Mom"s Choice Award, earning the Honoring Excellence Seal of Approval Dr. Toy Best Picks Award for excellence in children"s products Tillywig Brain Child Award which recognizes exciting products that energize the mind while seamlessly blending fun and learning. THE BIGGEST AND BRIGHTEST LIGHT: The Magic of Helping Others is the Second Edition, 2013. The original book (2004) had a different sub-title (A True Story of the Heart). This new edition features a new cover and a CD of children"s songs that tells the story that gives children a real understanding of the feelings that come from giving. When six-year-old Amanda wanted to help her teacher who had a problem, she wondered what could she do? She thought of great ideas like making holiday decorations, baking cookies, and entering a contest. Through Amanda"s efforts to help her teacher, she discovered that helping someone else gave her the best feeling she ever, ever had. It was better than eating a chocolate sundae, better than opening up all the presents at her birthday party, and even better than the day she got her new wet-nosed puppy! The uniqueness of this incredibly inspiring book lies in the fact that The Biggest and Brightest Light is a true story written by Amanda"s mother and beautifully illustrated by Amanda when she was only 16 years old. This tender story, written primarily for children ages 4 through 10, will tug at the heartstrings of readers of all ages and leave them looking for opportunities to follow Amanda"s example. PRAISE "In 1996 I had the honor of lighting the Centennial Olympic Flame in Atlanta, Georgia. This is a light that is celebrated throughout the world. Just as the Olympic torch passes from person to person, over mountains and seas, may each of your acts of caring kindle a light in another to reach out and make a difference in someone"s life. It is my hope that this story, The Biggest and Brightest Light, will be the spirit that sparks that desire." ~ Muhammad Ali "The wonderful true story of Amanda Perlyn"s gift of caring is told in this charming picture book written for elementary school readers. It should be required reading for every child." ~ Michele Borba, Ed.D, author and National Educator of the Year recipient "A story not only of a child"s goodness and altruism but how a child can inspire a family and then, through this book, the world to do likewise." ~Dr. Marvin Berkowitz, author Professor of Character Education, University of Missouri, St. Louis "Charming, inspiring... The Biggest and Brightest Light ought to be required reading in every kindergarten and first grade in America!" ~ John Rosemond, columnist, author, psychologist "Amanda"s gift of caring for her teacher is a gift for us all! Her story tugs at your heart, makes you feel good and inspires children to want to help others. A beautiful experience for children and adults to share..." ~ Ellen Rosenberg, author "An education beyond the classroom that emphasizes the concept of helping others and a quintessential example of service to others... a must read for every child, parent, and educator in America!" ~Art Johnson, Ph.D." Superintendent, Palm Beach School District "A warm and fuzzy tale that gives children and adults a real understanding of the joy of giving to others." ~Editor"s Choice, South Florida Sun- Sentinel "Refreshing to see a book depart from the traditional implication of a message through characters and offer opportunities to assist this young age group in developing compassion and empathy by identifying with a real person." ~ South Florida Parenting Magazine "Beautifully written and illustrated... truly addresses compassion and charitable giving." ~Barbara Wynne, Publisher, Indy"s Child "A charming story." ~Colin L. Powell "Deeply impressed by the story and your dedication to kids and character development." ~Marvin Berkowitz, Ph.D., Sanford N. McDonnell Professor of Character Education, St. Louis, MO "Out of all the gifts I received for being teacher of the year, yours was the most special." ~Sally Murphy, Bradford County Teacher of the Year, FL "This heartwarming book is a beautiful and true story that will inspire parents and children alike. It is an effective tool in helping children to understand how to help others. It is rare to find a book such as this that appeals to all generations and it will definitely become a treasured gem in any child"s book collection." ~ Katie Cooper, mother, London, England "Cleverly written children"s book full of teachable moments... gentle and heart-warming. Parents, teachers, and other professionals working with children will find this book to be a useful tool for facilitating discussions about the value of giving and other important life lessons." ~ Dr. Rick Brodsky, child psychologist, NY