June 8, 2018
Books
Summer 2018 Giveaway
Happy Summer!
Today is our last day of homeschooling this year. So I am celebrating by giving away some books!
Next week everything changes. My son will be spending each morning sailing down at the Santa Barbara harbor, and I will be writing writing writing! This is the most exciting thing that I can tell you. More exciting than getting a puppy, or traveling to India. We have finished another year of homeschooling and now I get some time to myself to write. Celebrate with me!
Back to the giveaway...
I have so much stock in my cupboard (105 books, I counted!). A whole line up of beautiful books, and it's sad to see them sitting there, not being read by children. I would like for you to do one of two things, or both if you want.
Look through the list of the books I've authored, and tell me which one you'd like for me to give you! Just leave a comment below saying which book you'd like, and maybe a tiny word about why.
Buy one for some adorable little person, so they can read it. I'll sign it and ship it ASAP. I have a handy book buying information sheet that will help you if you're interested.
Here are the books. I've linked each to Amazon so you can read reviews, and you can always pop over to my website because I post tons of information about each book, including audio readings, teacher plans, and interviews with the illustrators!:
In the giveaway, I will randomly choose three of you to send books to. I'll close the giveaway on June 12th, midnight Pacific time. Sound good? In the event that you don't like kids books anymore, and you might just want to tell me a joke, or what you'll be up to this summer, the comment box isn't far off and I'd love to hear...
The giveaway is now closed. I actually didn't wake up at midnight on June 12th to choose a winner, I waited until the morning of June 13th, because, 1) we had a Romanian-themed dinner at our house (with real Romanians!), which means I spent the day baking bread and cleaning so I was la little bit tired, and 2) sleep! The final details are in the last comment. Happy reading this summer!
Published: June 8, 2018 | Filed under: Books
The Woman and the Wheat. Young people are disconnected from the basic reality of where our resources come from (I mean, what kind of tree does a twinkie grow on anyway?), and awareness of the source of our blessings is absolutely necessary in order to have gratitude for it. But, most education on ecology neglects to mention that the gratitude must also extend to the Ultimate Source as well. This book beautifully connects both sides, showing our role as a mediator between creation and God, and illustrates that within the familiar weekly framework of communion. (Sorry if that was long, I just really like these books!)
I'm so glad you mentioned The Woman and the Wheat! I'm baking phosphora today... I agree with you about the disconnect--and I also look for resources that help finish out that circle of understanding... Sending you love, Ashley!
You are so sweet Jane! I remember years ago when I was single in Ottawa and I won one of your books! Since then I have gotten various of your books for my godkids! :) Well, I have not read or seen _The Suitcase_ and looked that one up and it looks so delightful. I really appreciate your books very much! God bless you!!! I hope you have a wonderful summer and a lot of time to write!
I remember that, Elizabeth! Hope you win again :)
Thanks!!! I am going to have to tell my Husband about this book! :)
I'm so glad you will have some time to write. I think if I were to win one of your books, I would be as thrilled as could be to receive The Suitcase. I have two little boys, and we often see beggars at the major intersections we pass on a regular basis. If we have something to give, we pass it on and ask the lady or gentleman to give us their name so we can pray for them. Once we passed by without visiting with the person in need and my oldest, 7-years-old, chastised me a bit... "Mommy you didn't give them anything." I explained I didn't have anything, and he told me I should never leave home again without some cash or water or food or something. I think he would like hearing about Thomas and his Suitcase. Thank you for your kind giveaway. And thank you for sharing your heart and your talent with the world. God bless your work this summer.
How lovely, Valerie, to have boys whose hearts are so soft toward those who are suffering. May their hearts continue to remain that way! I have gotten in the habit of keeping power bars and one dollar bills in my car. There are a lot of homeless here in Santa Barbara, and my son is always watching me, oftentimes commenting if I happen to be in a hurry and don't stop to help, or at least say hi. I've learned that asking for someone else's name, and using it, is a powerful weapon for good.
Now I KNOW I want The Suitcase! and for my godkids too :) anyway, these comments touched me! I live near NYC and my Husband sees homeless ones a lot as do I when I go into the City as people say here. We try to have something on hand - a candybar, granola bar, a bit of change if nothing else - on the first hot day a month ago I was in NYC and saw 2 homeless begging and when I told them I was going to Trader Joes and could I get them anything, both said: water. And so I got water (Which at least in that store was very cheap!) ... Mother Gabriella, when I was still living in Ottawa, once told me (we were talking about homeless and how I had very little to give) said that +Fr Roman Braga, when he was a seminarian in Romania, had nothing at all but he would always stop to talk to those begging and ask their names and that actually stopping and doing so was very much a gift too. I try to do this when I can; if, esp. if the person is a male, feels like a unsafe vibe, I am more careful but if it's in NYC with lots of people and a good vibe (most of time) then I can at least do something. It's such a difficult thing. But you know, it can make a difference, even just having a granola bar to hand out, once in Ottawa a man who was begging near the R.C. Mall, often either drunk or sick with sun stroke, saw me on the street (not in the usual place) he was like "HI!" to me and it took me a minute to place him! But then I gave him a big "Hi" back as I understood immediately that he was happy to see someone who always said "hi" to him. I had some real lonely times in Ottawa and seriously it was the homeless that always had a minute to talk. It's something to ponder. Now I live in NJ and in a part of our town that is not yet fully gentrified and it's a lot friendlier than a town over which is, as everyone says, full of younger kids (the town is NJ town small just a mile in size or so) making big $ who are unfriendly to anyone they don't know. I found this sadly to be true; not even a hello when walking by. :( Sad, really, as this is a more lonely way to live (rich but not saying hi to neighbours). Anyway, something I think about a lot and so glad you do as well. Sometimes the people I see, esp the young woman, it just breaks my heart to see them on the Streets like that. Well, we can pray...
what beautiful thoughts, Elizabeth. Thanks so much for sharing...
welcome and thanks for providing the space here!
The Life of Saint Brigid
Yay! She is the best...
The Life of Saint Brigid
The Hidden Garden, all of them really, but I have 4 children and I often feel at a loss in teaching them how to strengthen their relationships with God, when I often struggle myself!
I read The Hidden Garden myself every Great Lent. It helps remind me of my priorities and get me in the right kind of groove. Even though the words through me, they were also written for me!
Hi, Serena. I'll reach out to you via email. Your name was chosen!
I'd love to see your book, The Suitcase. I have The Woman and the Wheat, the Man and the Vine, and the Hidden Garden in my atrium. The Suitcase would be a wonderful addition to our Atria library!
Yes, filled with tiny references to the parables! :)
I have The Suitcase, A Book of Questions, and The Life of St. Bridgid, all of which are wonderful. Of your books that I don't yet have, I think I'd most like to read Sweet Song.
The story of Saint Romanos is so inspiring. He was bullied and humiliated, but he responded in prayer--an example for us all!
The Woman and the Wheat, and the Man and the Vine. My eldest daughter is an agriculturalist and when I saw that book I had to buy it for her. She is probably the most devout of all of my children and she is very much the woman and the wheat. Her ties to the land make me cry. When she was little, she would go out into the garden with my mother and I knew that she would one day become somebody who worked with the land. She cried when I sent both of these books to her a few years ago and I am always sharing. I have not read the Hidden Garden, but that is one that I would definitely like to read.
Hi, K-Marie. Though The Man and the Vine was my first picture book published, it is definitely one of the most beloved... It's interesting how the stories are mine for a while, when I'm working on them, but at some point they take their own place in the world and then a distance develops between me and the book. It's one of my favorite things about writing.... Anyway, Hidden Garden is a gem. I hope you have a chance to read it some day. It definitely reaches a very wide readership...
I would to receive St. Brigid, Abbess of Kildare. My wife's saint is St. Brigid, and I would like our daughters (ages 7 and 4) to have a book that can teach them about the life of their mother's saint.
I'm torn between The Life of St Brigid (she is my daughter's patron saint) and Sweet Song because another daughter of mine loves to sing and I love reading books about saints with all my kids. I love learning with them. I feel like I need all of your books! Thank you so much for your generosity in this giveaway!
Thanks, Nic and Elizabeth. Reading about the saints (and Brigid is so super cool) helps me put into perspective my own desires and hopes and sadnesses. Nic, how fortunate to have Brigid as a patron for your wife and as a part of your family!
The Man & The Vine. I've been wanting to get this one and the Woman and the Wheat for years! However, for some reason, I don't own them yet. I have 5 small children (both boys and girls) and would love to read each of these stories with them as they grow. Thank you for all you do!
Yes, Stephanie! Blessings to you and your children!
The Life of St. Brigid - we’ve wanted this book for a while. We have 2 kids with Celtic patron Saints, St. Brendan & St. Patrick, and look forward to learning about more Celtic Saints.
Rachel, have you seen The Life of Saint Patrick, also illustrated by Zachary Lynch (now Father Zechariah)? It's so lovely. I know it's out of print, but I'm sure there are a few books in circulation. Definitely worth having...
We've been naming our children after British saints. :) Good thing you have boys; we've only had two, and we're already looking at a thin list. (Although I don't mind Etheldred, I'm not sure about everyone else. :) )
Jane, we have that one and even had Father Zachary sign it during mission vespers this past Lent :)
When God Made You. I have a young Andrew too and I want him to connect with the idea that his inner fire is from God.
Gloria. Yes!
Well,I have several books Lready authored by you, so I would choose ones I don't have. When God Made You, A Book of Questions, and The Suitcase.
Which one out of three, Tanya, would be your first choice? :)
A Book of Questions, When God Made You, and Sweet Song. I have made a point to read to my children (ages 9, 6, & 4) more this year, so I've been trying to get my hands on Orthodox books and books about the lives of the saints. We like going to the library, but unfortunately you can't find any books like these at the library! I specifically choose Sweet Song because everyone in my family loves to sing, but sadly I've heard some of my children poking fun at their siblings for not singing a song well or correctly. Perhaps the story of St. Romanos would be helpful. :)
Yes, pray to Saint Romanos for help! Or to the theotokos, who was his source of solace...
The Life of St. Brigid I am researching all I can about St. Brigid for a special icon. This is one of your books we don’t have and we love to share them with our grandchildren. Actually any of your books will be shared with family or kept in our little library. Thank you for writing these beautiful books. Love and blessings, Dorothy
I love you, Dorothy!
Thanks you for this offer! Saint Brigid please. I've been learning more about the Celtic Saints and following the growth of the monastery on Mull.
Oh, Amy, wouldn't it be amazing to travel to that monastery? Would you like to meet there someday for a short pilgrimage? :)
God willing! Our parish priest and some of my friends are going to that monastery for one of the pilgrimages in July. Fortunately, Father Seraphim Aldea has visited our parish, Saints Constantine and Elena in Indianapolis, twice! As for me, that travel is not in my near future, but hopefully later on; perhaps with other family members as well. :)
{I accidentally posted this within another comment.} I'm torn between The Life of St Brigid (she is my daughter's patron saint) and Sweet Song because another daughter of mine loves to sing and I love reading books about saints with all my kids. I love learning with them. I feel like I need all of your books! Thank you so much for your generosity in this giveaway!
I would love the Hidden Garden for my little family--we are about to move to a parish house with some garden space, and I'd love to connect the ideas of soul and garden for my children! Fell in love with Woman and the Wheat as a catechumen--will be ordering a copy soon!
Oh, the metaphors that tie the growing of a garden to the story of our hearts and souls and lives! I'm so happy for you that you will have some garden space. What a lovely gift. I wish all of mankind had a tiny patch of ground to grown things in...
I would love the Hidden Garden for my little family--we are about to move to a parish house with some garden space, and I'd love to connect the ideas of soul and garden for my children! Fell in love with Woman and the Wheat as a catechumen--will be ordering a copy soon!
I would love the book The Suitcase! It seems like such a heartwarming way to teach children the beauty of giving. How important this example is for our children to learn how to live the Christian life! Thank you ever so much for providing such wonderful books, especially in these times! Much love, Sophia
Love to you, Sophia! I said out loud yesterday, that being a Christian these days is quite an effort. I appreciate that we now have to actually stand and be bold, and say, yes, I believe, but it takes strength, doesn't it?
Thank you for this offer; it's so very sweet. I'd love to give 'When God Made You' to my newly-minted 4-year-old granddaughter, who is beginning to wonder about how and why she's important to God.
Wow, I get to hang out with a four-year-old today. They are the BEST! Full of observations, questions, comments, silliness. :)
I would love "A Book of Questions" for my curious children. Thank you for the giveaway!
Yes! That book is silly and fun, and helps persuade kids/adults to speak more through questions than through statements... The illustrations are adorable. If you have an epic subscription you can find it through that app for free, and I think the same is true for Amazon Kindle prime subscribers?
I'm not subscribed to either, but that's a great tip!
Hi, Phoebe. I'll reach out to you via email. You were chosen by the random number generator for a book!
The life of St. Brigid! :) My youngest daughter was named for St. Brigid, and I'd like her sister to know the story.
Yes! Another Brigid! :)
My first choice would be A Book of Questions.
Perfect!
The Woman & The Wheat would make an excellent addition to our Sunday School library.
Yes, that and The Man and the Vine are so perfect for talking about the eucharist...
Hi, Kelly. Your name was chosen. I'll reach out to you via email so I can get you a copy of The Woman and the Wheat!
Oh, there area few I don't have, but I think I'm especially eager to see the Man and the Vine. :)
The Suitcase! Because we’ve not read that one!
I would love to win a copy of St. Brigid. I have several children of my own (9 to be exact, plus one Godchild!), as well as several Sunday School children, who would enjoy this Saint's story. I like to supplement our regular Sunday School lesson plans with mini lessons about the Saint(s) commemorated for that day/week. St. Brigid is also especially significant to my family as our relatives immigrated from the UK (as recently as my own mom and uncle), and it's nice to share stories of Saints from the same region with my kids, for them to connect to.
I'd love a copy of The Hidden Garden. It is my favorite favorite picture book and I love to give it away to friends when they have their first babies. I'm unmarried myself, so no children of my own to read to, but I try to keep a copy at my house for when I babysit or have families over, until I find someone to give it away to and then I begin my hunt for my own copy again. :) But I'd really be happy to win any of these wonderful books! I hope to start up an atrium someday so I am collecting.
I hope you do start an atrium some day!
We have When God Made You, and ALL of them on our wishlist, but I think we're ready for Sweet Song or Hidden Garden. G is really into HOW she can love God and I want to nurture that!
Isn't it amazing to see life through the eyes of a child? My favorite part of being a parent...
I would like The Hidden Garden because I'm a garden putterer. I would give it to my adorable Goddaughter.
We have loved The Man and the Vine for many years, and I never got around to purchasing its companion, The Woman and the Wheat. That would be my choice should my entry be selected.
Sweet Song bc I recently joined the choir and, me being a slow learner, my children have had to listen to me practice for hours around the house. I would like to connect choir to the Theotokos and a saint to help give them a more enlightened picture of the church choir.
love this! :)
I am working on building a collection of children's books of the lives of the Saints and this would make a wonderful addition.
I'd love to have any of your books, but especially the following - The Suitcase, The Man and the Vine, The Woman and the Wheat - I give them away as gifts to kids who attend summer camp at our church. Thanks.
How lovely, Anna.
I adore all of your books, but I would love another copy of The Suitcase to send to a special little girl!
Hard to decide. Love all your books. I think I would go for The Hidden Garden for my grandchildren who LOVE books. Would make a great addition.
Ooh...how to decide? The Man and the Vine or St Brigid.
When God Made You. Thanks
Hi Jane! I'd love a copy of 'When God Made You'. I have a handful of goddaughters and now my own son (8 months) that I can share this lovely book with. Thank you for being awesome! :)
I would love to have "The Woman and the Wheat" to read to my children. I think it would be a great read while we wait for the Prosphora to rise some Saturday evening.
Your books are so special - I would love to share either The Suitcase or The Man and the Vine with my preschool Sunday school class! We're constantly reviewing Holy Communion throughout the year. "Helping Others" is a life lesson I try to mix into all my lessons - it's so important to let our little ones know that even though they are small they can help others too! Thank you for offering the give-aways!
So glad you entered, Joanna!
I have all of these fabulous books and love them all! We've just recently been reading several of them because I put them on my kids' summer reading lists (just can't stop being a teacher, I guess). I especially love When God Made You and the Hidden Garden - and if I win I'll donate them to our beautiful atrium. Love to you, Jane!
Summer reading lists are the best! John R has missed several classics so we loaded up at the library last week. The Yearling, Black Beauty, and The Giver are three that we grabbed. I'd love to hear of any middle grade novels that your big kids are especially loving... :)
Comments are now closed. There were 41 wonderful people who put their names into the hat. I wrote them all out, then numbered them, then used the random number generator on the web to choose. Numbers 21, 5, and 23 were chosen, and those names are: Phoebe, Serena, and Kelly. Thank you all for putting your name into the hat and talking to me about books! One of my favorite subjects :)
I am late as usual. Saint Thomas pray for me
I love you, Rouba!