Hello mamas,
It was an hour and forty five minute drive on a tuesday night with four kids but my friend Jon Goode and Big Baby Davis were worth every... I'm hungry, are we there yet? When are we going to be there? Why is it sooo long mom to get there! I'm hungry!
I of course a proud Boston Sports Fan kinda gal and mom of four was all over this! The launch party we were attending at the Lowell Beer Works was to promote the book titled Basketball with Big Baby and to raise money for a Charity called C2 Mission a charity that helps children affected by cerebral palsy and cystic fibrosis.
We made it and met Big Baby Davis! who by the way told us they WILL be bringing a Championship banner back to Boston this year!! Waaahoooo!!!!!
I caught up with the author of the book Jon Goode and put him in "The Haute Seat" here is what he had to say.........
How did the book come about? Theme?
The book idea came about as I wanted to do something different than my first one which was an actual story. As I contemplated different ideas I really liked the thought of spelling out the word "BASKETBALL" then using each letter as an adjective. I felt it was something kids and parents could relate too while also allowing fun illustrations.
How did you get to collaborate with Big Baby Davis?
I first met and talked with Big Baby before a Lowell Spinners game where he was doing an appearance on a special Celtics Night throwing autographed mini-basketballs into the crowd fans and kids could win. I showed him my first book and really loved it. When I mentioned the idea of doing one with him he was all about it and has been great to work with right from that point. He is really excited about the childrens book and has been very supportive.
What would you like our mom's to know about the books message to children?
There are many messages in the book, but my favorite messages are effort, setting goals and believing in yourself. I think those three all go hand in hand and are very important for kids to learn. It's important for kids to set goals and go after those goals, but the only way they will achieve those goals is by putting in the right effort and hard-work while believing you can achieve anything.
The book idea came about as I wanted to do something different than my first one which was an actual story. As I contemplated different ideas I really liked the thought of spelling out the word "BASKETBALL" then using each letter as an adjective. I felt it was something kids and parents could relate too while also allowing fun illustrations.
How did you get to collaborate with Big Baby Davis?
I first met and talked with Big Baby before a Lowell Spinners game where he was doing an appearance on a special Celtics Night throwing autographed mini-basketballs into the crowd fans and kids could win. I showed him my first book and really loved it. When I mentioned the idea of doing one with him he was all about it and has been great to work with right from that point. He is really excited about the childrens book and has been very supportive.
What would you like our mom's to know about the books message to children?
There are many messages in the book, but my favorite messages are effort, setting goals and believing in yourself. I think those three all go hand in hand and are very important for kids to learn. It's important for kids to set goals and go after those goals, but the only way they will achieve those goals is by putting in the right effort and hard-work while believing you can achieve anything.
Why have you chosen the C2 Mission as your Charity?
The C2 Mission is a foundation I started a few years ago to benefit children and families affected by Cerebral Palsy and Cystic Fibrosis. It's important to me on a personal level as I have CP and because of my mom I now live a normal life where people cannot tell.
When I was a baby and the time came for me to walk I had a lot of trouble walking. Finally my mom decided to take me to the doctors to find out what was wrong and I was diagnosed with having Cerebral Palsy. The doctor told my mom I would never be able to walk. My mom is my hero as she took so much time out of her life to put me through physical therapy and is the reason why I can walk and live a normal life now. All I remember is running on the beach and to me that was fun. I never realized it was physical therapy. I have since gone on to attend college on a running scholarship and have run a marathon in under three hours (2:54 to be exact). Everyday I wake up so thankful I can do things on my own from taking a shower to brushing my teeth. Now I want to be able to give back to others because of how lucky I am.
My niece Alison has Cystic Fibrosis so its a personally dream of mine that kids with CF can grow up to live a normal life like I have been able too.
Writing children's books and my job with the Spinners has allowed me to do something that has become one of my favorite things, which is tour elementary schools speaking to all the kids talking about the messages each book delivers. I might not make a difference with every child, but even if its just one it's worth it. I am able to use the Spinners, Red Sox, Celtics and the players to capture the kids attention and when I have their attention deliver positive messages. I just have so much fun speaking with the kids and interacting with them. The questions they have can be a riot.
Thanks Jon! the world could use more positive role models like you for our children. Mamas this book is fun and easy to read and really has a wonderful message about hard work, loving what you do and believing in yourself. Kate, Christina and I would highly recommend it as mom's and Proud Celtics fans! You can order a copy of the book here and you are also making a contribution to a wonderful charity. Makes a wonderful donation to your child's school or Public Library as well.
And now the Mamas would like to giveaway a copy of this book signed by the author and Big Baby Davis to one lucky fan of Three Haute Mamas. Just send us a comment on twitter, Facebook or our blog to enter . We will be choosing a winner on Monday the 20th! Good Luck!
XO Kimberly, Kate and Christina
I'd love to win this book and add it to our daughter's book collection. Having been born in Boston and lived in MA all my life, I am a big Celtics fan.
Posted by: Robin McCoy | 12/15/2010 at 06:28 PM
Who won the contest?
Posted by: Rmccoy1234 | 12/22/2010 at 12:27 PM