Two Books From Authors with Down Syndrome Make Heartwarming Holiday Gifts

I received product in exchange for sharing my honest opinion.

My family has always loved picture books from me reading them to my kids when they were little to them reading and looking at the pictures on their own. I have always loved how beautifully illustrated they are and how the pictures bring the story to life.

Flower Pot Press has launched two new picture books: Born to Sparkle: A Story About Achieving Your Dreams by Megan Bomgaars and illustrated by Peter John Olczyk and The Book of Hugs by Tim Harris and illustrated by Charlie Astrella. Both titles are written by authors with Down Syndrome and sure to put a smile on your face.

Born to Sparkle

Author Megan Bomgaars, who has Down syndrome, is an activist, TV personality, and entrepreneur. Inspired by Megan’s moving “Don’t Limit Me” speech, Born to Sparkle encourages young readers to dream big and work hard to make those big dreams come true. Whether you dream is to become an astronaut, firefighter, dancer, teacher, chef or anything you can imagine, you can achieve it because, just like Megan, you were born to sparkle! Never condescending or preachy, Megan’s pitch perfect story reassures, that there are no limits and anything is possible if one follows their dreams and works hard. It’s about doing your very best to make dreams happen. Be brave. Study. Learn. Practice. Ask questions. Educators and parents will revel in this uplifting, inspiring picture book with a cast of stuffed animals leading by example at each turn of the page.

Megan Bomgaars is an amazing woman who works hard to achieve her dreams every day. She starred on A&Es Emmy Award-winning and Critic’s Choice Real TV Award-winning reality television show Born this Way. Megan currently attends college and has already started her own business, starred on a TV show, and travelled the world as a public speaker. She was even invited to the White house by Michelle Obama to attend the “Beating the Odds Summit.” This is Megan’s first children’s book.

The Book of Hugs

Motivational speaker, disability advocate, and restaurateur Tim Harris’ debut picture book, Book of Hugs, publishes this September. Inspired by Tim’s love of giving big bear hugs and his restaurant that offered up hugs on the menu, this charming how-to guide inspires readers with plenty of reasons to give someone a big hug!

Colorful characters Teddy Bear Tim and his trio of energetic monkey friends share tips on delivering the very best hugs – no matter whether they are happy hugs, sad hugs, fast or slow hugs. Every type of hug is about sharing love. As the book says, “Love is the most important part!”

In our new world of pandemic etiquette and a post #MeToo era, setting and respecting boundaries and gaining consent are among the most important practices we can instill in children. Book of Hugs is an entertaining story that can lead into deeper discussions about permission and new norms.

Tim Harris is a motivational speaker, business owner, and disability advocate. He is really good at giving hugs. For a long time, Tim owned his own restaurant and he even had free hugs on the menu. They were so popular that Tim has now hugged over 75,000 people, including the president of the United States! Tim really does love hugs, mostly because he loves LOVE and that is what hugs are all about. This is Tim’s first children’s book.

On the weekend of January 21st – 23rd, Tim and his family are relaunching the Hug-a-thon. The goal is to get ONE MILLION hugs and ONE MILLION dollars in donations, all to benefit the Hearts of Joy International charity. Details are unfolding now and more will be shared in the Fall. This incredible non-profit provides life-saving heart surgery for children born with Down Syndrome. Learn more at Hearts of Joy International.

BUY IT: Check out The Book of Hugs and Born to Sparkle on Amazon.

WIN IT: (1) US winner will receive both books Born to Sparkle and The Book of Hugs

Need help entering a giveaway?  Check out my blog post for some help!

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