Franklin's Christmas Gift

"Franklin loved Christmas. He could name all of Santa's reindeer. He could tie ribbons into bows and play 'Silent Night' on his recorder. Franklin liked to give presents and to receive them. But this year he couldn't decide what to give to the Christmas toy drive." -- From the book Every Decemember, Mr. Owl's students donate toys to needy families--toys that could either be brand new or gently used. This year, Franklin sifts through his toy box to select something for the holiday toy drive. He discovers some forgotten toys, like a shiny red car and a stuffed elephant. Finally, he decides that he wants to keep everything--except for a rusty truck with a missing wheel. Franklin asks his father to help him fix the truck, but his Dad tells him that it won't look new or even gently used. Franklin replies that "everything else is too special to give away". Franklin's Dad then talks to him about the importance of generosity. The next day, Franklin realizes that all his friends are giving away their FAVORITE toys--causing Franklin to re-think his selection for the toy drive. Now, he worries that he won't be able to find a toy that's special *enough*! Featuring gorgeous, colorful illustrations, Franklin's Christmas Gift is a wonderful holiday tale showing that the best gifts come from a willing heart--and that giving special gifts can generate feelings just as wonderful as those experienced when receiving them.

In "Franklin's Christmas Gift," Mr. Owl tells Franklin and his classmates that they should pick out a toy to donate to the school toy drive. Franklin gets home, but can't seem to find anything he wants to give away except an old, rusty truck. But when he starts to see what everyone else is bringing and learns how important it is, he reconsiders. Another great "Franklin" story about sharing what you have to make others happy. Featuring the same sort of warm illustrations as other books in this series and a neat character --- Franklin's Great Aunt Harriet.

As a mother of three small children, I love all of the Franklin series books. This book was particularly poignant at this time of year when children get focussed on the recieving part of their holidays. It lead us into a discussion about giving and how that can feel just as wonderful as getting. After that, my children were actually eager to participate in donating toys to our local church.