Valentine's Day Gift Giving Guide -- Gifts for Kids -- Along Came You by Karona Drummond (Book Review and Giveaway)

Closed.  And, the winner is:  Elizabeth B.

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (March 30, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310715083
• ISBN-13: 978-0310715085
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 9.1 x 0.4 inches 

Summary:

Before you, my home was decorated in style. After you, my home is decorated in love. So begins the tender recital of love from parent to child that tells the story of the changes that take place after a little one joins the family. What happens when the pleasures of a tidy, carefully decorated home are traded for the excitement of dressing up and messy art projects? When quiet evenings and precisely planned schedules are exchanged for busy days and crazy nights? What happens when the desire to experience joy yourself is replaced with the desire that another might experience joy?

Along Came You is a children's picture book that tenderly relates the joyous changes our children bring to our lives. It is beautifully illustrated by English artist, Estelle Corke.

My Thoughts:

My two daughters are my miracles, as I battled cancer two years ago, and was told I would never be able to have children.  So, each and every day I spend with them is a blessing.  When I read this book, I teared up, because I could never imagine my life being like it is today, with the tiny pitter patter of little feet across the bedroom floor in the early AM, because they awoke from a nightmare and couldn't get back to sleep, their little giggle when they hiccup or make a funny noise, or the ear to ear smile that my daughter, Savannah had when she took her first steps or found something thing.  Each and every day is filled with new experiences and memories, that I will cherish.  And, thanks to the help of Karona Drummond and her book, Along Came You, I can now share with my girls, what my life was like before they came into this world, and how they have made it so much sweeter and enjoyable.  

As a new parent, I never expected my life to change as it has.  Gone are the days when I could stay up late because I wanted to, and not because the babies were hungry, or the weekend lazy days, just relaxing and catching up on a good book or missed television shows.  Now, I look forward to getting to bed by 11PM, and hoping for an uninterrupted night.  And, if I am lucky, 10 minutes in the early AM to shower before my unpredictable day with babies begins.  Becoming a parents changes your entire world.  And, if you are like me and like to plan and schedule things, be prepared to give this security as, as life with kids is unpredictable.  Also, be prepared to give yourself an extra hour to get ready with kids before leaving the house.  I don't know how many times I thought we were finally all ready to leave, only to find out that I needed to change a diaper, or warm a bottle of formula.  But, all in all, I would not change it for the world.  I enjoy my days now, filled with hugs and kisses, as well as their tantrums.  I have become a stronger person and have realized the true meaning of family, and have experienced a love like no other.  Holding each of my daughter's in my arms for the first time and looking into their eyes, as they looked back at me, was a priceless moment, and will forever be etched into my memory, as a perfect moment.  And, I hope to share day in and day out how much my children mean to me, and how much joy they have brought into our lives. This beautifully written and illustrated book with help me do just that!  Along Came You has definitely become a favorite bedtime story to read to my daughters, and one I will continue to share with them as they get older. 

If you are looking for the perfect gift to give new and expectant moms, why not give them a copy of this book? This book will become a keepsake and one to cherish for years to come, for anyone who receives it.

And, just because the book shows a mother and a daughter as the characters, doesn't mean you can't read this to your sons.  They will enjoy snuggling up next to you, just as much as daughters will, to see how your life has only gotten better, now that they are in it!  So, with Valentine's only a couple weeks away, why not surprise your little one with this fun read during bedtime.  And, don't forget to give them an extra hug and kiss, and let them know how they have made you a better person, and that they have made your life more enjoyable.

About the Author:

Karona Drummond was named after Karana in Island of the Blue Dolphins,Scott O'Dell's 1964 children's novel. Both her parents were school teachers who appreciated the value of good books. Karona (pronounced Ka-ron-a) continues that love for books and for teaching children. She is a certified elementary and early childhood teacher with many years of classroom experience. Sharing stories and poems with her students and her own children is one of her favorite things. 

---BUY NOW---

Along Came You is available in hardback, paperback, and e-book formats on Amazon.com. Zondervan.com, and other retailers.

---GIVEAWAY---

One lucky reader will win an autographed copy of this book, thanks to the author.  To enter, please complete the MANDATORY ENTRY first, and then as many EXTRA ENTRIES as you like.  Make sure you include your email address with each comment, so that I can contact you if you win.  Good luck!

MANDATORY ENTRY:

What was the last boo you read to your child that held special meaning to you, and why?

EXTRA ENTRIES:

(Please leave separate entries for each, along with your email address)
1) Subscribe to my blog via email (1 entry)
2) Follow me on Facebook (1 entry)
3) Enter any of my other giveaways, leaving a comment with the name of the giveaway (1entry per giveaway entered)
4) Blog about this giveaway. It must include a link to this specific post, as well as a link to my blog, http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/. (In your comment, please leave a link directly to your post – 3 Entries)
5) Follow me on Twitter (1entry)
6) Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry per tweet, per day; please include link to tweet in comment below)
Enter to #win an autographed copy of Along Came You by Karona Drummond @rmccoy1234 http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/ #giveaway (Ends 2/13)
7) Vote for me on picket fence blogs (See button on right side of blog -- One entry per vote, per day; Note:  You can only your one vote per day on ONE giveaway; duplicate comments on other giveaways on the same day with be void)
8) Add to a Giveaway Linky site  (5 entries)

9) Vote for Inspired by Savannah in Startup Nation's 2012 Leading Moms Competition -- You can vote one time per day (2 entries)

Open to US residents only. Giveaway ends on Feb. 13, 2012 at 11:59PM EST. I will then use Random.org to choose a winner. Winner will have 48 hrs. to respond to my email to claim prize. If I don't hear back from selected winner, I will draw another winner.

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book by the author, in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.