The book has received wide acclaim, not only from bookstores, parents, and kids, but from newspapers around the country:

“The Nashville singer/songwriter took his first foray into those masters’ world (Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein), releasing a work of children’s literature called The One, The Only Magnificent Me, which mixes the dream-like, fanciful aesthetic of Shel Silverstein’s work with the approachable, lyrical rhyme schemes (and similarly fanciful ideas) in Dr. Seuss.” —The Tennessean

Haseltine, who just returned from a mission trip to Africa, was very gratified that so many stores around the country thought so much of his book, and then passed the credit to his two sons – Noah, age 6, and Max, age 4. “I tell them many stories at bedtime. They don’t always like them, but this one they loved. It seemed that they intuitively understood the importance of the message and the fun of the story,” he explained.

The One, The Only Magnificent Me debuted as the No. 1 children’s book on the Christian book wholesaler Spring Arbor’s Bestseller List, and was No. 2 for illustrated children’s books on the Top 100 Bestseller List at Ingram Book Group. The book features illustrations by Haseltine’s longtime friend and award-winning artist Joel Schoon Tanis.

Haseltine wrote the book to help build self-esteem in children, and hopes the book will help kids realize that they are special just for being alive. “I hope that kids can have a handle on the fact that they are special…magnificent simply because they are, not because they run fast, or ride bikes, or have the coolest toys,” he said.

He continued, “Joel and I simply love art, music, literature, and a good story, and to see our book naturally and freely connect with so many people is rewarding. I spoke with the publisher yesterday who told me a store called them and said, ‘It is a book they all love and recommend and cited one customer, who after being told about it, got out of line, went back and carefully read through it, and picked up five copies – one for her family, and four others.’ It’s pretty neat.”

Haseltine also had another wonderful story to share.

“Noah and Max did not know I had contacted a publisher and that the book was coming out, so when I received my first copy, I surprised them with it at bedtime. To paraphrase a newspaper that captured that moment, ‘It might not have been thousands of people clapping at a Jars of Clay concert, but those two little pairs of hands clapping meant more than anything.’”

The One, The Only Magnificent Me is available at all Target stores nationwide, as well as Borders, Barnes & Noble, and Christian and independent bookstores around the country. Please visit www.themagnificentme.com for further details.