A few of the darling and friendly Candy Fairies from Helen Perelman's new series of chapter books.

 Just in time for Valentine’s Day, I have some sweet finds I’d like to share with you, and even some goodies to give away! I always get excited to share girl positive media  and products with our amazing Parent Community because I know you are always on the lookout for healthy, empowering items to add to your daughter’s life. When I find good stuff, especially good stuff created by women, I like to share….

I have several items to give away, so keep reading! 

Candy Fairies by Helen Perelman…..A new series of chapter books for girls. 

These darling ladies you see above are creations from the deliciously sweet series of new chapter books, Candy Fairies. Author Helen Perelman has whipped up a magical land full of sugary surprises just right for the imaginations of young girls. The stories follow the adventures of five fairy friends, a clever and get-out-of -the-castle kind of princess, and a salty old troll. A salty old troll! Helen Perelman’s stories are centered around girl characters that use their wit and talents to get themselves out of sticky situations. There were several points to these stories and illustrations that I liked: the five fairies all have different but wonderful personalities, friendship and kindness toward each other is championed, the girls rely on each other to solve problems, attributes like responsibility and telling the truth are the emphasis of the two stories I read, and by gosh, we have some precious illustrations for children that look like children.  

If you have a reader aged 6-9 years old, I think they would enjoy this series. If you have a story-lover who likes to be read aloud to, these stories will be a hit if your kiddo is good at following the dialogue of different characters. My 5 year old, Amelia, sat next to me while I read the books and flipped through the pages herself, pretending to read. I asked her what she thought about these girls, and she said they are “beautiful, glittery friends”. She is excited for me to begin reading our copy at bedtime tonight. Candy Fairies also offers a fun website for you to explore with your daughter, and offers recipes, word finds, e-cards, and coloring pages. www.candyfairies.com 

I have a copy of “Chocolate Dreams” and “Magic Hearts” with special bookmarks to give away, signed by the author. One book per winner, state your interest in the comments below with an email contact address.  

Two cards from the wonderful set "Love Yourself" by Cheryl Rainfield

 “Love Yourself” Affirmation Cards by Cheryl Rainfield 

Cheryl and I started talking on twitter one day about girls and self-esteem, and I was telling her how it hurts me, like physically in my heart, to know that so many girls out there are hurting, instead of loving, themselves. I’m a big believer in the idea “You can’t be what you can’t see”, and what I love so much about Cheryl Rainfield’s deck of affirmation cards is the way her original art reflects self-love and sisterhood. Each card in this deck of 54 has a front and back with organic art that show a diversity of beautiful women and girls. 

The cards come with phrases that all girls, and women for that matter, should adopt as truths: “I am beautiful inside and out” and “I listen to the wisdom inside me” and “I follow my dreams. They are worth believing in.” 

I think these cards are great for girls 8yo+, and are fun to hide in lunches, a birthday card being mailed to a niece, taped to your teenage daughter’s mirror, taped to a public mirror for a stranger to find, or used at home to inspire conversations, creative writing, and art projects. 

 I have one desk of “Love Yourself” cards to give away. State your interest in the comments below with an email contact address.  

One of the talented Junior vocal finalists for the Midwest Artist Network

 “2010 Junior Winners Compilation” cd by Midwest Artist Network 

Last spring I had the pleasure of being a corporate sponsor for the Midwest Artist Network’s Junior Artist Search. My contribution allowed for a scholarship to one of the contestants, and lo and behold she was one of the finalists and is featured on their amazing winner’s cd. 

The competition turned out to be all girls that year, and even included Jackie Evancho…maybe you’ve heard of her? 

I’ll be sharing an interview with you soon about the the mentorship process and songwriting skills that go into this project, because it is so important for women and girls to be creating their own media. The creative duo behind this project, Gretch and Mark Hladish, take great pride in having these girls be involved in writing, scoring, creating, and producing their own music. They truly craft these girls into experienced artists, and you can hear the authenticity in the music. 

And about this music — we listen to this cd all of the time in my car. It is powerful, right-from-the-heart, girl anthem kind of music. The cd features 11 original vocalists, all girls ages 9-17 years old, that belt out tunes you won’t mind your little gals signing along to. 

I have one copy of the “2010 Winner’s Compilation” to give away. State your interest in the comments below with an email contact address.  

Pigtail Pals Valentine's Day Package - a tee, hat, journal, school kit and gift bag!

  Pigtail Pals Valentines Day Package 

Includes a classic white tee of your choice (any design and size in stock), a ball cap, a journal, and a school kit stuffed with goodies like stickers and pencils and erasers. Includes a gift bag and tissue! 

State your interest in the comments below with an email contact address. 

So there you have it. Some girl positive goodness I wanted to share with you. Winners will be picked on February 8th, prizes mailed February 9th in time for Valentine’s Day gifts.  

Winners will be picked at random. You may enter for more than one prize, but only one prize per person. Don’t enter your cat.

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