The True Gift: A Christmas Story [Hardcover]

Patricia MacLachlan (Author), Brian Floca (Illustrator)

Book Description

All year long Lily and Liam look forward to Christmas on their grandparents' farm. It's always the perfect trip -- walking to the lilac library, trimming the tree, giving gifts. But this year, thanks to a white cow alone in the meadow, things will be different. This Christmas, Lily and Liam will find out the meaning of a true gift.

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.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4–Lily and her younger brother go to their grandparents' farm for Christmas, as always. This year something is different; White Cow is the only animal in the field. Liam, certain that she is lonely, sacrifices his beloved books to buy her a calf companion, and Lily overcomes her fear of the large animal. The simple, elegant prose tells a warm family story with a classic holiday theme. Floca's graphite and ebony pencil drawings are lush with evocative detail and perfectly complement this lovely offering.–Virginia Walter, UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies, CA END

About the Author

Patricia MacLachlan is the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb's Story; and Three Names, illustrated by Alexander Pertzoff. She lives in western Massachusetts.

Brian Floca has written and illustrated the picture books Five Trucks; the ALA Notable Children’s Book The Racecar Alphabet; and the ALA Notable Children’s Book and Robert F. Sibert Honor Book Lightship. His most recent book is Moonshot: The Flight of Apollo 11, which Kirkus Reviews described as “Breathtaking, thrilling, and perfect.” Brian has illustrated The Hinky-Pink, by Megan McDonald, also an ALA Notable Children’s Book, and several books by Avi, including the graphic novel City of Light, City of Dark and Poppy, winner of the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award. A native of Texas, Brian currently lives and works in Brooklyn, New York. You can visit him online at brianfloca.com.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers; 1 edition (October 6, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 141699081X
• ISBN-13: 978-1416990819
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #76,377 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #97 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Christmas

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Little Book, October 19, 2009

By 

Chris (Montana) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The True Gift: A Christmas Story (Hardcover)

(What's this?)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Lovely Book with Classic Sarah, Plain & Tall Style, November 13, 2009

By 

Miss Darcy (New England) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The True Gift: A Christmas Story (Hardcover)

(What's this?)

What a truly lovely story that, like Sarah, Plain and Tall, captures the relationship between brother and sister in just a few words. When Liam realizes that White Cow is all alone in the field, he will not stop until he finds her a friend. The author quickly and simply captures the goodness of children's hearts. The farm is a wonderful place, and readers will wish they, too, could make cookies and visit used bookstores (and the best thing is, when you think about it, they probably can). Highlights the joy of coming together as a family and community. Worth ten stars.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The True Gift: A Christmas Story, November 1, 2009

By 

Virginia E. Arthers (Maine) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The True Gift: A Christmas Story (Hardcover)

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.