I was given a e-copy of Big-Hearted Charlie Runs the Mile in return for my honest review. Giveaway is for a paper-copy.
My kids love to read… like Oprah loves bread, and it totally warms this mama’s heart. One of my absolute favorite things is to incorporate activity, a lesson, or something rateable into story time… when I can, of course. Some nights are just silly stories, rhymes that are more fun than sensible and just good to fall asleep to.
But some books are like Big-Hearted Charlie Runs the Mile. This children’s picture book that teaches youth the meaning of resilience and importance of hard work. It is a lighthearted, truly inspiring and motivational book written to commemorate Krista Keating-Joseph’s son, a fallen Navy SEAL.
Charles Keating IV lost his life in Iraq. Faced with such unbearable and heart-wrenching news, Krista had two options. She could allow herself to crumble or she could channel one of the most admirable qualities of her beloved son, perseverance, and propel herself to keep Charlie’s memory alive. Without hesitation, Krista made the decision to press onward and ultimately chose to further her son’s legacy in a surprising, yet deeply meaningful way.
Krista’s Journey
She started with this picture book for children based on the inspiring true story of a young Charlie joining his school’s track team and working hard to overcome his small size as he runs against boys much bigger than him. At first, he never wins a race. But Charlie doesn’t give up and his hard work pays off. He becomes a champion on the track… and later a true hero as a U.S. Navy SEAL. As a side note- Charlie’s passing is not mentioned! Big-Hearted Charlie Runs the Mile leaves children and families with an uplifting, positive story about hard work, dedication and perseverance from someone who lived his life that way every day.
Often, I look for stories that will help show the girls they need to work hard for their goals, and embrace failure- one of the reasons I love that they come to my own road races, too! Truly, Big-Hearted Charlie Runs the Mile changes the way children think about the power of perseverance and work ethic, but also how they see themselves. The mindset of a child is one of their most powerful tools of motivation, overcoming limitations and reaching goals!
A truly wonderful story that continues to give; a portion of the proceeds from book sales will benefit the Navy SEAL Foundation and K9 for Warriors in Charlie’s honor. Krista still loves to run, as she aways has… somehow, reading this story about her son, inspiring my girls, is comforting and connecting. And I want to give that same opportunity to you!
Giveaway!
This is so wonderful! I love that this book helps teach valuable lessons, and I love that a portion of the proceeds gives back to the men and women who risk their lives for us.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle recently posted…Dover Sole topped with Cucumber Dill Beurre blanc recipe #OpenAnotherWorld
This book sounds amazing. I try to teach my kids that hard work is the only way you get anywhere in life, and I think this book could really help cement that. I think it’s a great thing that some of the proceeds go to help these two foundations.
Bill Sweeney recently posted…Dover Sole topped with Cucumber Dill Beurre blanc recipe #OpenAnotherWorld
This book sounds amazing! It is so awful to lose a child I can’t even imagine. She made a conscious effort to keep her son alive in the book form where he can continue to teach even in death. What a wonderful book.
Jeanette recently posted…Meet Ollie
This book sounds amazing. It is so terrible to lose a child, I don’t even want to imagine.
This sounds like a great book for children. All kids should know that anything is possible if you put the work in. Failing happens to all of us but we’ve got to get back up and work harder at our goals!
Love the sound of this book, what a story! Great way to teach our children an important message as well as help and give back with the purchase.
Hali @daytodayMOMents recently posted…Pocono Manor Resort & Spa in Pennsylvania
This sounds like such an inspiring story. I can imagine that the worlds come straight from the author’s heart!
This definitely sounds like an inspiring story that I would love to know more about! I couldn’t even imagine losing a child at all! Stories like these need to be shared more, especially because they come from the heart!
Victoria recently posted…Traffic Light Frozen Jello Treat
I love to give kids books for gifts. I will have to pick up a copy of Big-Hearted Charlie Runs the Mile for my friends Son. He has a birthday coming up soon.
Big-Hearted Charlie Runs the Mile sounds like a great book. I will have to get a copy to read to my kids.
This is a book I will have to check out. It is so important to foster a love of reading in our kids.
This looks like such a cute book. My kids also really love to read!
What a great book for kids! I love the theme of the book. Kids need to have positive reinforcement that they can overcome obstacles and limitations.
What a great story! I love books that will inspire my kids like this one. They need heroes like these to be examples.
I’d like the book with my son.
Very inspiring read. Definitely need more of that.
Sinisa recently posted…Back To School Hacks To Make Life Easier
I like the sound of this book, what a great way to honor his memory. I’m curious to know how it ends!
Oh, what an inspiration!!!!!
I need to find this book and order it. My oldest kids are going to high school, and they could use all of the motivation and guide to stay the course as much as possible!
Aww, love this! What an awesome book with amazing lessons. Even better that they are giving some of the money to a lovely cause.
Sarah recently posted…Letter of the Week Letter Craft! F is for Fly
That looks like a really cute book. I will have to keep that in mind when Christmas shopping.
I think my youngest son would love this story. I bet my nieces would love it too, so they can read it when they come over.
What a fantastic way to honor her son. It teaches kids about perseverance and never giving up.
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So I tried to comment on the giveaway and for some reason, I wasn’t able to type there. So I hit submit thinking that would help but it just submitted without a comment. Anyway I would actually love to share this story with both my nieces and my preschool class. I will definitely be buying a copy or two if I don’t win one in this raffle! Thank you Chelley! ❤️
You commented in the right place! Good luck!