The Special Smile by SF Gilbert

today I have a fun book for giveaway. I was so honored when the author contacted me about hosting her book on my blog. This book is a children's picture book The Special Smile explains how love trumps the side effects of cancer. I really want to thank the author for providing a book for this giveaway. I haven't read the book myself but the picture she provided sparked my interest and intrigued me. It looks like such a fun book. 

The Special Smile is a sweet story of the unwavering love that shines through a special smile. As medicine changes the appearance of her mother, a young child is reassured that her mother’s smile continues to convey all the love she has always known. Beautiful illustrations bring to life the daily activities shared by mother and daughter with simple text.

You may check out this book's web page here.

My daughter was five when I was diagnosed with breast cancer.   Of everything, I was most terrified that losing my hair would make me less of a mother to her.  A friend gently reminded me that my smile would not change.  So, I started to smile more.  And, it helped.  Continuing our regular routine as much as possible, we got through the days and then the months.  Happily, I'm now post treatment and feeling good.  The Special Smile shares that story in the hope that it might help others.

 

The Author has answered a few questions below about the book:

Q:  Who should read this book?  A:  The Special Smile was written to help people understand that even though looks can change, the essence of who we are does not.  It’s written both for the person going through treatment to help provide support and for the family and friends who may find it difficult to understand the changes that the treatment creates.

Q:  Is there a minimum age for the book?  A:  No, in fact, this book specifically focuses on love and routine, two key parts of a young child’s day.  It does not reference cancer or chemotherapy as those terms may be too abstract for very young children.

Q:  Is there a maximum age for the book?  A:  No, the message of understanding the essence of who we are is a universal message, not just limited to children.

Q:  Is the book based on real people?  A:  Yes, the book is based on my experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer when my daughter was five.  The daily activities represent our regular routine (and I’ve hidden my husband and daughter’s initials in the book, see if you can find them!).

Q:  Where can I purchase a copy of the book?  A:  It is available in both print and Kindle editions on Amazon.

Now how about winning a copy of this book?  I'd like to again than the author for providing me the chance to host her book on my blog and supply a copy for the giveaway.   The author is willing to mail

Hard copy of the book shipped in the U.S. or supply a Kindle edition for international so here's your chance to international blog readers.  I'm even going to give you a bonus entry if you tell me you live outside of the US.  Please be sure to answer the author's question below and provide your email address so I may contact you.  Tell me if you are a follower of my blog for a bonus also.  Shout about this giveaway linking back to it on FB, twitter or blog leave link and get 3 bonus entries.  Be sure to tell me where the shout is.  Can all be done in same comment if you'd like. A winner will be drawn on June 9th.  However, keep in mind you must answer the author's question.....

A winner will be randomly selected from those that answer this question, “Who will this book help?” 

By now I'm sure everyone has been contacted the author was so touched by all the comments she is providing everyone that commented with a copy of her book.  Now how wonderful is that.  Thank you MS Gilbert.  Everyone won this time round.  WOOHOO.