A couple of weeks ago, we posted about working as a blogger ambassador with ConAgra Foods and the Child Hunger Ends Here Campaign.  Ya’ll know we are all about giving….we are thrilled to have the opportunity to spread the word about a cause that is so near and dear to our hearts.

When Jamie and I were at Blissdom (a blogger’s conference) in Nashville back in February we received a copy of the children’s book “Amy Giggles” by Coy Bowles of the Zac Brown Band on behalf of ConAgra Foods and the Child Hunger Ends Here campaign.

I loved Amy Giggles, a very real story about a little girl who was determined to change her BIG LOUD laugh after kids made fun of her.  She did everything she could to conceal her laugh, yet after a while try as she might her laugh just couldn’t be contained.  Before she knew it all the effort in the world was in vain, and her Big Ole laugh came barreling out along with a change of heart.  No matter what she wouldn’t hold back anymore.  It didn’t matter if people made fun of her.  I love the last line of the book , “I like my laugh, and I’ll never hold it in again.”

How many of us can relate?  I know I do, I was the 6ft tall girl that people called Big Bird.  I hated being tall, I was so self conscious about my height that I started slouching.  As a result I’ve got terrible posture now.  Don’t get me wrong I am 100% okay with being tall now, however it took years for me to be able to accept and be comfortable in my own skin.

So what’s the deal?  How did a country music star end up writing a children’s book?  I recently had the opportunity to chat with Coy over the phone and ask him personally about his book and his involvement with the ConAgra Child Hunger Ends Here campaign.  It was really neat to hear his heart, and his passion for helping children.

Where in the world did he come up with the character, Amy Giggles?

Coy met the real life inspiration behind Amy Giggles while having dinner with a group of friends.  After he had listened to a lady huff and puff obviously trying to conceal her laugh someone finally interjected and asked why she didn’t just laugh out loud.  Coy was shocked to hear how she had changed her laugh after being made fun of as a child.  It’s crazy to think how much other people influence who we become.  Our laughter is something that is inherently who we are.  Yet, as a result of hearing a couple of kids make fun of her laugh this lady was holding back years later even as an adult.  Although it took much longer to complete the book, Coy actually wrote the story of Amy Giggles in 15 minutes. 

Why is Coy involved with the ConAgra Child Hunger Ends Here campaign?

Coy told me it was hard for him to believe that so many children could be hungry here in the USA. Although he doesn’t have any children himself, he is passionate about instilling confidence and encouraging children to achieve their dreams.  Without food, children have no hope.  When children have to worry where their next meal will come from it crushes their hope and affects their drive and zeal for life.  Coy believes that we can make a difference, that’s why he has joined ConAgra in helping spread the word about Child Hunger Ends Here. 

*A portion of the proceeds of sale of Amy Giggles will be donated to Camp Southern Ground, Inc., a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

It’s such a cute book, and I appreciate the fact that it tackles real issues that I can talk to my kids about. And…….we’ve got 5 signed copies of Amy Giggles to give away!!  Follow the instructions below, and enter to win.
[Read more...]