If you know me well, you know that I can often be found with my nose in a book. Reading allows me to learn new things, to be introduced to new ideas and concepts.

I like all kinds of books, but the books that I enjoy reading most of all tend to be the ones that ignite a passion in my soul and inspire action.

The following three books definitely fall into that category:

Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch written by Eileen Spinelli, illustrated by Paul Yalowitz (Aladdin Paperbacks, 1996)

Mr. Hatch is a balding older gentleman who works a ho-hum job at the shoelace factory. He is lonely and tired and he doesn’t smile. Then, one day, Mr. Hatch receives something in the mail – a giant heart-shaped box filled with chocolates. Attached is an anonymous message: “Somebody loves you.”

That message revolutionizes Mr. Hatch’s way of life. He dresses differently. He spends his time differently. He sees people differently. Because he is loved.

I hate to be all sappy, but I have to say: I almost cry when I read the final page of this children’s book every.single.time that I read it. The story is priceless. The illustrations are endearing. The message is inspiring. It is sure to be loved by you and your kids. A great read aloud story for all ages to enjoy together.

***Also available on Amazon for $7.99.

FIVE: Where will you be five years from today? written by Dan Zadra (Compendium Incorporated, 2009)

I have a special notebook that I carry around with me everywhere – all throughout the day. I write down my hopes, my goals, my dreams, my ideas, my ambitions. I have short-term goals and long-term goals and “impossible” goals. I have goals for today, for tomorrow, for next week, for five – ten – 20 years from now.

A few times throughout the year, my husband and I try to schedule separate days to spend alone, pray, write down our goals, reflect (preferably in nature somewhere). Then, we come back together to discuss where we are currently in life, where we want to be, WHO we want to be.

This book is PERFECT for those meditative times. If you’re looking for a book to take along with you on a retreat or to read in a quiet moment when the house is asleep, this could be it. Packed with quotes, exercises, inspiration, and white space – you’ll have plenty of room to doodle, draft, and draw your way to a fuller, richer life.

This is not a typical “read from cover-to-cover and then put on a bookshelf” book. This is a journaling book, a book to engage with and to come back to. It’s an excellent pick for days/times when you get a little “alone time” to be contemplative.

The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections written by Amanda Blake Soule, illustrated by Betsy Thompson (Trumpeter, 2008)

Written by a BLOGGER {SouleMama} and mom of three, this book’s subtitle is “simple projects and activities for you and your children.” That description is highly accurate. The book covers arts & crafts, sewing, photography, family traditions, teaching gratitude, and much more. It’s all about doing simple things to add beauty and imagination to our homes.

I came away with quite a few thoughts and ideas that I would like to try with my family: expressing daily gratitudes, hanging a bulletin board, creating an inspiration folder, using high-quality art supplies, etc.

I have to admit that I’m not quite as “crafty” as SouleMama so some of her projects are not really in my radar. That said, I DO appreciate beautiful things and I DO strive to live simply. Soule’s book gave me ideas in both of those categories…and, for that, I am truly grateful. Overall, it’s a beautiful book full of ingenuity and heavenly handmade creations. (Pssst…Madeline…this book reminds me of you).

***Also available on Amazon for $12.89.

WIN IT! There will be three winners.

• One winner will receive Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli.
• A second winner will receive FIVE: Where will you be five years from today? by Dan Zadra.
• A third winner will receive The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections by Amanda Blake Soule.

To enter, leave a comment stating which book you would most like to win and why (If you would like to win all three, please list in order of preference) on this post prior to Monday, October 19th at 11:59 p.m. (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).

*UPDATE* The winner of “Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch” is #21 jenny miller. The winner of “FIVE” is #25 Kathy Sena. The winner of “The Creative Family” is #31 Abbi. Congratulations!