Valetine's Day Gift Giving Guide: Cassandra's Angel by Gina Otto (Review and Giveaway)

Closed.  Congrats to Amberpebs

• ISBN-13: 9781402787430
• Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
• Publication date: 10/4/2011
• Pages: 32
• Sales rank: 8,514
• Age range: 4 - 8 Years
• Product dimensions: 8.20 (w) x 10.10 (h) x 0.40 (d)
• Buy now at Barnes and Noble.

Summary:

With its uplifting and heartwarming story, Cassandra's Angel brings an inspiring message of self-empowerment to children of all ages.

It seems like everyone--her mother, her teacher, even other girls and boys--is telling Cassandra that she just can't do anything right, whether it's tidying her room or painting a picture. No wonder she feels misunderstood and alone! But then she meets a very special angel who shares a secret that will help Cassandra shine brightly--and light up the world.

When she listens to the people around her, Cassandra feels that she cannot do anything right, but then a meeting with her Angel gives her a new perspective on herself and others. 

My Thoughts:

Prior to reading this book, I had read reviews from other mommy bloggers, both positive and negative.  Most of the moms loved this book and share it with their children.  While, others think it provides a negative message to children that if someone says something negative about them, that you should go against and be your own person.  Based on these comments, I couldn't wait to read this book and see for myself how it was.


So, when I received it the other day, I sat down and read it.  After reading it, I can see why some oppose the books message, but I feel that if they took the time to read the book their children and share the message that acceptance and being yourself in a positive light, and not overshadowing the reasons why for instance the mother made the comment about the messy room, that children will comprehend the true meaning behind the book.  The girl was not a bad person just because her room was messy.  Maybe her mother was stressed out and mad to see time after time this young girl's room a mess, even after the mother continually told her to pick up after herself.  I wish the book would have included cause and effect for certain instances like the messy room, to put a more positive spin on it.  Yes, the mom may have called her messy, but what about having the mom praise her for a clean room afterwards.  I think this would make the spin on the book more beneficial.  And, in regards to the group of bullying kids who didn't want to play with her?  Instead of running off, the young girl could have returned home to talk with her mom about this.  Then, the mom could have told her to always be herself.  And, that sometimes others may not like you.  But, there are more fish in the sea, and you need to be open to finding just the right group of friends who like you for you.


Again, minor details that I feel could have been taken to make this a more positive book that all parents would rave about.  But, based on what I read and how it was presented, I still feel it would be a great book to share with your children about being themselves, even if others don't see it that way.  We need to watch what we say around our children, as words hurt, and they be be taken out of context or misinterpretted.  So, please stop and think before you speak, as you are helping to shape your child's self esteem and image of themselves with your words and actions.

About the Author:

 

An award-winning and bestselling author, producer, and children's advocate, Gina Otto is creating a global movement of girls helping girls around the world. Cassandra's Angel integrates her passion for the healing arts with her concern for young people. Gina worked in film production, advertising, and the fashion industry for fifteen years. Originally from Denver, Colorado, she now resides in New York City.  

---GIVEAWAY---

One lucky reader will win a copy of Cassandra's Angel thanks to the publisher and 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 book you read your child?

EXTRA ENTRIES:

(Please leave separate entries for each, along with your email address)

1) Subscribe to my blog via email (2 entries)

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 a copy of Cassandra's Angel by Gina Otto @rmccoy1234 http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/ #giveaway (Ends 2/3)

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  (3 entries)

 

Open to US residents only. Giveaway ends on February 3, 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 vendor in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.