Cooper and Me - Book Review and Giveaway

Recently, I was given the opportunity to review a children's picture book, both written ( actually co-written with her mom) and illustrated by an 11 year old girl. I firmly believe that we should be inspiring our children to live life to the fullest and to pursue with great fervor what God has called them to do. With that in mind, I was excited to see the creation this bright young girl has come up with.

Before I give you my take on this book, I want to give you the official word from the publishers;

"Cooper and Me was illustrated by 11-year-old Alexa Peters and co-written with her mother, Monique Peters.  The idea was inspired by Alexa's own experiences on her first day of school.  A talented young artist and writer, Alexa wanted to give back to others in a meaningful way through her art.  Starting at a very young age, Alexa created illustrated stories about her daily experiences, and from the pages of her sketchbooks came the idea for her first book, Cooper and Me.

Through rhythmic verses, Cooper and Me tells the story of a young girl who is nervous as her first day of school approaches.  She is frightened about leaving home and doesn't want to go without her best friend, her dog Cooper. Fortunately her mother finds the perfect solution to help the little girl overcome her fears – a small replica of her beloved pet she can take to school with her.  In Cooper and Me, the story of a child’s fears about starting school has evolved into a timeless tale about overcoming separation anxiety and trying new things – basic emotions all people experience throughout their lives – but this time, written by a child, for children.

The story behind Cooper and Me also offers an inspiring example of families working together to help others.  In addition to helping young children gain emotional resilience and confidence through their books, Alexa and mom Monique wanted to go beyond that to help less fortunate kids.  Their search for an organization to which they could donate a portion of the proceeds from the Cooper and Me book led to a charitable alliance with the Happy Hearts Fund, founded and run by Petra Nemcova, the supermodel who was directly affected by the tsunami in Thailand. Happy Hearts improves children’s lives through education and sustainable programs in natural disaster areas."

What is the Creative Learners take?

Cooper and Me is a sweet story , that would definitely speak to the child who is apprehensive about starting school. However, it would also speak to any child about to start out on anything unfamiliar. Perhaps camp, or their first overnight trip, etc.. My children are too old for picture books, however, another reason why I thought reviewing this book would be fun, is that my 12 year old loves to draw. And considering this book was illustrated by an 11 year old, I thought this might serve as inspiration. And it has! She has been seen, more often than before, with pad and paper in her hand, sketching to her hearts desire!

Even if your child does not have to itch to be an artist, I think simply seeing that another child has accomplished their goal, can inspire our children to reach for theirs!

If you have a little one in your family, this cute little story would be a wonderful addition to their library. BONUS: in the back of the book, there are learning pages! There is a page where the child can fill in the blanks, telling us all about their first day of school. As well as, several more pages with lessons to be gleaned from the story, that will help extend learning and conversation between parent and child! On the back cover, they even have included a free Cooper and Me Theme song download!

Now here is the good news for you and your little one! I have a copy of Cooper and Me to give away! Here is how you enter:



Like the Cooper and Me  Facebook Page - 1 entry

Leave a comment, tell me about the child you would like to give this book to. How old are they, and why you think they would enjoy it! - 1 entry!

Blog about this giveaway - leave link in comments - 1 entry

Tweet about this giveaway - leave link in comments - 1 entry

Share about this giveaway on Facebook - leave link in comments - 1 entry

Follow this blog - you can choose to follow in more than one way.. Blog Frog, Networked Blogs, Google Friend Connect - 1 entry per method ( leave 1 entry per method in comments)

Follow this Blog Page on Facebook - leave username in comments - 2 entries

Contest will close on Thursday October 20th 10 pm ( Pacific).






Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services
mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I
only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255:
"Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

No Purchase Necessary, entrants must be 18 years or older.