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Gift, A

ILLUSTRATED BY
Ages: 5-8
Pages: 32
List Price: $16.95
Cover: Hardcover
Published: 9/1/2009
ISBN: 1-59078-610-6
ISBN-13: 978-1-59078-610-9
A gift has come for Amy, all the way from China. The package has arrived just in time for Chinese New Year, the most important holiday in the Chinese culture. At this time of year, it’s tradition to spend time with friends and family. Since Amy’s aunt and uncles live China, and are unable to make a new-year visit, they have sent their niece a special gift that expresses their love and their wish to keep the family together though they live far apart.

Reviews

"This is a lovely story about families and cultures staying in touch. Wonderful for lower elementary grades."
     —Booklist

"The story succeeds in evoking the importance of meaningful family relationships, especially over a distance. Quietly told, it is probably best for a child and a caregiver to read while sitting close together."
     —ForeWord

"Chen's text is spare, but, combined with his luscious watercolors, evokes a vivid portrait of rural Chinese culture. Children will find much to notice and discuss in the illustrations, both in the pictures of Amy's home ... and those of China. This is an uncomplicated introduction to the holiday and a lovely addition to most collections."
     —School Library Journal

"Chen creates an uncomplicated yet powerful narrative that embodies the gift of love and tradition that binds together a family separated by miles, but not spirit. The stunning illustrations are done in watercolor and express the beauty and simplicity with a sense of grace."
     —The Children’s Bookshelf

The October 1, 2009 issue of School Library Journal features a review of Yong Chen's A Gift. Chen's text is spare, but, combined with his luscious watercolors, evokes a vivid portrait of rural Chinese culture. Children will find much to notice and discuss in the illustrations, both in the pictures of Amy's home ... and those of China. This is an uncomplicated introduction to the holiday and a lovely addition to most collections.