Always Be A Leader Of Good With Stinky Kids! Review and #GIVEAWAY! 9/06

As the mother of three children, I am always on the lookout for kids books and movies that send a positive message. This can be more challenging than it seems! With so many so-called children's entertainment outlets sending the WRONG message to growing kids, finding products that reinforce positive values in a realistic manner is getting increasingly difficult. For example, I recently had to ban an entire television channel that is supposedly geared towards kids because its programming was beginning to affect the way my preteen thinks. He was starting to believe that a person's worth is in their material possessions and in being famous, and that nothing else would ever be good enough. The characters in these shows are also snarky, disrespectful, and sometimes downright mean. This is SO not the message I want my children being taught!

Yes, my son is a preteen. But this just goes to show that children of all ages are very impressionable, and the TV, books, and movies they are exposed to can definitely influence their thought processes...and not always in ways that a parent would like. I am a firm believer that you can never start pointing kids in the right direction too young. Whether it be please and thank you's, sharing, kindness, honesty or tolerance, these are values that are absolutely essential for a child to grow into a successful and productive adult. As a mom, my main goal is to raise children that are good people, who make the right decisions. Sure, there will be hiccups along the way. Sure, mistakes will be made. After all, kids will be kids. Childhood is one long learning process. But if kids are taught positive values from an early age, it's a process that can go much more smoothly.

That's why I was so excited when Britt Menzies, the creator and author of StinkyKids, reached out to me about reviewing her new series of books and dolls. The name “StinkyKids” comes from the phrase “little stinKers”, which Britt used to describe the innocent behavior of her two kids when they were little.

The StinkyKids characters are little stinKers who learn to make right choices through their childhood mistakes and who live by the motto “Always be a leader of good”.  StinkyKids is an innovative brand that appeals to parents for the values it represents and appeals to kids because the characters are real kids getting into real mischief.

What makes StinkyKids so special? Other than the fact that they're stinkin' adorable, these colorful characters help teach valuable life lessons. These characters are diverse, and are based off of real children. Ms. Menzies understands that kids will always get into mischief. They will always have bigger-than-life imaginations, and this can sometimes get them in trouble. But in the end, what really matters is that kids learn the skills to make the right decisions, ultimately being a Leader of Good.

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The StinkyKids series has been creating quite the buzz, too! This wonderful series has been recognized on several respected media outlets such as The Today Show, FOX News, CBS and ABC as a Parent's Top Pick! StinkyKids has also recently been adapted into a wonderful musical! So definitely keep your eyes out for the StinkyKids. I am sure you'll be seeing quite a lot of them in the future!

I received the debut book in the Stinky Kids series, "StinkyKids and the Runaway Scissors" and an adorable companion doll for my review. I absolutely loved the positive story in the book, as well as the bright, attention grabbing illustrations. I won't give the story away, since I am sure you'll want to read it for yourself, but I will say it is wonderfully written, and it's very clear that the author has a real understanding and love for children. She expects mischief and mistakes, and turns these inevitable events into positive lessons that help kids to follow their hearts and make the right choices in life. As a mom, I can feel good about that!

My family loved StinkyKids and what they stand for. In today's world, parents need all the reinforcement we can get when trying to teach our kids to always do the right thing. Outside influences can be so alluring to kids, especially when they are perceived as "cool." Unfortunately, no matter how hard we try as parents, we can't always completely shield our kids from these negative messages that are seen everywhere, every single day.  Why not counter-balance these not so positive influences with something that mirrors the good values we want our kids to be learning? StinkyKids are there to help you do just that! With the loveable, cute characters and colorful and very true to childhood stories, these wonderful books can be a valuable teaching tool that kids and parents alike are sure to enjoy! These stories are sure to elicit giggles and help build confidence as kids learn how they, too, can be a Leader of Good. As a mom, I am proud to be able to share StinkyKids with MY "little stinkers." I am confident that if you read these amazing books, you will be, too!

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BUY IT:

To learn more about StinkyKids, please visit their website.

StinkyKids donates a percentage of its profits to Books, Bears, Bonnets, Inc. (www.booksbearsbonnets.org), a charity founded in honor of Britt’s aunt who died from uterine cancer.  Books, Bears, and Bonnets, Inc. delivers gift boxes to children and adults fighting cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

You can also follow StinkyKids on Facebook and on twitter to stay on top of their latest products and promotions!

WIN IT:

One very lucky follower will receive a copy of StinkyKids and the Runaway Scissors, autographed by Britt Menzies herself! How cool is that?!

Please use this handy Rafflecopter form to enter!

This giveaway is open to US and Canadian Residents 18+ until 12:01AM EST on 9/06/2011. Winners will be chosen at random and will be announced here, tweeted, shared on Facebook, and contacted via e-mail. The winners will have 48 hours to reply and claim their prize. If I receive no response, I will be forced to draw a new winner.

***Disclosure:I received a complimentary product to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***