Tuesday, January 4, 2011

review and give-away: An Awesome Book of Thanks

Children's author, Dallas Clayton, has just published his second awesome book. I remember being a little skeptical about his first book... who was this quirky guy and what was all the blogosphere commotion about? When he contacted me about promoting the second, An Awesome Book of Thanks, I decided it was time to find out. While checking the book's website, my 12 year old came and stood over my shoulder. "What IS that book and who IS that guy, mom?" Exactly. We were both intrigued and ended up sitting side by side reading a generous excerpt from An Awesome Book of Thanks out loud together.You can too, right here. We laughed, pointed out funny and sweet details to each other, and discussed the very thoughtful message beneath the whimsy. And then... we unanimously clicked on an excerpt of his first book, as well. It had been many years since my son and I had read a picture book aloud together, let alone two.  It was a memorable moment. It was an AWESOME moment.
book review and giveaway
book review and giveaway
We wrote back to Dallas together and asked him to yes, please send us a review copy. A few days later my son and I presented it to our family as a December count-down activity. We all took turns reading a page aloud. A family read along! Everyone loved it! In fact, the kids were found reading it together first thing the next morning... spurred on by my newest reader who has devoured it many times over since.
book review and give-away
Dallas wrote and self-published his first book for his son about believing in your dreams no matter how big and never giving up.  It's filled with a wonderful, simple message and illustrated with Dallas' unique drawings. This next book is illustrated in the same Seussical style, with more funny rhymes that celebrate gratitude along the way. I don't know which is more inspiring:  the books, this young father pursuing his dreams while teaching others to do the same, or his new mission brought on by his literary success in self-publishing. Dallas gives one book away for each book he sells... to schools, to hospitals, to children where ever he goes. And in keeping with his generosity, he has sent me a signed copy to give to one of  you. We ALL enjoyed An Awesome Book of Thanks, so I'm delighted to send out such a sweet gift. Seems like a perfect way to ring in the New Year... giving thanks! Please leave a comment in this post before Thursday at 9pm EST. I'll announce the random winner on Friday morning. Thanks Dallas, and to all of you~ have an AWESOME day! Pin It
Posted by mayaluna at 3:16 PM Labels: , ,

113 comments:

  1. KateJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:22 PM

    that is AWESOME! Looks like fun!

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  2. She Reads Late Into the NightJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    What a wonderful way to teach our children how to be thankful for all the little things!! If I don't win this will definitely be on my to get list of books for my girls.

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  3. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    I LOVE his books!!

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  4. MayaJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:25 PM

    I LOVE his books.

    Sorry for hitting the wrong button earlier :)

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  5. ErinJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    My 2.5 year old would LOVE this book! It's on our wish list!

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  6. Herbal Tonya hereJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    thanks...books on gratitude and giving thanks always welcome!

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  7. yagaJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    how sweet, and i really love the drawings. I'd sure love to have a closer look at it. :o)

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  8. SaskiaJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:32 PM

    Thanks for this great giveaway! :)
    xoxox

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  9. amy @ kids in the studioJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:33 PM

    Oh--I'd love it. Some days we all need reminders, don't we?!

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  10. Olives and PicklesJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    ohh. I will love to have this one.Thanks for the chance.
    patty

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  11. Wet CoastersJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:37 PM

    This looks like such a nice book to read to my grandchildren!

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  12. SelinaJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:38 PM

    What a fantastic book!

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  13. YiotaJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    My son (and I!) would love it! We don't often have the chance to get a book in English.
    Thanks for the chance!

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  14. ChristinaJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:46 PM

    I would be thankful to be the random winner : )

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  15. AnonymousJanuary 4, 2011 at 3:50 PM

    This looks beautiful, I am intrigued not having heard about these books before and so thank you for the chance to win.
    Alison

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  16. christinaJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:01 PM

    this looks like a great book!!

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  17. AmandaJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    How awesome! We love books! :)

    Amanda
    amandaandandy@yahoo.com

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  18. Melly ThibaultJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    Oh what a fun give-away! Our family would love this book, and the author shares the same name as our second oldest boy who also would love to write and illestrate his own books some day. :-) Melly!

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  19. barbaraJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:09 PM

    This book is something to be thankful for!

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  20. Holly UJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:10 PM

    I'd love to share this with my own son. Thanks for the chance!

    tinkermans.daughter@gmail.com

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  21. Dianne@sheepdreamsJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:12 PM

    Lovely to hear your enthusiastic review. It makes me want to order one for each grandchild! Thanks so much.

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  22. saritaJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:17 PM

    Fabulous! I love the colour, and the message and the rhymns...just a perfect book all round, I'd say...:) Thanks for the opportunity to win this..xx

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  23. World Wide AlternativeJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:28 PM

    I couldn't wait I'm afraid.
    I just purchased both books about 30 seconds ago!
    Good luck to the rest...:) XXxx.

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  24. TUTU MonkeyJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:30 PM

    I would love to share with my daughter Sarah!!

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  25. eralamagaJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:32 PM

    You made me cry with so much generosity! DAllas is an example we all should imitate! (Sorry my english!)
    Thanks for this giveaway!

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  26. MelJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:36 PM

    Very AWESOME indeed (one of my favourite words!). Looks like a book I'd love to read with my children.

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  27. heleenJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:39 PM

    His drawings are very attractive and his message as well. I think my daughters will love it (and my husband too to read to them!).

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  28. What I Say Matters!January 4, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    What a great story and it looks like a great book! I'd love to sit down with my two nephews and read it to them.

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  29. melissaJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    looks like a wonderful book - thanks for the chance to win!

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  30. PamelaJanuary 4, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    this sounds like just the sort of book my littles would love. and, well, me too. of course.

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  31. TaraJanuary 4, 2011 at 5:18 PM

    Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  32. LynnJanuary 4, 2011 at 5:21 PM

    Would make a great gift for my grand-daughter!

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  33. marcelaJanuary 4, 2011 at 5:46 PM

    This books looks like so much fun. Beautiful! Thank you both for sharing and for the chance to win.

    homemamaoftwo (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  34. WendyJanuary 4, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    I have not come across his books before. They look awesome and I would love a copy ! Thanks for the chance to win one.

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  35. KariJanuary 4, 2011 at 5:59 PM

    THis would be a lovely additon to our family library

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  36. KellyJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:04 PM

    As a mom and a teacher, I can say that finding a GREAT book to read aloud is an awesome thing! My own kids have outgrown my lap, so now it's my students who get excited when they find out I have been to the library or the book store. Would love to win a copy to share with my kiddos at school!

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  37. faroJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    cool. i've never heard of him but will be sure to check him out!
    thanks!

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  38. faithJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:35 PM

    That looks like a neat book that my boys would very much enjoy. thanks for sharing!

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  39. EstiJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:37 PM

    awesome project and story. Thanks to both for the giveaway.

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  40. KateJanuary 4, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    I'd love this book for my 5 year old....Please, please make 2011 my lucky year!!!!

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  41. Erin aka Conscious ShopperJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:05 PM

    I love his books and would love my very own copy!

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  42. KristinJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:29 PM

    Looks like a fabulous book for my four year old!

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  43. Holly HoxJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:35 PM

    What a wonderful giveaway! I would love a chance to win this lovely book.

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  44. KarlaJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    Thanks for the opportunity to bring thankfulness to the forefront, especially in the New Year.

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  45. Mina104January 4, 2011 at 7:52 PM

    what a sweet story!

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  46. RebekahJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:00 PM

    Looks like a great book!

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  47. JaneTJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:02 PM

    Sounds like a charming read!!!

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  48. UnknownJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:23 PM

    Thank you for sharing a new author, especially one that I had no idea about. My children (ages 5 & 6) are really into books and I find it's one of the best ways to teach them.

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  49. tishJanuary 4, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    love love love and am already inspired!! woooo!

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  50. SheauJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    this is awesome. love his book. thank you.

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  51. dJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:08 PM

    And thanks to both of you for sharing!

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  52. Sedna-is-my-own-last-nameJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:10 PM

    thanks to Dallas for giving one away for each he sells. what a great idea! thanks to you for inspiring me weekly!

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  53. Tracey ~ CloverJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:16 PM

    What a wonderful book.
    Thank you for a chance
    to own a copy.

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  54. MaggieJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:55 PM

    I would love to have this book to read to and with my two grandsons!

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  55. LaceyJanuary 4, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    That is a fantastic book! I'm a teacher of adults at a tech school here, and I'm already thinking of buying his first book (at least) to start my next quarter with as a writing prompt. wow! And I'd love to win a copy to share with the k-12 teachers I work with through The National Writing Project. :D Fantastic!

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  56. Scarlet BluefieldJanuary 4, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    I would love to have a signed copy--thanks so much for the chance.

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  57. shelliJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:15 PM

    this book looks so great! thank you for the opportunity!

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  58. Falafel and the BeeJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:43 PM

    Oh what a wonderful giveaway!
    I know my girls would love this book~ and so would I. One of my constant messages to my children is to appreciate what we have.
    Thanks for the chance to win!
    ~Michelle
    www.falafelandthebee.com

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  59. sophieJanuary 5, 2011 at 12:05 AM

    What an original and fun guy.

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  60. StephanieJanuary 5, 2011 at 1:22 AM

    What a generous man, and what a sweet book! I have a God-son who would just love this book!

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  61. MelissaJanuary 5, 2011 at 2:05 AM

    What a beautiful book! I'd love to win this for my kids! And if it don't, I'm heading straight to the book store to buy it :)

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  62. Tia HerringJanuary 5, 2011 at 2:12 AM

    My friends joke with me that I say awesome too much. No way! Hope I win!

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  63. ElisabethJanuary 5, 2011 at 3:56 AM

    What a fabulously awesome book. I really hope I win but if I don't I will buy a copy for my daughter.

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  64. Susana Tavares January 5, 2011 at 4:39 AM

    It looks like an amazing and inspiring book :)
    Happy new year to you!!!!

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  65. eatmoresmoresJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:28 AM

    What a great book! I'm all for anything to teach more appreciation in myself and my children.

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  66. tyttyJanuary 5, 2011 at 6:47 AM

    Thanks Dallas and Maya

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  67. JenPJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:15 AM

    oh! i love the dallas clayton books. i've only ever viewed them online, because i can't find retailer in canada (and i've tried all the suggested ones on his website). the shipping to canada from his online ordering is kind of prohibitively expensive too. but, i'll probably break down and buy them soon.

    thanks for the opportunity to win!

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  68. ChandraJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:15 AM

    I've been wondering what all the hype is about too.

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  69. Go Green BabyJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:54 AM

    What a great book and idea! We would love a copy :)

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  70. JannetteJanuary 5, 2011 at 7:56 AM

    Sounds like a very special book indeed! Am going to have a look right now. (And finding children engrossed in reading a book: always going to be in my top 10 of most wonderful things:-))

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  71. UnknownJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:54 AM

    That IS an AWESOME book of Thanks! Thank you for this offer! :)

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  72. Outside LisaJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:26 AM

    Pick me, pick me! Looks great!

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  73. UnknownJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:27 AM

    This book is on my must-have list! Awesome!

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  74. motherof4January 5, 2011 at 9:34 AM

    Great book with a wonderful message!

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  75. Jars of GigglesJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:35 AM

    I am a momma of 2 young ones and a librarian at the washington school for the deaf. I would love a copy for our school!!!

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  76. ellenJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:14 AM

    this book looks lovely! i work in a children's library and our staff unanimously chooses peaceful, sweet, and beautifully illustrated books for our collection. this would fit in perfectly!

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  77. GraysonJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:31 AM

    Wonderful message! If I don't win, guess I'll have to get them for myself!

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  78. KarenJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:33 AM

    What a wonderful book-looks like it would be a nice addition to our family library.

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  79. AlexisJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    Thanks for the giveaway! It looks like a wonderful book with a wonderful message!

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  80. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    Double thanks--for the new-author EUREKA! recommendation and for that author's giving a book out for every book sold.

    Thanks.
    Thanks.

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  81. Gma ChapmanJanuary 5, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    The most precious thing I do with my grandchildren. I look to your blog for ideas to do with them and am excited to learn of a book your whole family enjoys. What a great addition to our library this would make!

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  82. PeaceMamaJanuary 5, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    love this idea ! thanks for sharing!

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  83. HeatherJanuary 5, 2011 at 12:54 PM

    I love discovering new fun books! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  84. UnknownJanuary 5, 2011 at 12:56 PM

    just heard about this before the holidays and it sounds wonderful. Thanks for such a nice giveaway.

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  85. kahawJanuary 5, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    maybe this awesome book will visit us in Poland;)???

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  86. KathyJanuary 5, 2011 at 1:58 PM

    What a fun looking book! I have a little niece that would definitely enjoy it. Here's hoping!!! Thanks so much for the giveaway!!

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  87. AnneJanuary 5, 2011 at 2:51 PM

    This book looks great! Would love to win a copy!

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  88. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    Thank you for introducing me to these books. My children are going to love them.

    margie

    margiedicroce (at) rogers (dot) com

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  89. JackieJanuary 5, 2011 at 3:15 PM

    What a sweet book. We'd love to win this one. Thanks so very much.

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  90. CindyJanuary 5, 2011 at 3:28 PM

    What an amazing book! I love the pictures. And such a great message to share with our little and big ones. Thanks!

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  91. ~ joey ~January 5, 2011 at 3:43 PM

    You can never read to many books about giving thanks!
    I think it would be nice to continue the rhythm of generosity and pass the book along to our school library to reach even more children!
    Thanks to both of you!
    ~ joey ~

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  92. Anne ThompsonJanuary 5, 2011 at 3:49 PM

    Thanks for a chance to win this awesome book! Anne, yourmainestamper

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  93. AnonymousJanuary 5, 2011 at 4:29 PM

    I would give this awesome book to my awesome little granddaughter. Thank you !

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  94. TerriJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:08 PM

    Love it!!! Great giveaway thank you!!! : )

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  95. MeganJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:25 PM

    What a lovely book! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  96. UnknownJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    I will check out those online excerpts!

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  97. AmyJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:05 PM

    Please don't enter me in the giveaway, but I could *not* resist commenting on how incredibly sweet that photo of your kids is.

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  98. EvelinJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:20 PM

    Oh yeah, count me in! That truly is an awesome book!!

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  99. MaryamJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:28 PM

    Oh we so love the first Awesome book! I would love love love to read this one too :)

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  100. Vicki K.January 5, 2011 at 9:46 PM

    I love the illustrations already1

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  101. VanessaJanuary 5, 2011 at 10:44 PM

    wow…that is one awesome book and one awesome kid to write simply like that…I would love to read it daily to my girls!

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  102. Carol BarclayJanuary 5, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    It is so hard to choose a book for my young nieces, but this is surely a winner- such wonderful values, and a great reminder for all of us. Thank you for telling us about it!

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  103. Juliann DJanuary 6, 2011 at 4:56 AM

    What a cute sounding book. If I don't win, we'll have to look for it at the library.

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  104. barbJanuary 6, 2011 at 8:35 AM

    Looks like a fun book indeedy.
    Throwing my name in the hat. b

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  105. BethpJanuary 6, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    Definitely on our wish list!

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  106. AnonymousJanuary 6, 2011 at 10:06 AM

    Oh, it's brilliant! My youngest reader is almost 17, but she and her brother and I have already started a bookshelf for our someday grandchildren--this would be a great addition to that!

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  107. JakDeeandKidsJanuary 6, 2011 at 12:01 PM

    This book looks awesome! -- thanks for the chance to win!

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  108. Amy M.January 6, 2011 at 12:06 PM

    I am pretty passionate about books and this one looks wonderful!!!

    -Amy
    Crafting by Candlelight

    bibanon1@gmail.com

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  109. JulieJanuary 6, 2011 at 1:19 PM

    Thanks to you for this lovely giveaway and for reigniting my interest in these books. I had read a post about the first one, but never bookmarked it. As with so many inspiring things, it evaporated into the ether. I look forward to having these books in my home. The author's own generosity has actually inspired me to buy both of them. Should I be lucky enough to win, I shall donate the book to my daughter's school.

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  110. Hopewell Creek DesignsJanuary 6, 2011 at 1:27 PM

    Oh such a great book, I try to give books to my grandsons on most all holidays. Since Valentines Day is coming up, this would be a good idea for both of the little ones.

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  111. KamiJanuary 6, 2011 at 9:59 PM

    Love these books, so much, just discovered them, actually! I wrote him hoping that he would come visit our town! And now with one minute to spare I read your post.... !

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  112. jaeJanuary 6, 2011 at 10:47 PM

    What a delightful message to give to my little ones. And you can stare at those drawings for days!!

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  113. MargretFebruary 7, 2011 at 5:31 AM

    Awesome! I just went over to Amazon to put them both on my wishlist to get later, is the first one out of print?

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