I am fortunate in my line of work to have met many passionate people with great ideas to help make life a little less hectic and a lot more fun for parents of young children. Many of the products I review here are the physical representation of years of hard work, lots of dreams come true, and lots and lots of heart. Today I’m excited to share with you the work of an author, and he is perhaps one of the most passionate individuals with whom I have yet to work.
The author is Steve Laible and the books he has written are part of the Stevie Tenderheart series. The books are about a little boy who thinks his bed is the greatest place on earth, and he wishes it would go with him everywhere. He has some fun adventures there just by using his imagination a little bit. The books are very fun to read and most definitely capture the attention fo my oldest (who is almost 4). They are perfect for her, because they are filled with vibrant and colorful pictures, yet the content of the books goes far beyond that of a picture book. There’s more to read, so the story is more in-depth and we have more to talk about on each page. Additionally, each book has a companion coloring book, which helps your child get even more involved with the characters in the book and the message being presented, which is that a change of heart changes everything.
Aside from the books, themselves, having a great message and being fun to read, I think the mission of the author is what sets these books apart from the rest. Steve Laible is currently working very hard to contribute Stevie Tenderheart books to the Million Pillow Pledge. This is a campaign that places dolls and books on the beds of very brave children in hospitals throughout the country, as well as any place where there’s a child who might need some encouragement. Through the Stevie Tenderheart website you can purchase materials to be directly donated to many different hospitals, or you can specify exactly where you’d like your books to be donated. Steve will ship the books you purchase absolutely free to the place in the U.S. of your choosing. And he has worked really hard to keep the cost of the books very low for you (just $4.95 each!). What a gift you can give to a child going through a tough time. Steve is passionate about this cause, and wants Stevie Tenderheart to be a beacon of happiness and hope for kids all over the nation.
Additionally, Steve has big dreams to open a camp for children called Camp Tenderheart. You can read all about the vision and plans for this facility here. Isn’t it uplifting to encounter a person in this world who is working with so much passion to help create safe and healthy spaces for children to help them thrive? I’m so inspired! And I hope you will also feel inspired to help support this dream and to introduce children you know to Stevie Tenderheart. The books are really good, and so very affordable. Click here to check out all the purchasing options and consider buying a few for children you know, as well as a few for children you don’t know but who could use a little cheering up.
Win it!: One lucky Stuff Parents Need reader will win a copy of both books (My Favorite Place to Be and Wait a Minute!)
I received complimentary books for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are strictly my own.