Joy is the greatest gift.

I’ve always been a very happy person and can see the positive in almost any situation. I believe that happiness is a choice. You may not be able to control what happens to you, but you can control how you react to it. I tend to find the “Negative Nellie” type of person annoying and energy draining and choose not to spend my time with them.

Since having children I find it even easier to find joy in every day things – like the dew on a blade of grass or the feel of the rain on my head as I stomp in a puddle.

Focus Friends is a mom-run company out of Colorado producing a series of children’s books and products based on characters called Focus Friends. Each of the characters created by founder and author Lisa Rey Marks is imbued with a special gift or valuable trait and the books and products provide a springboard for teaching young children to develop the positive thought patterns and emotions that will help them to live happier lives.

The debut title, Joy Is The Greatest Gift, features Joyann – a friend with the focus of creating joy. With colourful illustrations and flowing rhymes, it’s a book that captured the attention of my children and would do the same for yours. And while books are always preferred over tech toys, books with positive lessons like this are absolutely first-rate in my book.

Win it! Focus Friends is giving a copy of Joy Is The Greatest Gift away to one TOP reader. To enter, leave a comment on this post before noon MST on May 20, 2008.

Additional entries available. See contest entry information and rules.

CONTEST CLOSED – CONGRATS CINDI!

May 14th, 2008 in Books & Other Reads, Giveaway!, Random Reviews |

141 Responses to “ Joy is the greatest gift. ”

1. # 1 Kirstin Gudmundson Says:
   May 14th, 2008 at 5:32 am

   I love the concept of this series of books! I think it is a wonderful and important lesson to teach our kids, and families and friends for that matter! “What You Think, You Become” and if i can teach to think and feel joy with my children and my life i know it will radiate over my family!! Thank you for this review!

2. # 2 Betty Says:
   May 14th, 2008 at 6:33 am

   Sounds like a great book.

3. # 3 Michelle Says:
   May 14th, 2008 at 7:16 am

   Kayla loves books and I’m always on the lookout for new books; this sounds like a fun read!

   Michelle’s last blog post..Monday Miscellany

4. # 4 Tonya Keener Says:
   May 14th, 2008 at 7:31 am

   When my daughter was 5 my parents took her from me because I was an alcholic. I moved to florida 4/4/2007, the day my daughter turned 19, with 10 1/2 years sobriety, my car payed off and money saved for the move after working 2 and 3 jobs for years. If I am confindent enough to do that I’m sure confident enough to wear pink. Me and my daughter really need this trip together to catch up on all the years we missed of each others lives.

5. # 5 Karen Gonyea Says:
   May 14th, 2008 at 7:52 am

   Happy Happy Joy Joy !!

6. # 6 Linda White Says:
   May 14th, 2008 at 7:57 am

   love this book books are great!

7. # 7 emily Says:
   May 14th, 2008 at 8:25 am

   Sounds wonderful!

8. # 8 Mya Brooks Says:
   May 14th, 2008 at 8:33 am

   Really cool and looks fun!

9. # 9 Cindi Says:
   May 14th, 2008 at 8:41 am

   What a beautiful, whimsical cover the book has! I could use the joyfullness in my attitude. I enjoy children’s books. I Like how the author is taking various positive traits and turning them into delightful books! Please enter me in your contest drawing. Many thanks,Cindi

   WINNING COMMENT

10. # 10 13rubberducks Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 8:51 am

    Sounds like a good book.

11. # 11 Louise Brouillette Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 8:53 am

    What a great title!

12. # 12 Mae Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 9:09 am

    I agree, how we respond to events is completely in our control. And it is one of the most important lesson I want to teach my children.

13. # 13 charline s Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 9:19 am

    Sounds like a great book for the kids. I love books that teach and bring out the best in the kids.

14. # 14 Kathy Scott Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 9:41 am

    I would love to read this book. Thanks for the chance.

15. # 15 Desmond Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 9:52 am

    count me in!

16. # 16 Jill L Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 10:38 am

    What a great book. I believe it is possible to find joy even on the worst of days. It’s something I’m trying to teach my children.

17. # 17 Roxanne Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 10:45 am

    Thanks for the giveaway!

18. # 18 Marci Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 10:57 am

    Joy can be found everywhere all you need to do is look.

19. # 19 Julie Mead Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 11:24 am

    my son would love this book!

20. # 20 margaret herrin Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 11:36 am

    Nice prize.

21. # 21 Kristie Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 11:47 am

    This book sounds great-one that I would love to read to my little ones!

22. # 22 Sarah Fischer Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 11:59 am

    I love the positive message of this book! I always try to find the joy in everything.

    Sarah F
    Bloominwild89@yahoo.com

23. # 23 misty Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 12:03 pm

    Thanks for the opportunity.
    mistchlo[at]hughes[dot]net

    misty’s last blog post..I don’t think I will ever understand.

24. # 24 Rodney K Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 12:09 pm

    Thanks for the contest hope I win thanks.

25. # 25 Susan Smith Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 12:09 pm

    Neat book

26. # 26 Mama Zen Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 12:14 pm

    Beautiful book!

    Mama Zen’s last blog post..Thank You West Virginia!

27. # 27 Tiffany Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 12:15 pm

    Would be great addition to our library for my little girl, Rory Joy!

28. # 28 Stephanie Meng Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 12:15 pm

    I would really enjoy reading this to my children.

29. # 29 Amira Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 12:37 pm

    I would love to add this to my collection of kids books

30. # 30 Stacy Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 12:39 pm

    I would love to add to my son’s library of books.

31. # 31 Melissa Reeder Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 12:47 pm

    This book looks wonderful. I think that my girls and I would really enjoy reading it. Thanks for sharing this with us!

32. # 32 Erica G Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 12:51 pm

    Thanks for the contest. The book sounds and looks great.

33. # 33 susan varney Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 12:56 pm

    love to read to my grand children

34. # 34 Reiza Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 1:06 pm

    I just looked through the website and wow, those look really interesting. I love the colors used in the artwork.

    Reiza’s last blog post..Kids say…

35. # 35 Krystal Deblasio Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 1:08 pm

    i wanna win.

36. # 36 Andrew Gordon Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 1:45 pm

    looks like a good read

37. # 37 Elaine Rosser Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 2:54 pm

    My nephew would love this book!

38. # 38 Susan Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 3:21 pm

    this looks sweet

39. # 39 Mary @ Adventures in Mommyland Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 3:34 pm

    Great giveaway, thanks!

    Mary @ Adventures in Mommyland’s last blog post..DVD/VHS Giveaway

40. # 40 Linda Moeller Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 3:53 pm

    Looks like a great book. I’ll bet the little “princess” across the street would love it.

41. # 41 Shannon Baas Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 4:08 pm

    how fun

42. # 42 s snyder Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 5:03 pm

    This looks like an awesome children’s book! I’d love to read it to and give it to a little girl I know!

43. # 43 divrchk Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 5:03 pm

    It looks like a great book!

44. # 44 James Jenkins Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 5:23 pm

    Wow!!

45. # 45 Catherine copeland Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 5:26 pm

    this looks like a book that we could enjoy as a family

46. # 46 Julie Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 5:40 pm

    What a great book series!

    Julie’s last blog post..Update! I won the essay contest!

47. # 47 Andrea Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 6:32 pm

    This sounds like a great book!!

    Andrea’s last blog post..Recycling!!

48. # 48 Andrea Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 6:34 pm

    I also blogged about your contest here: http://www.jonathanandandrea.blogspot.com/2007/09/countless-contests.html

    Andrea’s last blog post..Recycling!!

49. # 49 Sara DeMaster Smith Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 8:16 pm

    We are always looking for books with positive messages to read to our son, and this series looks great! Even better that the first book’s main character shares the same name as one of Christian’s aunts!

50. # 50 Sara DeMaster Smith Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 8:16 pm

    I just subscribed to the RSS feed for an additional entry in this giveaway.

51. # 51 Cheryl English Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 8:46 pm

    You would bring me joy if I won this wonderful book. Thanks for the giveaway.

52. # 52 mary Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 9:17 pm

    i love finding silver linings and hope my daughters do too!

53. # 53 Sharla Says:
    May 14th, 2008 at 9:55 pm

    Until I had children this was the exact kind of person I was. I could never understand why people couldn’t just see the good and be happy! Then after my first child my post-partum just never really went away. It was so frustrating to me and I couldn’t understand what was wrong with me and why I couldn’t just be happy like I used to be. Now it is a daily battle for me but one that I will never give up on because that is the kind of attitude I want to instill in my children. Luckily I married a man that is like that and he keeps all of us on the right track as well. This book sounds wonderful!

54. # 54 Stephen Saunders Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 12:25 am

    I’m joyful =)

    Stephen Saunders’s last blog post..Here I am

55. # 55 Meredith Peters Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 2:27 am

    Happiness is the greatest gift we can give others!

56. # 56 Kari Follett Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 3:34 am

    I have three kids and I know what joy is Thank you for the giveaway!

57. # 57 Shay Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 4:37 am

    You sure do have a positive outlook on life. I really try to be positive about everything I even go as far as avoiding certain people so as not to ruin my good moods. This would be great to read to my daughter.

58. # 58 Vicky Boackle Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 5:12 am

    we love to read.

59. # 59 Michelle Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 5:16 am

    My kids would love a story like this and it would be a joy to add it to our home library.

60. # 60 Christy H. Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 6:16 am

    I would be filled with JOY if I won this book.

61. # 61 jan koontz Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 6:21 am

    just to cool

62. # 62 linda Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 6:24 am

    I’d love to win this book.

63. # 63 Ken Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 6:39 am

    This sweepstakes has been featured on Sweepstakes Advantage, http://www.sweepsadvantage.com. The Web’s Largest Directory of Free Online Sweepstakes. Good Luck to Everyone!

64. # 64 Judy Aschenbrenner Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 6:46 am

    What has it taken so long for books like this to be written? This is exactly what I want to instill in my children. Thank you for bringing them to our attention…and thanks for the giveaway!!

65. # 65 Ellie Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 7:39 am

    What a wonderful book!

66. # 66 Danielle S Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 8:14 am

    This would be a great new book to read with my kids!
    Thanks!

67. # 67 Danielle S Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 8:14 am

    Im a subscriber!
    

68. # 68 Danielle S Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 8:14 am

    Also a button holder!

69. # 69 Barbara Fox Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 9:21 am

    Looks like an uplifting book for children.

70. # 70 Beverly M Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 9:38 am

    great book series

71. # 71 Peter Orlowski Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 10:34 am

    I would like to have a shot at this book, Thanks!

72. # 72 Deanne S Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 10:58 am

    Would love to have this to read to my son….great message.

73. # 73 Linda Lansford Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 11:27 am

    looks like a book that we could enjoy

74. # 74 M.A. Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 11:30 am

    Can’t possibly knock Joy, now can we??

75. # 75 Nicole J. Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 11:46 am

    What a great idea. I absolutely agree that happiness is a choice. What a great book for our collection.

76. # 76 you da mom Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 12:15 pm

    this looks like a wonderful book. i’d love a chance to win it. thanks so much!!

77. # 77 Sylvia Belle Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 12:23 pm

    I think joy is a wonderful thing

78. # 78 D. Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 12:30 pm

    JOY-full!
    JOY-full!

79. # 79 Holly Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 1:49 pm

    What a sweet book with a powerful message for the young and young at heart.

80. # 80 Kristi Blackstone Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 2:04 pm

    cute, enter me

81. # 81 Shannon Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 3:58 pm

    I would love this book. I love to read to my son and he is my pride and joy!

82. # 82 djp Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 5:33 pm

    what a nice prize

83. # 83 Eileen Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 5:41 pm

    I think it is so important to develop a positive joyous attitude in my grand girls. I often share my favorite books with them and my grand guy.

84. # 84 Jennifer Bogart Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 7:31 pm

    This looks like a beautiful book! The illustrations just look gorgeous, I love the colours, and could use some help cultivating more joy in our home .

    Jennifer Bogart’s last blog post..Gluten Free, Corn Free Bread Machine Recipe

85. # 85 Sherry G. Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 8:04 pm

    my daughter would just love this book!

86. # 86 Tara Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 8:21 pm

    yes please!

    Tara’s last blog post..10 years ago

87. # 87 Terra Heck Says:
    May 15th, 2008 at 11:27 pm

    I’d like to win this to give to my youngest step-daughter. What a great message the book brings.

88. # 88 lorides Says:
    May 16th, 2008 at 8:22 am

    i like the title looks good

89. # 89 Kisha Geijer Says:
    May 16th, 2008 at 2:04 pm

    That sounds like an awesome book!

    Kisha Geijer’s last blog post..Live from the Yayer house, it’s a brand new computer!

90. # 90 Tom Gibson Says:
    May 16th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    Nice prize.

91. # 91 Erin Says:
    May 16th, 2008 at 4:48 pm

    I would love this to read to my daughter. She is always so excited to get a new book!

92. # 92 Becky Says:
    May 16th, 2008 at 6:50 pm

    I would love to win this for my kids.

    Becky’s last blog post..Happy Mother’s Day!

93. # 93 Burton Bathrick Says:
    May 16th, 2008 at 7:31 pm

    great

94. # 94 michelle rosborough Says:
    May 16th, 2008 at 8:42 pm

    That one colorful website

95. # 95 C. Clemens Says:
    May 16th, 2008 at 10:35 pm

    I LOVE cats, oh and i wanna win~!

96. # 96 Tiffany Says:
    May 17th, 2008 at 6:42 am

    Would love a new book to read to my kids!

97. # 97 K. Cleaver Says:
    May 17th, 2008 at 9:15 am

    My daughter loves to read and she’d enjoy this I know.

98. # 98 Lisa Fosses Says:
    May 17th, 2008 at 9:35 am

    I’d like to read this book with my daughter

99. # 99 Anthony Hedden Says:
    May 17th, 2008 at 7:09 pm

    enter me

100. # 100 Kathy Conley Says:
     May 18th, 2008 at 2:17 pm

     Wonderful story!

101. # 101 sarah woods Says:
     May 18th, 2008 at 4:59 pm

     Reading bonding time how very precious. Many Thanks SW

102. # 102 chris h Says:
     May 18th, 2008 at 9:52 pm

     love to win this

103. # 103 Jessica McGhee Says:
     May 19th, 2008 at 11:19 am

     This is a great idea!

104. # 104 sandra kao Says:
     May 19th, 2008 at 11:38 am

     i’d like to win

105. # 105 Ed Nemmers Says:
     May 19th, 2008 at 2:21 pm

     Sweet niblets!

106. # 106 Pat Connors Says:
     May 19th, 2008 at 4:18 pm

     Please count us in.

107. # 107 Elizabeth M. Says:
     May 19th, 2008 at 6:02 pm

     My sister is this type of person–she’s like sunshine. This book is wonderful!

108. # 108 C Duran Says:
     May 19th, 2008 at 7:09 pm

     This looks like a great book from a nice mom-run company!

     C Duran’s last blog post..Fast Food Freebies: Free at Taco Bell & Arby’s

109. # 109 Kathy Says:
     May 19th, 2008 at 8:01 pm

     What a great way to stay positive and joyful!

110. # 110 Christina Almond Says:
     May 19th, 2008 at 9:12 pm

     I really love the idea behind the book–great idea to use this to teach children the power of thinking positively!

111. # 111 Renee Says:
     May 19th, 2008 at 9:20 pm

     Please enter me to win. I’d love to share this with my family.

112. # 112 Sherri Siler Says:
     May 19th, 2008 at 9:30 pm

     this book looks great.

113. # 113 kiyana Says:
     May 19th, 2008 at 9:42 pm

     This will be a great book for the kids!

114. # 114 Phillip F Says:
     May 19th, 2008 at 9:56 pm

     What a neat prize. I would love to win for my daughter!

115. # 115 Manny Says:
     May 19th, 2008 at 11:10 pm

     Great prize, thank you.

116. # 116 Lara Aleff Says:
     May 19th, 2008 at 11:22 pm

     I would love to win this children’s book!

117. # 117 Charlene Kuser Says:
     May 20th, 2008 at 12:20 am

     This is what all kids need a postive outlook.I love
     she is doing this,its always good to focus on
     happiness.Would love to win this for my kids.
     Thanks for the giveaway

118. # 118 Pamela White Says:
     May 20th, 2008 at 5:17 am

     Seeing the positive is negative situations is learned. It is nice when my son verbalizes a positive. We were getting passports and waiting our turn. I had brought all the forms but after getting called we found out they had just changed forms and I would have to redo the forms. While my son was waiting he saw a wallet on a table nearby. He ran it out to the elderly woman who had left it and as he returned he said if they hadn’t changed the forms the lady would have lost her wallet and that would be very bad.

119. # 119 Jeanine Price Says:
     May 20th, 2008 at 5:33 am

     What a nice topic for a book! Thanks so much for the giveaway!!

120. # 120 Lily Kwan Says:
     May 20th, 2008 at 5:59 am

     Please enter me into the contest. Thanks!

121. # 121 Veronica Garrett Says:
     May 20th, 2008 at 7:01 am

     I would love to win this book for my granddaughter.

122. # 122 Carissa . Says:
     May 20th, 2008 at 7:19 am

     This looks like a great book.

123. # 123 Heather's Habitat Says:
     May 20th, 2008 at 8:37 am

     It’s always better to have a positive attitude and I think this book sounds great

124. # 124 Brooke Says:
     May 20th, 2008 at 10:20 am

     These are really sweet books.

125. # 125 Melanie Says:
     May 20th, 2008 at 10:26 am

     Joy really is the greatest gift.

126. # 126 Kelly Says:
     May 20th, 2008 at 1:05 pm

     Sounds like a fabulous read..thanks for offering it!

127. # 127 kathy pease Says:
     May 20th, 2008 at 2:47 pm

     please enter me

128. # 128 Janet Says:
     May 20th, 2008 at 3:00 pm

     ty 4 the great contest!:)

129. # 129 Rosanne Morrison Says:
     May 20th, 2008 at 6:28 pm

     I’d love to have this book

130. # 130 Donna Kozar Says:
     May 20th, 2008 at 7:27 pm

     My kids would really like this.

131. # 131 Timothy Sternberg Says:
     May 20th, 2008 at 7:34 pm

     I love the concept of this series of books!

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     October 3rd, 2008 at 2:20 am

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