The True Gift: A Christmas Story (Hardcover)
Product Description
From one of our most beloved authors comes a brand-new holiday classic that rings in the season by celebrating the joys of family, community, and true giving.
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3 Responses
As a mom, I’ve wanted to find sweet stories to read to my children at Christmas time. Last year, we read Bear Stays Up and loved it. I just finished reading The True Gift and loved it as well. It started off very slowly and meandered its way through a sweet story about a brother and sister and a lonely cow. The little boy desires to find a friend for the lonely cow and The True Gift is the story of how he (mostly) and his sister do just that. If your children enjoy Cynthia Rylant’s books or other books by Patricia Maclachlan, then they will be sure to enjoy this one. There isn’t a lot of pictures, but there are a few. It would be a great read aloud for first and second graders.
I have found a Christmas treasure – - one that is certain to become an annual tradition in my classroom. After reading The True Gift: A Christmas Story, I purchased 4 copies as gifts for my co-teachers. In simple language, Patricia Maclachlan has given a true gift to readers of all ages. Adults and children will relate to the characters, especially the lonely cow. Keep a tissue handy. I highly recommend this title.
I have always loved Patricia MacLachlan’s work. She has written some wonderful books, and this is no exception–it is great.
Every year at Christmas, Liam and Lily go to their grandparents for Christmas. They have a certain routine, including shopping for gifts in one of the town’s two stores, going to the Lilac Library, etc. This year will be different because in Grandpa’s field stands a lone white cow. No one can exactly remember how it got there, but Liam begins to worry about it being lonely. He can’t get the cow out of his mind, and he decides to take action.
The story that unfolds is one of selfless giving. Liam will sacrifice his favorite things on earth, his books, to provide a friend for “white cow.” The lesson is clear, giving is its own reward when we put our own wants and desires aside to help others. Before long the entire town rallies to the needs of “white cow.”
The story could well be a classic, read every Christmas Eve like “The Night Befor Christmas.”
I would recommend this book for all ages and in particular shared with all family members around a warm fire, and a cup or two of hot chocolate.