Hallmark Recordable Storybook and Giveaway!

**I recently received a recordable storybook from Hallmark to review and keep. I was not paid for this review, nor do I represent Hallmark, Inc. As always, these are my genuine thoughts on the subject...

I LOVE me some illustrated children's books. Big time. I can remember my favorite storybooks as a child, and what is most memorable is the voice who read them to me. I can still remember my Meemaw reading a story about a cat...who always got into trouble...and I'd find the cat hiding somewhere on the page. I loved the sound of her voice. She passed away very suddenly when I was 5. It's amazing how much little minds can remember...

Someone once told me that parents should add new books to their children's collection as often as they get new clothes. It's completely true when you think about it. Their little spongy minds are constantly ready for new adventures and stories. And they love hearing you read.

I recently had the opportunity to talk with some sweet, friendly people who represented Hallmark at Blissdom conference 2011. One of the things that stuck out in my mind about their company is that they sent us a recordable storybook in the mail about a week before we left to attend the conference. The premise was that we would record the storybook and leave it behind for our kiddos while we were away. *Tears*

Needless to say, Titus loved his storybook and hearing my voice before bedtime. He told the book (my voice) "I love you". It meant so much to him and especially to me, that Hallmark actually did care enough to "send the very best"... ;)

Well, Hallmark has recently expanded their recordable storybook titles to include some amazing classics. They recently sent me the newest, Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown. What a perfect addition. Good job, Hallmark. Other titles include Guess How Much I Love You and Counting Kisses.

The storybook is super simple to record. You actually record each page separately, and when you're satisfied with the whole recorded book, you flip a switch within the battery compartment to save the recording....even when you have to change the batteries down the road, your recording will be intact. There is also a video demo here. When you're ready to "read" the book, simply turn each page and listen to the recording. It operates by light sensors. There is a series of small holes near the spine of each page, which triggers the recording. We have noticed that it has to be pretty bright in the room for the sensor to work, so we keep the dimmer on high during the bedtime story for this book.

I can think of a million ways to give one of these as a gift, and my plan for our new book is to have my mom record the story for our boys as a keepsake. Priceless.

Well, Hallmark thought you might want to have a recordable copy of Goodnight Moon for YOUR collection! I will be giving away one copy to a lucky blog reader, which I will choose at random on Friday, March 4th.

Here is how you can have 4 chances to win: (leave a separate comment for each opportunity you choose below, and make sure I have your email address to contact you if you win)

1. Comment here with your favorite children's book title and who you would have record it (living or deceased)

2. Become a Creative Juices of Ariel blog follower and let me know you are!

3. Update your facebook status to say "I would love to WIN a Hallmark Recordable Storybook at The Creative Juices of Ariel blog! http://tinyurl.com/4sgc9c3 "

4. Follow me on Twitter @CreativeAriel and Tweet the following: " I would LOVE to win a Recordable Storybook from @CreativeAriel and @HallmarkPR http://tinyurl.com/4sgc9c3 "