Hayseed's First Race - Review and Giveaway

Today, Caballo Press of Ann Arbor sent me a children's book to review.  It's called Hayseed's First Race and is perfectly written and beautifully illustrated by Sally Schrock.  Mallory and I quickly opened the package, pulled out the book, and she climbed into my lap.  Frst, we talked about the cover and the two horses we saw.

Mallory quickly pointed out the differences in the two horses.  Hayseed is definitely different.  From his "bug-buggy eyes and long nose with the white zig-zaggy stripe" down to his "white sporty socks and rosey-red high tops", Hayseed is not your typical racehorse.  However, Hayseed's mother had always taught him to love himself for who he was and never let anyone tell him he didn't belong.  Those words play an important part in the outcome of the race and is the theme for this precious story. 

The pictures in the book are fabulous!!!  Sally Schrock does an outstanding job of illustrating the story and making it come alive.  The pictures show the emotions of the horses and the determination of Hayseed to do his very best and not give up.  It's easy to see what Hayseed is thinking and you can see his written words on paper.  Preschool children can easily follow along and "read" the story just from the pictures.

The message of the book is the best part!  Children learn the importance of perserverance and having a positive self esteem.  Hayseed teaches lessons like learning to love yourself for who you are and never giving up on yourself.  It is wonderful to see the value placed on the role of a parent, in this case a mommy, whose advice and words of wisdom are recalled and trusted.  No matter your age, everyone can relate to Hayseed in some form or fashion.  The book's author relates to Hayseed because she is deaf. 

Does this sound like a book you'd be interested in?  These books will be availale on April 14, 2010.  But you can pre-order yours HERE.  The book is only $12.47 and comes in English or Spanish versions.  A portion of the profits from books published by Caballo Press of Ann Arbor go to a non-profit organization
related to the equine industry. In this case, five percent of the profits from Hayseed's First Race will be
donated to Anna House. Anna House is an on-site child-care center for the benefit of working families at
New York-area racetracks. Anna House is located at the Belmont Park racetrack. It is the first on-site child-care center at a racetrack in the U.S. for backstretch workers.

While waiting for their book, children can visit Hayseed's website and join Hayseed's Posse!!!  Activity pages can be printed out and your child can laugh and learn with Hayseed.

I truly believe this is one of the best children's books I have ever read.  Children are precious and should be taught that they are valuable and uniquely created and designed by God.  This book is a must-have for every home with children. 

Thanks to Caballo Press of Ann Arbor, one blessed reader is going to WIN their very own copy of Hayseed's First Race!!!! 

Here's how to enter:

Mandatory Entry:  Fill out this FORM and let me know what special child in your life will receive this book if you win.

Extra Entries:  Fill out this FORM separately for each extra entry.

• 
  
  Become a public follower of Burkett Blessings via Google Friends Connect (located on the right side of my blog) - let me know you are a follower in the entry section of the form. If you're already a follower, just fill out the form and tell me you are.
• 
  
  Subscribe to Burkett Blessings via email - enter your email address in the subscribe area on the right side of my blog. Then, fill out the form and let me know that you became a subscriber. Check your email and make sure you confirm your subscription.  If you're already a subscriber, just fill out the form and tell me you are.
• 
  
  Blog about this giveaway on your own blog and link back to this post. Fill out the form 3 times and leave your blog address in the entry section.  (3 extra entries!!!)
• 
  
  Grab my button (on the right side) for your blog!  Fill out the form 2 times and leave your blog address in the entry section.  (2 extra entries!!!)
• 
  
  Browse around my blog and then fill out the form and tell me what your favorite thing is.  (Example:  Do you like the family pictures and stories, posts about earning extra money, posts about my home, posts about my crafts and sewing projects?  What would you enjoy seeing more of?)
~*~*~*~*~*~
The giveaway will end Monday, March 15th at midnight CST. A winner will be chosen via random.org and will be notified through email as well as announced on this blog. The winner will have 24 hours to respond to my email or another winner will be chosen.
Good luck!!
Many thanks to Yvette at Caballo Press of Ann Arbor for offering this incredible giveaway!!
  **I did not receive any monetary compensation for my review of this book.  I received a copy of the book for review purposes only.  The opinions expressed are my own and have not been influenced in any way.**