Monday, April 20, 2009

GIVEAWAY: Children's Book by Local Author & Illustrator Irene Zevgolis

UPDATE: The Randomly drawn winner is Lori M!

I was delighted to receive from local author and award-winning graphic artist Irene Zevgolis the opportunity to review her inspirational story book for children, The Dreamer and The Moon. She also included a gorgeous paperback copy for a lucky APISS reader!

The Dreamer and The Moon is "an inspirational story with a ballet theme" and my ballet-loving three year old and I both thoroughly enjoyed it. We loved rooting for Tara, the young girl protaganist that dreams of becoming an accomplished ballerina. In the story, Tara is working towards her goal in challenging classes with her friends, taught by the demanding Miss Monique who urges Tara to reach for the stars. When Tara has the chance to audition for the Children's Ballet Company, she is torn between her desire to achieve and her trepidation that she won't make it. The night before her big tryout, she has a very special visitor that inspires her to believe in herself and her power to make her dream come true.

I am impressed by the book's vibrant full-color illustrations, and it's no wonder: The Dreamer & The Moon received the 2008 American Graphic Design Award. I also appreciate the message that children should have goals and dreams, and that a combination of hard work and self-confidence is essential for them to be achieved. My daughter loves all of the ballet illustrations and dance lingo, and after we close the book she always insists on dancing around the living room to classical music from WETA 90.9. In short, it's a superb story for families to share.

But don't just take my word for it, read the raves by so many others here on Irene's website. Irene's website has those freebies moms love - coloring page printables! And if you love her original artwork, you can purchase beautiful greeting cards too.

Want a chance to win your very own copy? Leave a comment below before midnight Friday April 24 with your own or child's greatest dream, and I'll have my daughter randomly draw the winner this weekend.

The Dreamer and The Moon by Irene Zevgolis
Cost: $9.95

Graphic design by Jeannine Marie Soden of ROYGBIV Design


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