BORN TO SPARKLE
A Story about Achieving Your Dreams
By: Megan Bomgaars
Illustrated by: Pete Olczyk
Published: September 7, 2021
Publisher: Flowerpot Press
Megan Bomgaars is a leader in the Down Syndrome community. A 2013 school project led to her launching her career as a Down syndrome activist, creating a film called “Don’t Limit Me”, public speaking all over the world, and now writing this book to encourage kids to follow their dreams.
BORN TO SPARKLE actually sparkles with glitter on the cover. The advice in the book is simple, dream big, share your sparkle (your personality), and work hard. You can dream of being a firefighter, a dancer, a doctor, a teacher, or a chef. You can be anything you want, anything is possible.
“Dreams are not like wishes.
You can’t just wish upon a star and then wait.
Dreams are about working hard and doing your best to make them happen.”
Megan Bomgaars, BORN TO SPARKLE
I really love that Megan chose to teach young kids that it is important to dream, but dreams are different from wishes. Dreams are something to achieve and to do that you need to work hard and, of course, show your sparkle.
The characters in the story are like stuffed animals and young kids will find them adorable. The animals take on the uniforms of the specific dreams, like a chef or astronaut or artist and the short phrase text helps kids take in the simple but important advice like “Anything is possible”, “Don’t limit yourself” and “You can sparkle”.
BORN TO SPARKLE is an adorable way to start teaching your child that they can be anything they want to be by working hard, setting a goal, and throwing in a bit of sparkle. Nothing is impossible. October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month and if you know a child with Down syndrome, this book would make a perfect gift for them!
Check out this fun interview with Megan Bomgaars:
Megan Bomgaars is an amazing woman who works hard to achieve her dreams every day. Megan currently attends college and has already started her own business, starred on a TV show, and traveled the world as a public speaker. She was even invited to the White House! Megan wants you to know that you were born to sparkle just like her! This is her first children’s book. You can follow Megan on Instagram, HERE.
Pete Olcyzk was born in Manchester. He studied art foundation at Manchester Metropolitan University and then illustration at Stockport College. He uses his own experiences and memories to put himself in the mind and shoes of a child when he illustrates, as well as being greatly influenced by stories, music, and nature. He currently lives in the Highlands of Scotland with his wife and two young children.
To purchase a copy of BORN TO SPARKLE, click the photo below:
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Thanks to the publisher for sending a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. This review is my honest opinion. If you choose to make a purchase through the above links, I may receive a small commission without you having to pay a cent more for your purchase.
Posted Under Book Review, Children's books, Down Syndrome, dreams, Megan Bomgaars, Pete Olczyk, self esteem