I Love You More … Than Chocolate: An Author Interview and a Book/CD Giveaway!

I’m pleased to announce that Susan Heim on Parenting is a stop on the blog tour for the lovely children’s book and accompanying CD, I Love You More … Than Chocolate, by Melanie Milburn. Following is an exclusive interview with an author, a video of her singing the song, and a giveaway so you can win a copy, too!

How did you get the idea for this book?
When my daughter was a little girl, I would read to her every night. This was always a very special time for us. It was a time to simply focus on her and get in some precious cuddle time. When we had finished reading, we always played the “I Love You More” game. It only had 2 rules: It had to be something that rhymed (always the teacher) and it had to be something we loved. For example, “I love you more than a day at the zoo, I love you more than the color blue,” etc. I would always end it with “Well, I love you more than … chocolate!!” My kids knew I was a chocoholic so they knew they were really, really loved. Later, the nightly ritual became a song, and then about a year and a half ago, I thought, “You know, this song would make a really sweet book.”

I understand that this book includes a CD with you singing this book as a song. Which came first -- the song or the book? [Check out the video at the end of this interview to see Melanie singing this song!]
The song came first. This is my first book, but I have been writing songs for over 20 years.

How important is it that children feel truly loved by their parents?
It is very important. Studies have shown that children need human touch and interaction to develop properly. Newborns who are not held, cuddled, and loved do not thrive. When children feel loved, they feel secure. When children feel secure, they grow in their self-confidence. When children feel confident, they grow up to be successful. When children feel loved and secure, they also grow up not feeling afraid to show their love to others.

How can parents use this book to communicate with their children?
The book is about a mom’s love for her children, but it is also about the mom’s love for chocolate. Because most children love chocolate, it is an easy way for a child to understand the meaning of love and an easy way for parents to express their love.

Do any other authors or songwriters inspire your work?
Many songwriters inspire me. I love songs that are simple and get stuck in your head. I also love songs that speak to my heart. As a preschool teacher, I love books that are fun, but also teach.

What are your future plans?
I will continue to be the Director/lead teacher at New Horizons Educational Environment for now. I also hope to write several more children’s books, and I love to travel with my amazing husband, Joe, and share my songs with children and families.

Where can we purchase your book or find more information?
You can go to my web site, www.melaniemilburn.com, to purchase my book or any of my 4 CDs. You can also purchase my book on Amazon.com, Maria’s Bookstore in Durango, Colorado, or email me!



[Email subscribers, please click on the title of this post to view the video online.]

GIVEAWAY

One lucky person will win a copy of the book and accompanying CD, I Love You More … Than Chocolate, by Melanie Milburn! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

CONTEST CLOSED. Congratulations to the winner: sandy1955!



a Rafflecopter giveaway