent, she discovers she has spent all of her money and the circus is closing for the night. She doesn’t even have enough money for one pink cotton candy treat.

A helpful man from the circus intervenes, giving Willow a second chance to enjoy the circus. Willow remembers the advice he gives her as she makes her way back to the circus the next day. She comes to understand that while she might enjoy the fun along the route to the circus, she has to say no to some good things to be able to get to the great things.

Author Christy Ziglar has done an excellent job blending elements together to help parents teach youngsters how to make good choices when faced with so many things they want. The story is fun and shows that waiting is sometimes the best choice.

Illustrator Luanne Marten brings the story to life with her beautiful drawings. The charming illustrations are colorful, bold and eye-catching. The ‘star search’ throughout the story is added touch that will keep youngsters glued to the pages.

Can't-Wait Willow! is the first installment in the Shine Bright Kids series, which is designed to help families provide solid values when teaching youngsters 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.

This is an enchanting book and great start of a delightful new series to inspire, educate and entertain youngsters. Can't-Wait Willow! is a fun way to show youngsters that saying yes to everything can lead to missing out on what they want most.

Can't-Wait Willow! By Christy Ziglar, Book One of Shine Bright Kids Series, Illustrated by Luanne Marten, Ideals Children’s Books, @2013, ISBN: 978-0824956486, Hardcover with Jacket, 32 Pages, Ages 4 to 8

MORE INFORMATION:
Now, I mentioned earlier that I would share some additional information with you - including the guidelines for a wonderful giveaway.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
Does the last name Ziglar sound familiar? While author Christy Ziglar, financial planner and mother of twins, is the niece of legendary motivator and the world’s original optimist, Zig Ziglar. She is bringing the same timeless wisdom and ageless advice to an entirely new, younger audience through her new Shine Bright Kids picture book series. 

The author's 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. For more information and fun ideas, visit: http://www.alwaysshinebright.com
  
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.

Additional information about the book and new series can be found on the publisher’s website at http://www.idealsbooks.com and on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/IdealsBooks

Now for the giveaway guidelines. To enter, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with the subject line, “Win Can’t-Wait Willow.” Your message should include your name and mailing address. The contest is open internationally. Just so you know, I don’t share this information with anyone other than the publisher nor use it for any other purpose. The deadline to enter this giveaway for a chance to win a copy of Can't-Wait Willow! is 8 p.m. (EDT) on Wednesday, May 15.

Thank you for dropping by today. Hope your week is going as planned. I’d like to leave you with a book trailer from Can't-Wait Willow! to enjoy. Have a great day and remember to smile!

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