A Star in the Night by Jennifer Gladen

Today we are visiting with Jennifer Gladen and her book A Star in the Night as part of the “Bounding for Books Blog Tour.”

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Before we get started, let’s see where the rest of the gang is to today.

Mayra Calvani pops in to chat with Shari Soffe at “Out of My Mind” About Books for Children.

Joy Delgado and Margot Finke talk over at Margot’s blog.

Shari Soffe can be found at Topsy Turvy Land with Donna Shepherd.

Margot Finke over at Daily News with Kim Chatel.

Donna Shepherd chats with Jennifer Gladen at Jen’s Blog.

Kim Chatel visits with Mayra Calvani at Mayra’s Secret Bookcase.

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Jennifer’s book, A Star in the Night has a very special beginning. In a time of great need, Jennifer saw how wonderful a community can be. Neighbors and friends came together and helped the Gladen family out, no strings attached.

Here is a peek into the story for you.

On a cold Christmas Eve night, David rushes from the mall to buy Mr. Rennetti’s special Christmas cookies. After visiting the store and buying the only two cookies left, David makes his way home. On the way, he has three encounters, which makes him rethink the meaning of Christmas. David faces challenges and tough decisions, even ones that Mom may not approve of. All the while a sparkling star seems to be following him. Join David on his adventurous way home.

Jennifer and Guardian Angel Publishing hope the book will be out by Christmas. So, put it on your list of ‘must buys’ for all those children on your list. You can check on it over at Guardian Angel Publishing. In the mean time, why not pop into Jennifer’s online Catholic Christian magazine, My Light Magazine? It’s full of stories, crafts and more.

So, let’s see how you can take this book beyond reading. How can you help out in your community? Below is a quick list. I’m sure you can come up with more.

Give Back to your Community

Help an elderly neighbor by:
* Taking their trash cans out each week
* Walking their dog for them when they’re sick
* Bringing them a get well card or a Happy Birthday card you made for them
* Just sit and talking with them
* Mow their lawn, rake up their leaves

When someone new moves in:
* Help your mom bake them cookies to take to them
* Get the other families/children on the block together for a welcoming party

Be a ‘big sister/brother’ to the new kid on the block:
* Show them around school
* Introduce them to your friends
* Invite them to go with you and your friends next time you go out together
* Show them around town

Bring your friend’s homework to them when they’re sick. They might not thank you, but you’ll be helping them not fall behind in their classes.

Go through your toys, books and clothes. Pick out the ones you don’t use or wear anymore that are still in decent condition. Donate them to a local shelter, either for homeless people or other cause.

There are many places you can volunteer in your community. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

* Serving at the local soup kitchen
* Helping out at the pet shelter
* Reading stories to younger children at the library
* Collecting cans for a local food drive

Okay, this list should get you started. Be creative and come up with your own ideas of how you can make a difference in the lives of your friends and neighbors by helping out.

See you back on Friday for a visit with Mayra Calvani and Crash!

posted by Joy Delgado
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