Gift Giving

Still trying to tie up some loose ends, holiday wise! Here's one more title I received this year that probably had the most impact on me and that I think will make kids really appreciate the giving aspect of Christmas!

Oman, Karen Boes.
Gifts of the Heart.
December 2009.
Review copy provided courtesy of: CreateSpace.

Eight grandchildren are looking forward to a visit from their distant grandparents. However, their poor grandparents face a fury of a snowstorm that leads them to arrive at their grandchildrens' house with no gifts, as all the gifts were blown away. While trying to collect the strewn gifts, these grandparents quickly realize that there are people in greater need of the gifts than their own grandchildren are, and opt to share with the grandchildren one of the most important messages of the Christmas season -the best gift is learning that giving makes hearts feel just right.

Many kids are already familiar with this concept as they are taught to share from an early age. Sharing is one way in which children are able to display their kindness towards others. The rhyming, sing-songy text will help children be almost immediately drawn to the story. Add to that, the gorgeous, yet simple illustrations, and you have a winning combination in my mind!

Learning/Reading Activities:

• While it may be too late to make much of a difference before Christmas, involve your kids in planning a Mitten, Book, Coat, Book or even Used Toy Drive. So many children in the United States and beyond today are less fortunate than your own likely are. Encourage the spirit and joy in giving by involving your child in planning a "Giving Drive." Allow them to choose what item(s) they wish to collect for the less fortunate. Even better, include them in the delivering of the goods, so they can see just how good it feels to give!
• Once the drive has been planned, perhaps you can even get some press (newspaper, television) coverage of the event to expand the efforts to ensure more of a success. Maybe your child could even write a letter to the editor of the paper, reaching out for participation in their drive!
  

If you're interested in finding out more information about any of the books reviewed or if you'd like to purchase the books, click the cover image for a link to Amazon.com.