One Word

If I were to describe myself in one word, taking away the obvious, “mom,” “wife,” etc., I’d say “Reader.” I’m a reader.  I love to read, whether it’s reading for fun, knowledge, enlightenment, etc., I love to read.  I love books. 

I know a lot of people love to read and there are those people who don’t (gasp!) love to read.  To each his own.  As a mom who loves to read, I have always encouraged my kids to read too.  It was/is easy when they are young.  Books are colorful.  Books are fun.  Books rhyme. As my kids have gotten older, I’m always on the lookout for books that will hook them. 

Emma, 7,  is easy.  Give her any book about any animal and she’s good.  Austin, 2-1/2, is easy.  Give him any book about cars, tractors, Buzz Lightyear, or Lightning McQueen and he’s good. 

Tyson, 9, is a different story.  He enjoys reading, but it has to be something that he gets invested in.  He’s read a few series that have been fun for him, like the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series and the “How to Train Your Dragon” series.  Stuff like that. 

I’ve read every book that Brandon Mull has written.  I know that Tyson would love his books.  The Fablehaven series.  They hooked me from the first page.  Fablehaven is the the story of a hidden refuge for mystical creatures that is run by Kendra and Seth’s grandparents.  “Inside the gated woods, ancient laws give relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies.”

Kids are curious and rules get broken.  Kendra and Seth must save Fablehaven, their family, and their lives.  It is an awesome story that totally appeals to adults and kids, boys and girls.  I could not read them fast enough.  Has Tyson read them?  No.  Why?  The answer is simple, because MOM likes them.  I’ve tried for months now to get him to read them, but no. 

On Monday, Brandon Mull came to the kids’ school for an assembly.  He talked about the Fablehaven series, as well as his first book in a new series, The Beyonders.  He talked to the kids about his inspiration for writing.  My son came home so excited and told me that Brandon Mull was going to be holding a book signing in our neighborhood that night and how much he wanted to go.  I was so glad, because I knew about the book signing and knew I’d have to convince the kids to come wait in line with me.  There aren’t too many people I’d give up my time to have some books signed, but Brandon Mull is one of those authors I’d give up time for.  I didn’t have to do any convincing at all.  The kids happily came with me, excited to meet him. 

Luckily, we didn’t have to wait too long at all.  We arrived early and got in line near the front.  I was excited to meet Brandon Mull and to tell him how much I love his work, but I was also excited that Tyson came with me and got excited to read The Beyonders.  I’m afraid I’m going to have to fight him for it! 

Thanks, Brandon Mull, for writing books that excite kids to read, that excite boys to read, that excite parents to read too! 

Disclosure:  Brandon Mull has no idea who I am other than the fact that I gushed about his books like a preteen at a Bieber concert on Monday night!  I just love his work and wanted to spread the word.

Book Giveaway!

Those who know me know that I LOVE to read.  Because I love to read, I love to read to and with my kids.  I constantly encourage them to read.  I think it is just a great hobby to have. 

A few years ago, I came across this book: 

Description from Seagull Book: 

Children come in all sorts of sizes, shapes, and colors. And they come with unique talents, gifts, interests, likes, and dislikes.

I Chose You celebrates those differences as it reminds parents of the one thing all children have in common: the need to feel loved.

This beautifully illustrated book reminds us that few moments shape children's character as much as the moments that they feel love from their parents-those special times that tell them they are valuable and cherished just for who they are.

I LOVE this book.  I had previously bought two copies of this book, one for my two children.  When I first read it, I had a lump in my throat.  This book talks about seeing so many kids in Heaven, short ones, tall ones; ones with curly hair, ones with straight hair; ones who love soccer, ones who love videogames, etc.  At the end of the story, it says something to the effect of “I saw all these children…and I chose you.” 

My son is now 9 and is too cool for the book, but my 6-year-old daughter loves it.  She loves pointing out things that are like her in this book and things that are like her siblings.  She especially loves the part where it says, “and I chose you.”  I know it makes her feel so special…so loved…so wanted. 

I had inscribed a note to each child in their own copy of the book to personalize it and let them know how much I love them, etc.  My too cool 9-year-old recently cleaned out his bookshelf of the “baby books” and tried to give this one away too.  Mildly hurt, I reminded him that I got this book just for him and that even if he didn’t need it now, it was a message I wanted him to keep.  He agreed and slid it back into his bookcase. 

As he did that, it reminded me that in the interim, I’ve had another child and he doesn’t have his own book.  Does he care or even know?  Nope!  He probably won’t even pay attention to it because it doesn’t have Lightning McQueen on it, but I want him to have one nonetheless.  So I went about finding one. 

The store I previously bought them from doesn’t carry this book anymore, so it took a little searching to find it, but I did.  I ordered one for my little “Austin McQueen,” but because I love this book and its message so much, I ordered an extra one to give away.  Even though I have one for each of my children, that doesn’t mean you do too.  That works too! 

To enter, just reply and tell me how much you like me.  Just kidding, just reply with your first name.  You can tell me your favorite book too if you’d like because I always love hearing that!  Anyone can enter.  I’ll even mail the book out (as long as it’s in the lower 48 States..haha).  I’ll select the winner Saturday morning!

*note: this giveaway is not sponsored by anyone…just me!