The True Gift

This latest book from the author of "Sarah Plain and Tall" is, in a word, wonderful.A 30 minute read, "The True Gift" is a short chapter book about a kind-hearted boy whose heart for animals impacts his sister, his family, and eventually an entire town. Compassion, kindness, love, and doing the right thing for others (both animals and people) are the themes of this gentle, beautiful book. (Even thinking about the story while I write this review is getting me a little teary!!!)I won't include any spoilers here, but will just say that this is a highly, highly recommended family Christmas tale. While it will be marketed as a children's book (and would be lovely to share at bedtime with your children), "The True Gift" is now this 41-year old woman's favorite book, bar none.Thank you, Patricia MacLachlan! And Merry Christmas!

I liked the story and the meaning. It was a little shorter than expected, though.

Great Christmas story. My kids would not let me stop reading. We read this book in one day.

We have read it every year at Christmas for years. This author's voice and the rhythm of the story are so wonderful. It is a heartwarming easy chapter book. Read alone 1st-second grade, but we read it together now even though my kids are way beyond this level. Great sketches in the book too! The message of no one should be alone at Christmas and the lengths the kids go to that ensure this are quite special. I give one away every year too.

This was a gift for my elderly Mother for Christmas, and she really liked it, so it was fine. (I read it, too, and it's a very sweet story.)

Wonderful story for any animal lover. I'm a vegan, so I found this book irresistable. It's a beautiful, simple story about the validity of life, life for all beings. Hooray for those who care for those who cannot fight for themselves! Hooray for Patricia MacLachlan!

As expected

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.

Kind of a neat little story. About the young boy thinking of other living creatures rather than himself.

Nice short story to read during the winter months, especially before Christmas, however I did find it very short for a chapter book. It was well written but simple.

I decided not to read this book to my daughter because I could not read it myself. I was going from one page to the next trying to finally find some joy in it, but in vain. This is sad story with supposed happy ending, but even that happy ending is not too happy. If you expect some joy from that book, you have to wait till last page and it is too long for me. It is supposedly the book about Christmas, but you will not find any real Christmas joy in it. This is an anti-Christmas book. Ideology in action. Very artificial plot.

Very disappointed with the book received. It’s not original paperback book. It’s print quality is same people sell books on the road. Grey shade and rough paper quality.

Got this for my Grandaughers they loved it but finnished it in half hour so size little disapointing for price but great little book for kids