The True Gift

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.

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.

Patricia MacLachlan writes a heartwarming story about Lily and Liam who spend Christmas on their Grandparents farm. They plan on buying presents and preparing for another exciting Christmas Day. While at their Grandparents, they meet a lonely white cow and suddenly Christmas plans begin to change. This is a wonderful little story about learning the value of selfless giving and makes for a great addition to the Christmas reading list. This would also make a nice addition to any gift basket or neighbor gift this holiday. Each year we are always looking for a new Christmas book our children can read and this one is well worth getting for the Christmas bookshelf.

Patricia MacLachlan's work is very familiar to me. I have read it aloud, taught it, used it in counseling situations, and just plain enjoyed it. The True Gift is new to me, and I hoped it would live up to high expectations. Well, it did. Heartwarming, and adding pleasure to the holiday season. Having grown up in a rural setting among kind people, I will even count it as believeable. Her concise writing is lovely, and readable by beginners. The artwork fits is perfectly. My favorite picture is of the two children counting their money, supervised by the pair of terriers. This one will be easy to share, and fit nicely in a stocking or gift basket for any age reader.

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.