The Sparkle Box - A Gift with the Power to Change Christmas
Written by Jill Hardie
Illustrated by Christine Kornacki
Publisher's Description: 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.
My Thoughts:
I saw The Sparkle Box being reviewed last year and I was intrigued by this story of a family filling a sparkly box with special gifts for Jesus. I wanted to read it with my family, and was interested in working the sparkle box and acts of service into our family's Christmas traditions. Although it interested me, I didn't buy it. Last month, Fly By Promotions gave me the opportunity to review The Sparkle Box. Of course, I jumped at the chance!
When the book arrived, I was very pleased with it! My first impression of the book was that it's a nicely-printed, well-made, hardcover book. My second impression was that the illustrations are lovely, warm, vibrant, and colorful.
When my kids first saw me looking at it, they all came over to see the enclosed sparkle box, which folds into a simple box shape. We did note that it's different than the one in the book since it doesn't have a removable lid or a bow. The kids were all immediately interested in the new book and the box. "What's it for?" they asked.
Later, I sat down and read it to my younger children, ages 3 - 9. The story of a boy and his introduction to the sparkle box held their interest. You could tell they were wondering what was in the box, just like Sam. In the end, we were able to talk about how Sam blessed others in his community, and how we can do the same thing.
The entire book revolves around showing God's love to those in need around us, with no mention of Santa Claus and minimal focus on receiving gifts. The front page says, "Dear reader, you are the light of the world. Make it Sparkle!" I love that gentle reminder that we are the salt and light, pointing others to Jesus.
My husband and I have always tried to keep the focus of Christmas on Jesus and not Santa or presents, but we still see a need to help our children focus on others and not themselves. I think this book will help us to do that. My only dilemma is whether to include acts of kindness that the children do for each other, or only those acts that bless those outside our family.
To learn more about the book, visit thesparklebox.com or the publisher's website: Ideals Books.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the 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."April E.
