Customer Reviews

The Christmas Gift / El regalo de Navidad (Spanish Edition)

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A true story from the author's childhood, this is a beautiful and moving tale told simply in both English and Spanish. My wife and I were both dabbing our eyes with handkerchiefs by the time we finished reading. The illustrations are very well done and enhance the message of the book. Highly recommended as an antidote to the typical materialist emphasis of Christmas.

I actually found this book in a barber shop. The illustrations got the attention of my 2 year old. What a find! Every parent regardless of the age of their children should read this book at bed time. It had the attention of my four children, ages 2 to 10. I actually felt like I was reading my parents, and grandparents Christmas story. I was lucky enough to not have to live my life through rough times like this. I was able to have the education that my parents and grandparents worked so hard for, but only could dream of. This story helped me remember and appreciate all they had to endure. What a story it brought me back to my roots. Only warning I have for future readers... have tissues close at hand!

This is yet another powerful children's book by Francisco Jiménez. His books, based upon his own experiences as a child of migrant farmworkers, are consistently both beautiful and instructive, heart-rending and joyous. For the vast majority of Americans who don't think about the lives of the people pick and process the food we eat, this book is a gentle, but strong reminder of the continued existance of poverty in our nation.

Once again Mr. Jimenez has presented us with the stark reality of many American children. Beautifully written and illustrated this story will touch the hearts of all who read it. The illustrations are bright, bold and in keeping with the cultural background of migratory workers. An added plus, it is presented in English and Spanish. A wonderful addition to any private collection of children's books.

I am 46 years old and was told this exact story which I lived and grew up in New Mexico. I have a hankerchief that was given to me after my mothers death in Dec.,2003 and I was told at this time that this story was told to a writter. Since my mothers death I have received this book at least 3 times.

Amparito

"The Christmas Gift" is a beautifully illustrated children's book, but all who read it will be touched by the simple message of the true meaning of Christmas. Francisco Jimenez writes this story from his own experiences with his migrant family. The beautiful full page full color plates illustrate the culture of the migrant family. This book is a wonderful addition to anyone's multi cultural library and should be in every elementary school library. The book is written in both English and Spanish. That in itself, will arouse the interest of most English speaking and Spanish speaking children but all readers are in for another real treat because they will learn and appreciate the culture of this migrant family and the things that make Christmas most meaningful -- loving others, unselfishness and appreciating the simple things in life.

Francisco Jimenez weaves a beautiful story of a very poor, almost destitute, migrant family and their son Panchito. Panchito learns that even though he will not be getting what he most wants for Christmas, he learns the true "gift" of Christmas is having his family and their williness to sacrifice for a better life. A story for all ages and ethnicties to enjoy and savor one of the true meanings of Christmas. ..Oh, and it takes place in my own hometown which made it all the more endearing..

Many Christmas books talk about wonderous gifts and fantasy that is often too commercial. This wonderful story will help children find the true meaning behind Christmas, and see that everybody does not experience Christmas in the same manner, or get every thing they want.