Events

Readings of The Magical Love Box have been an exciting experience. Here are some  comments from some of these events. Email Mary to schedule a reading and signing.

Angie Gehred, 1st-grade teacher; Holy Family School, Whitefish Bay, WI

“We had a wonderful class discussion and activity with Mary Reinhart, author of The Magical Love Box. She was very warm and accepting of my students and took the time to listen and validate their ideas. After discussing many pages in this beautifully illustrated story all students were invited to create their own “Magical Love Box” and think about what they might put in it that is special to them.  The children talked about their boxes for days after her presentation.”

Martha Boyle, Librarian; St. Eugene Catholic School, Fox Point, WI

“We were thrilled to host Mary Reinhart, author of The Magical Love Box, in the St. Eugene Library this week! “Miss Mary” read her book to the 2nd grade and they all loved it and her. Enthralled by the story, they had many comments and questions along the way. At the end, they received their own love boxes to make. And we are so fortunate that Mary will also return to share her wonderful story with 5K and 1st grades in the coming weeks.”

Ally Fregosa, K4 teacher; Milwaukee College Prep; Milwaukee, WI

“Thank you so much for coming and visiting our class! We loved hearing you read the story and had such a great time making our own magical love boxes. The students were excited to share their boxes with their families when they got picked up. Thanks for your time and for a really beautiful story that the students will remember.”

Julie Amberg, Head of School; Jenae McCarroll, Interim Advancement Coordinator; Cascades Academy, Bend, Oregon

“This morning we had a very special author visit us. Mary Reinhart, grandmother to CACO students Jack and James, read aloud her book The Magical Love Box. The Pre-K, Kindergarten, and 1st-grade classes truly seemed to love the story and the experience.  Mary brought props, facilitated great conversation and gave each student a template to make their own box. She was also available to sign the books and write a special message to each person.”

Kreinie and Miriam, Teachers, Mequon Jewish Preschool:

“Dear Mary,

Since meeting you and knowing your heartwarming story, The Magical Love Box, we feel that we want to build a relationship with you. We strongly connected with the meaningful concept of a love box. Our class is creating a love box for each of the children that will be graduating this year. We will present these special boxes of love to the children at the graduation ceremony. The special experience of you reading your story to the children and the seniors at the Jewish Home really touched each one of us. As we reflect on this experience, we see an opportunity to go deeper. We would like to create a book of reflections from all that were involved. What are your reflections from our time together? This means a lot to us. Thank you so much!”

Mary’s reflections on sharing The Magical Love Box with the Ovation seniors and the children of the Mequon Jewish Preschool:

Since my book was first published last October, there have been many special moments that have happened with the reading of the book and the activities surrounding the book’s theme. The experience at Ovation Jewish Home with the seniors and the children of the preschool, however, was extraordinary! The staff of the preschool had familiarized the children with the book ahead of time and engaged them in making a special tower of love boxes to present to their friends, the seniors, at Ovation. 

While I was reading the story, I realized that the message of The Magical Love Box was coming through me not from me. I am convinced that this awesome, spiritual experience is largely due to the kind and loving hearts of all those present for the reading. It has reinforced for me the power of love and the importance of kindness. It is my humble and heartfelt wish that the message that I have had the privilege of sharing continues to spread throughout our community, our country and our planet.

Jeanne Fleagle’s Reflections:

As Mary’s assistant for this project, I was so excited to participate in this inter-generational event. Research has shown the benefit of elders spending time with children, so you are certainly “forward thinking” in bringing these two groups together!

We have also found that Mary’s book appeals to adults as well as children, as it spreads a message of love, giving and receiving. Both Mary and I agreed that your idea of the preschoolers presenting the gift to the residents and sharing the project of adding to the boxes was wonderful and all seemed  to enjoy this example of bringing the story to life!!

Boswell Book Company, Amie  –  2559 N. Downer Ave.,  Milwaukee

Just Goods Gifts, Lisa  –  4451 N Oakland Ave, Shorewood

Leap of Faith Gifts, Amy  –  W64N707 Washington Ave, Cedarburg

Rainbow Sellers, Marye Beth  –  5704 W Vliet, Milwaukee

The Little Read Book, Anne  –  7603 West State Street, Wauwatosa

Woodland Pattern Book Center, Marla  –  720 E. Locust Street, Milwaukee

The Paper Merchant, Corinne – 3609 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, FL

Sage Explorers, Allison – 644 N Bank Lane, Lake Forest, IL