I don’t normally review “products” on this blog.  I am making an exception this time.  I won a prize on a twitter contest and it was from Personal Child Stories.  I had NO idea what I had won, figuring it would be some kind of story book that was personalized. You know, the kind where they insert a child’s name in the story to make it appear as if the story was about them.

Was I wrong.  Personal Child Stories and the woman who run it are amazing.  My seven-year-old granddaughter’s mom was killed several years ago, and Rozie has trouble remembering her mom.  Shara (who created PCS) made the most incredible memory book for Rozie.  Even though this was a freebie - Shara put much time and attention into the creation of this treasure of a memory book. 

We had email conversations about the perfect photos and information she would include in the book.  Shara sent the format of the book to me several times for approval and tweeking, until it was perfect!  The book is durable.  Laminated and spiral bound.  It will last and last.  The workmanship was fantastic - and the book .... oh, the book itself!

My granddaughter looked at the book, tied up in a lovely blue ribbon, with delight.  She saw her own picture on the front and was amazed.  She untied the bow and carefully leafed through the pages.  “Mommy!”  The wording of the book was just right for her to be able to read.  She delighted in the pictures, oohing and ahhhhing over each new page she as she saw it.

The crowning moment came when this lovely little girl ran over to me with tears in her eyes and hugged me tightly.  She whispered in my ear in an uncharacteristically grown-up voice, “Thank you so very much.  I always wanted something like that.  It’s very important to me.  Now i can see mommy whenever I want to.  Thank you so very much.”  As the tears glistened in her eyes and she continued to hug me, she repeated over and over “Thank you so very much.”

Wow.  Her older brother wants one, too!  The amazing thing about these books is that Shara can create a book about anything!  If you have an autistic child, she can create a book of favorites, or a social story.  She has made books about counting, a child’s name, and oh so much more (and no, I am not affiliated with PCS in anyway, only an amazingly satisfied customer!).  I strongly urge you to check out her site.  If you are looking for the perfect, one-of-a-kind gift at a reasonable price, Personal Child Stories has JUST what you are looking for - and more.  Thank you Shara, for giving Rozie a gift that no one else could.