The Crystal Beads, Lalka’s Journey Book Tour & Giveaway

I’m beyond thrilled to be taking part in The Crystal Beads, Lalka’s Journey Book Tour, hosted by The Children’s Book Review. Check out my review below and don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

A Star of David necklace or a rosary?

In 1939 Poland, a young girl is asked to give up one of these and accept the other without understanding why. However, what she must part with happens to be her most prized possession—a precious gift given to her by her father before he died.

The child’s mother then teaches the girl a “game” to prepare her for what is to come. As the Nazis invade the country, the mother is forced to make a heartbreaking sacrifice.

This beautifully illustrated picture book is loosely based on a true story. Although told through the eyes of a young girl, the book is written for readers of all ages. It also contains two study guides. One is for children, parents, and teachers. The other is for adults who may gather in places of worship, book clubs, and small groups. Discussion topics include themes of compassion, empathy, and diversity.

My Review

A story that will tug at your heartstrings. Based on a true story of one mother’s love. During the Holocaust being a Jew was the ultimate sin. So when a mother trades her daughter’s Star of David necklace for a Rosary and teachers her a game of how to use the Rosary, the story shows an act of love so beautiful. The mother wants to give her daughter a fighting chance, even though they shouldn’t have to change a thing about themselves. Being persecuted for one’s Faith is such a horrific act. Imagine how those kids felt and the parents doing all they could to save them. This book is definitely a great book to show kids how it was during that time. In the back of the book, there are excellent study guides and questions to ponder for both kids and adults alike. A truly touching story you won’t soon forget.

About The Author

Pat Black-Gould, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and an author. Her short stories have appeared in several literary journals and anthologies.

Many years ago, Pat heard a powerful story that haunted her until she committed it to paper. The Crystal Beads was first published in Jewish Fiction. net in 2020. The short story then won first-place honors in two writing competitions conducted by the National League of American Pen Women, Washington, D.C.

The first was an award by the Pen Women Florida State Association. She then received the Flannery O’Connor Short Story Award as part of the National Biennial Letters in Competition. Pat felt it important to bring the story to a younger audience. At that point, she rewrote it as a children’s book. She hopes that The Crystal Beads, Lalka’s Journey, will do justice to the story she once heard and carry its message to younger generations.

Pat’s writing explores topics such as compassion, tolerance, and diversity. She continues to examine these themes in her upcoming novel, Limbo of the Moon, written with her co-writer, Steve Hardiman.

Website ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ LinkedIn ~ Goodreads

And now… THE GIVEAWAY!!!

Enter for a chance to win a copy of The Crystal Beads, Lalka’s Journey!

Four (4) winners receive:

A copy of The Crystal Beads, Lalka’s Journey.

Enter Giveaway Here

Huge thanks to The Children’s Book Review and Pat for my gifted copy. To grab one for yourself click one of the links below!

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Bookshop.org

I want to thank everyone for coming by today, make sure to see what the other hosts are saying below!

Tour Schedule

Have a wonderful day friends!