The True Gift
Patricia MacLachlan, Author
Brian Floca, Illustrator
Scholastic Books, Fiction, 2013
Pages: 81
Suitable for Ages: 7-11
Themes: Christmas, Farm, Animals, Cow, Gift, Family, Community
Synopsis:
Lily and Liam look forward to spending a few weeks alone at their grandparents’ farm during the holidays. Their parents arrive a few days before Christmas. The children save their money all year long to purchase gifts at the only store in town. Liam carries his money in an old sock, along with his stack of books. Lily has her stash too. It’s always the perfect trip for Liam and Lily. They love their grandmother’s cooking, walking to the lilac library, trimming the tree, and giving gifts.
When they arrive, Liam notices that White Cow is standing alone near the fence in the pasture. The donkey is missing and Liam is worried that White Cow is lonely. He talks to his grandpa, who says “it’s hard to tell about cows.” When Liam visits the cow in the barn, the cow nudges him and almost knocks him off his feet. White Cow follows Liam around the barn. He watches and waits for Liam’s visits every day.
Liam goes to the library to research cows and discovers that they are social animals. He may be right about cows feeling lonely. Liam can’t think of anything but White Cow. He and Lily come up with a plan that will make their visit different this year. This holiday, Lily and Liam will find out the meaning of a special gift that comes in different forms.
Why I like this book:
This is a heartwarming and original story for all animal lovers. Patricia MacLachlan’s signature spare and elegant prose tells a warm family story with a classic holiday theme. It is a celebration of family and community and the true meaning of giving. Brian FLoca’s full-page, detailed pencil drawings add a special touch to this holiday story.
The plot is well-paced and the chapters are short for young readers. The characters are memorable. Lily narrates the story and is a thoughtful older sister. Liam is kind and compassionate and can’t bear the thought of White Cow feeling sad. Lily is a bit afraid of White Cow’s size, but shares Liam’s wish to do something . They work well together as a team. I don’t want to give the story away, but this is such a perfect example of children making a difference in the world. And, they have others willing to help.
This is an endearing holiday classic from a wonderful storyteller. Parents will want to include The True Gift in their holiday book collection. Older children will be able to read it on their own. This is a book worth reading for both young and old alike.
Patricia MacLachlan is the celebrated author of many timeless books for young readers, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal. Her novels for young readers include Skylark, Caleb’s Story, More Perfect than the Moon, Grandfather’s Dance, Word After Word After Word, Kindred Souls, The Truth of Me, The Poet’s Dog and My Father’s Words; she is also the author of many beloved picture books, a number of which she cowrote with her daughter, Emily. She lives in Williamsburg, Massachusetts.
Greg Pattridge hosts Marvelous Middle Grade Monday posts on his wonderful Always in the Middle website. Check out the link to see all of the wonderful reviews by KidLit bloggers and authors.
*Purchased copy.
I’ve read this one! And you’re right; the book is wonderful. A perfect stocking stuffer.
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Yes, it is a perfect stocking stuffer. I love how MachLachlan tells such a beautiful story in such few words.
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I am a big fan of Patricia MacLachlan, but I didn’t know about this one. Thank you! It sounds like a wonderful holiday book.
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I have read most of what she’s written, but managed to miss this one. It is a perfect holiday read!
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I’d like this one as I spent many holidays on my Grandfather’s ranch growing up. A perfect read aloud for the classroom or at home with family. Thanks for sharing this holiday tale.
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I knew many of you had probably read this book, but it is fun to share a really good and timeless holiday story.
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I love that Liam is able to see the cow’s needs and the kids could try to help her! Sounds like a lovely Christmas story. Thanks for sharing!
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Liam is such a sensitive character. And, he continue to grow throughout the story.
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Patricia MacLachlan’s books are wonderful. Having grown up on a farm, I think this one sounds great, especially for city kids who are unfamiliar with farm life. Of course, all animal lovers will enjoy it.
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I always enjoyed visiting my great aunt/uncle’s farm. So I know the excitement. This is such a lovely story about compassion and kids making a difference. Perfect holiday read.
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This sounds like a great story for kids with the Christmas and animal themes. Both are favorites of kids. Thanks for sharing this.
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Somehow I missed this beautiful Christmas story. The animal theme is a winner.
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I think this is perfect sweet winter story for 4th and 5th grade readers.
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Animal lovers will enjoy this holiday treat.
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Thanks for this review! I want to add this one to my Christmas book collection!
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Glad I have a copy, because it is a book to be read every winter as a reminder of what the true gifts of the holidays are.
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I love MacLachlan’s books, but I haven’t read this one. Thanks for telling me about it. I will check it out.
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Yes, I was so happy to find this story. Perfect 30-minute read aloud.
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Thank you for showing us all these different books. Children’s stories touch our hearts in a special way!
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This book would make a great annual Christmas read that will encourage empathy in children. You can’t go wrong with Patricia MacLachlan! Thank you for visiting.
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When I saw your recommendation, I got this book from the library, and I’m so glad I did. What a lovely little book (although I certainly needed tissues!) Thank you, Pat!
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It is such a sweet book. Somehow I this gem earlier!
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