I think most parents want a way to teach their kids the spirit of giving. When they are especially young, the best thing we can do is lead by example. I think that the holiday season is a great time to teach kids about giving. There are just so many opportunities big and small to make a difference in someone's life. There are food pantries that need food, Christmas trees with Angels on them that need help getting presents under the tree, soup kitchens that need volunteers, tossing change in the Salvation Army containers or maybe even something as simple as taking a cup of hot cocoa to a lonely neighbor. There are opportunities all around to be compassionate, to give.
The Sparkle Box introduces a fun way to celebrate giving during the holiday season. There is a box included with the book, that you can put under your tree. The idea is every time someone in your house helps someone in need, you add a piece of paper to the box saying what you did. Then on Christmas, you open the box and read them aloud.
The Sparkle Box contents are your gift to Jesus. What an adorable lesson in giving and how wonderful to celebrate the true sense of Christmas in addition to all of the hustle and bustle and gifts that come along with the holiday.
The book explains how the box works in plain terms so that young children can understand what they are to do. My 5 year old daughter and I have already read the book several times and she already wants to put our Sparkle Box out. There is a part in the book when the main character, a little boy, has bought candy with his own money and since he has been learning about giving he notices a man that looks hungry and gives it to him. It makes me tear up every time I read it. I am tearing up now just thinking of it! I think this book is a great teaching tool for adults and children alike and I think that putting out a Sparkle Box to fill up each year is a wonderful idea. I know our family will definitely be adding this tradition to our Christmas celebration each year!
THE SPARKLE BOX - Official Book Trailer from
Ideals Books on
Vimeo.
About the author:
Author Jill Hardie and her family began placing a gift for Jesus under their Christmas tree as a way of bringing more meaning to the holiday. The first time they opened His gift, the commercialism of the season melted away and they felt profound joy and peace. Jill hopes that the Sparkle Box will spark a new Christmas tradition, bringing light into thousands of lives.
Interview with Jill
About the illustrator:
At a very early age, Christine Kornacki developed a love for painting and bringing stories to life. After receiving a BFA in illustration from the University of Hartford, her dream of illustrating children's books began to take shape. She spends her days painting in her studio, which ajoins a charming cafe in New Haven, Connecticut.
Ideas for your Sparkle Box! Remember, these things don't necessarily have to cost money! Even a kind gesture is sure to brighten someones day and help them out!
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