Sparkle Box: A Gift with the Power to Change Christmas

Our 5 yo son took to this like crazy. His attention was grabbed immediately by the train the boy really wanted for Christmas. And the easy details of the story reeled him in so that he forgot all about the train til the end. He immediately wanted to use the provided sparkle box and start filling it for Jesus. I would like to get our own special box next year. I'm not much of a sparkle person - a nice rustic wood for the carpenter maybe - but I loved that it was included because you could start right away. It's folded at the back of the book. The book is beautifully illustrated and written. Our 3 yo wasn't quite ready for the meaning in it, but I expect next year he will be. They wanted to hear the story regularly because it's so enjoyable, and the drawings mesmerized them. It prompted my 5 yo to start looking out for ways he could be of service to people out in the world, from opening doors to raking leaves with our neighbor. And when we opened the box on Christmas morning, he bubbled over to hear the ones he had direct participation in. He even gave his treasured $9 savings for a fund at our church to ship donated eye equipment to a village in Africa. I can't recommend this book enough.

I just purchased this book for both my daughters to read to their children. My grandchildren, 6, 4, and 4, are ALL excited to begin the tradition of filling the Sparkle Box with "gifts to Jesus". We plan to do exactly as was described in the book, write down the good deeds we did for others during the Christmas season, put the folded papers in the Sparkle Box, and then open our boxes on Christmas Eve BEFORE we open our gifts to each other.Already (it's not even Halloween yet!), my oldest grandson has been thinking of things he can do for others so he can put a note inside the Sparkle Box.This book is a true treasure, a lovely story with beautiful artwork, and the addition of an actual SPARKLE BOX is the topping on the cake - or shall I say the "star" on the treetop?I HIGHLY recommend this delightful hardback book. I can see ourselves continuing the tradition in our family for years to come.

I heard about this book on the Christian radio station I listen to every morning. They actually read this book over the air and I knew I had to have this for my 4 year old granddaughter. This book teaches valuable lessons about helping those that are less fortunate than we are and involves a child learning this lesson. This book also contains a Sparkle Box that you put together at the back of this book. It doesn't come with a ribbon, but you can add your own if you like. I read this story to my little granddaughter and when I showed her the Sparkle Box, she immediately had to put it together and put it on her living room mantle. She loved it, even as young as she is. This serves as a reminder for her to do kind things for others. I highly recommend this book to others if you want to teach valuable lessons to the child(ren) in your life.

Update: October 2018: I just received the newly released paperback edition of The Sparkle Box and I love it! From the shiny cover to the last page- it is top quality. And to start your own family tradition, the original sized sparkle box is included as well. I can see why this book was awarded the #1 Children's Christian Book Award! The Sparkle Box just shines with it's wonderful story and beautiful illustrations. Best of all it brings to light the true meaning of Christmas!

This story is a great illustration for children and adults about giving to Jesus. Sometimes we think we aren't really doing much for Jesus. When you record everything you did to help others throughout the year, put it in the sparkle box and then read it on Christmas morning, you find you have done much more than you realized and it encourages you to do more. Children don't always see what ministries the parents are involved in and what they are supporting so it is a good influence for them. This book helped us to think differently about the volunteer work we do. We now think of it as a gift for Jesus. Our children are a little bit older. I wish we would have had this when they were young. This Sparkle Box idea can be a great family tradition. We will certainly be making it a tradition with our family.

I was very excited to purchase this book and start this tradition with my family. The book arrived, unfortunately, without the included sparkle box. On the cover of the book (and description of the order) it states the sparkle box is included. That was a bit disappointing not to have included. Great book, but that is why I am giving my order a 4 out of 5 stars.

This book was new to us this year and was loved! It stresses giving and serving others! We left our silver box out on a shelf to remind us to serve others all year— not just during the Christmas season! (All ages)

I just read this story to my church congregation as part of the Christmas program. They approved it wholeheartedly. I purchased inexpensive, sparkly treat boxes at a local craft store to give to each family. I know a number of them will use the idea in the book to make Christmas a more giving, less commercial day. I wish the author had included one "gift" to Jesus that didn't cost money, but that idea can easily be added. Perhaps her web site has some of those ideas. At any rate, the realization is driven home, without preaching, that our kindnesses to others are the best way to give gifts to Jesus.

Love this book. We read through it 4 times over the season and put our box on the mantle. The kids loved it and the pictures are so rich.

Quick delivery, good book

This story is so refreshing about doing good deeds for Christimas and not focusing on receiving gifts. The extra silver box enclosed in it, to do you your sparkle box is an excellent idea. The illustrations are so pretty, it made such a nice gift.

While pre planning for worship services during the Advent season, I saw this book advertised. My congregation love visuals and the accompanying sparkle box would present itself as a starting point for a look at gifts we have and gifts we can give to others. With excitement I read the book as soon as it arrived and I was not disappointed. My service wrote itself! I believe this book is really a book for all ages that allows you to explore the theme of gifts and the ultimate gift -the birth of the Christ Child.

Lovely little book.