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The True Gift
Experience the magic of authentic giving in this holiday classic from the Newbery Award–winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall.All year long Lily and Liam look forward to the holidays at their grandparents’ farm. It’s always the perfect trip: walking to the lilac library, trimming the tree, giving gifts. But this year, thanks to a white cow alone in the meadow, things will be different. This holiday, Lily and Liam will find out the meaning of a special gift.
This holiday classic from a beloved author rings in the season by celebrating the joys of family, community, and true giving.
This holiday classic from a beloved author rings in the season by celebrating the joys of family, community, and true giving.
112 pages, Paperback
First published October 6, 2009
35 people are currently reading
815 people want to read
About the author
Patricia MacLachlan
125 books807 followersPatricia MacLachlan was born on the prairie, and always carried a small bag of prairie dirt with her wherever she went to remind her of what she knew first. She was the author of many well-loved novels and picture books, including Sarah, Plain and Tall, winner of the Newbery Medal; its sequels, Skylark and Caleb's Story; and Three Names, illustrated by Mike Wimmer. She lived in western Massachusetts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
September 6, 2024
"Tis better to give than to receive" is a familiar refrain emphasized in Christmas themed reads. The selfless giving in this short story may surprise you with its unusual recipient, although Liam's single-minded focus just might cause you to view things in new and different ways. The determination, kindness, and compassion will warm your heart and when you realize how the gift impacts others in a positive way too, that warmth explodes into deep emotion, respect, and love.
December 10, 2021
’Liam and I sit on the backseat of Pap’s old car. The car heater isn’t working, so Liam and I share a blanket. We can see our breath in the air.
“How many books did you bring?” whispers Liam.
Liam and I share a worry. Our school closes for ten days, and we’re going to Grandpa and Gran’s house. We always go there in December, waiting for Christmas and Mama and Papa to come Christmas Day.We worry about not taking as many books as we’ll need.’
Lily lets him know she brought fifteen. Liam brought thirty-seven. When she laughs, he tells her not to worry and reminds her that if they run out, there’s the local stone library that always smells of lilacs.
When they arrive, Liam realizes that Rosey the donkey wasn’t out with White Cow. Grandma tells him that now she has the whole meadow to herself, Liam quietly comments that maybe that isn’t good enough, and when Grandpa lets him know that White Cow isn’t eating as well as before, Liam begins to plan a way to find a friend for White Cow.
With simple, lovely prose MacLachlan’s story is shared with some charming graphite and ebony pencil illustrations that add to this story of the true meaning of Christmas, of a child who sacrifices his own treasures to bring happiness into the life of another.
Aimed at ages 7-10 years, this is best shared by parents reading it together with their children, snuggled up together.
January 1, 2023
Is it cheating to read a children's book on the last day of the year? I dont think so. I read children's book sometimes because I love them. This lovely book features two siblings who like to read books ( I am sold). In fact, they pack a bunch of books for their Christmas vacation attheir grandparents. Also, equally important, you have white cow and brown cow which help deliver in the message for a true Christmas gift. I love this children's book. Universal truths never get old.
March 2, 2023
Oh my goodness this was a nice surprise. I was in the car today and had a bit of a drive. I wanted something holidayish. Clicked on the library app on my phone and did a "browse" of the holiday books being offered. This one came up. I was not familiar with it. BUT....I love me some Patricia (Sarah Plain and Tall) MacLachlan. Yes. I do. So I nabbed it thinking I could not go wrong.
And I didn't. A sweet read. Noticing "White Cow" on the cover also was a hint I would like this little book. White Cow quickly becomes a primary character (for me). She needs a friend. She is lonely since her friend donkey left. The book also slips in some age appropriate dialogue about farming and slaughter of animals for food. Very sensitively covered and I hope Ms. MacLachlan is on the side of a vegetarian like myself. It was touching how the kids recognized a farm animal could be lonely and might need a companion. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend. I listened for free, but actually want to purchase the hard copy to share the story with students. I read in the reviews there are some wonderful illustrations in it.
And I didn't. A sweet read. Noticing "White Cow" on the cover also was a hint I would like this little book. White Cow quickly becomes a primary character (for me). She needs a friend. She is lonely since her friend donkey left. The book also slips in some age appropriate dialogue about farming and slaughter of animals for food. Very sensitively covered and I hope Ms. MacLachlan is on the side of a vegetarian like myself. It was touching how the kids recognized a farm animal could be lonely and might need a companion. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend. I listened for free, but actually want to purchase the hard copy to share the story with students. I read in the reviews there are some wonderful illustrations in it.
November 17, 2022
Patricia MacLachlan is a wonderful author. I actually didn't like the story, but I finished reading it through to the end because of her great story-telling; she has an incredible knack for sucking you in.
The story: A title like "The True Gift" shouldn't be bestowed on a story that is devoted to a cow. I'm not an animal person to begin with, but having such a strong emphasis on a cow, and making that cow not lonely for Christmas, is pretty ridiculous. I wish it would have been an old man or woman, a stranger or some *person* that the children, grandparents and neighbors helped to give a meaningful gift to. Then that would have truly been a "true gift."
Ages: 6+
Cleanliness: A girl gets mad at her brother three, short times - she quickly repents each time. "You dumb boy!" is said.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
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The story: A title like "The True Gift" shouldn't be bestowed on a story that is devoted to a cow. I'm not an animal person to begin with, but having such a strong emphasis on a cow, and making that cow not lonely for Christmas, is pretty ridiculous. I wish it would have been an old man or woman, a stranger or some *person* that the children, grandparents and neighbors helped to give a meaningful gift to. Then that would have truly been a "true gift."
Ages: 6+
Cleanliness: A girl gets mad at her brother three, short times - she quickly repents each time. "You dumb boy!" is said.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
December 26, 2011
A brother and sister go to stay with their grandparents for Christmas, just like always. But, this year, their grandparents' cow, White Cow, is all alone in the field because the donkey who used to graze with her has gone back to her family. Young Liam feels a connection with White Cow and senses that she is lonely and he wants to do something to help her. Even if it means spending less time at the beautiful "Lilac Library" (where the children usually love to go during the Christmas holiday), even if it means giving up the money the children earned to buy Christmas presents... At first, big sister is not a fan of this plan. After all, White Cow is "just a cow!" But fear is her motivator, and when she really spends some time with White Cow, she begins to sense why Liam loves her so much. Perhaps White Cow is just as deserving of a Merry Christmas, and something to love, as everyone else.
I must say I wasn't quite as emotionally involved in this as I expected to be, though perhaps that's because I took it to read while watching my husband and his friend play tennis so my attention was slightly divided. Thus, I'll bump this up to four stars and give it the benefit of the doubt. I really love the message of the story. On a personal level, as someone who has chosen to be vegan for the ethical/animal rights reasons, it really resonated with me. I appreciate that the message isn't too overt, and I think it would appeal to non-vegans, as well. Though, parents in non-vegan families might want to first consider if they want to address some of the issues that might come up after a child reads this book (for example, one of the neighbor's calves, whom the son loves, is sold for slaughter--there is a happy ending, thank goodness, but the book does bring to mind the fact that an animal that is alive and well-loved could end up on someone's dinner table, and this might not be a comfortable conversation for all families, especially around the holidays.)
I must say I wasn't quite as emotionally involved in this as I expected to be, though perhaps that's because I took it to read while watching my husband and his friend play tennis so my attention was slightly divided. Thus, I'll bump this up to four stars and give it the benefit of the doubt. I really love the message of the story. On a personal level, as someone who has chosen to be vegan for the ethical/animal rights reasons, it really resonated with me. I appreciate that the message isn't too overt, and I think it would appeal to non-vegans, as well. Though, parents in non-vegan families might want to first consider if they want to address some of the issues that might come up after a child reads this book (for example, one of the neighbor's calves, whom the son loves, is sold for slaughter--there is a happy ending, thank goodness, but the book does bring to mind the fact that an animal that is alive and well-loved could end up on someone's dinner table, and this might not be a comfortable conversation for all families, especially around the holidays.)
December 2, 2018
When Lily and her younger brother Liam go to stay with their grandparents during the week leading up to Christmas - a yearly tradition in their family - they expect another delightful visit, full of the joy of spending time with loved ones, visiting the local "lilac" library (so named because it always smells of lilacs), decorating the house and tree, and selecting gifts at the local shops. Things don't go quite as planned however, when Liam - sensitive and very stubborn - decides that something must be done about White Cow, now the sole resident of their grandparents' adjacent field, after the departure of her only companion, Rosie the donkey. Convinced that White Cow is lonely, and bolstered by his research, which indicates that cows are social animals, Liam sets out to find a companion for the solitary cow, eventually winning over the reluctant Lily to his cause...
This brief chapter-book by the author of the Newbery Medal winner Sarah, Plain and Tall is an engaging holiday story, one which highlights the emotional lives of animals, and emphasizes our responsibility to care for the creatures in our charge. I can't think of another story for children which imparts this message using livestock animals, rather than pets, and think it would be especially appealing - for this reason - for vegetarian children, and for readers particularly interested in the welfare of farm animals. For those young readers who are not, parents should probably expect questions about where meat comes from, and how the animals in question were treated. I know I was thinking about it, while reading The True Gift.
This brief chapter-book by the author of the Newbery Medal winner Sarah, Plain and Tall is an engaging holiday story, one which highlights the emotional lives of animals, and emphasizes our responsibility to care for the creatures in our charge. I can't think of another story for children which imparts this message using livestock animals, rather than pets, and think it would be especially appealing - for this reason - for vegetarian children, and for readers particularly interested in the welfare of farm animals. For those young readers who are not, parents should probably expect questions about where meat comes from, and how the animals in question were treated. I know I was thinking about it, while reading The True Gift.
November 19, 2019
While I really like “Sarah, Plain and Tall,” this book wasn’t as good. I still enjoyed it, but it didn’t rank in my want-to-read-again-each-Christmas stack.
It’s told in first person by one of the main characters, Lily. The focus of this story is on helping a cow not be lonely for Christmas. I know my nephew will enjoy it as he loves any and all animals. There really isn’t much about Christmas except some decorations and talk about getting presents. I did like the idea of the children getting to spend the week before Christmas at their grandparent’s home in a very small town. And can I visit the Already Read Books store? The few illustrations were beautiful.
It’s told in first person by one of the main characters, Lily. The focus of this story is on helping a cow not be lonely for Christmas. I know my nephew will enjoy it as he loves any and all animals. There really isn’t much about Christmas except some decorations and talk about getting presents. I did like the idea of the children getting to spend the week before Christmas at their grandparent’s home in a very small town. And can I visit the Already Read Books store? The few illustrations were beautiful.
November 8, 2017
Patricia MacLachlan is a beautiful writer. I’ll read anything she has written!
December 31, 2019
This was a sweet book but I felt the plot was a bit slow and it just didn't feel like fantastic writing. Having said that, after I read it to my seven year old, she immediately read it again to herself so she must have liked it. I read a lot of children's books but this wasn't one of my favourites.
December 4, 2019
A sweet, short Christmas book. Would definitely recommend.
December 2, 2024
I read this book with K last Christmas, but, since it has cows, I imagine this will be one of her Christmas read-alouds until the end of time or she finds a new obsession, whichever comes first.
Update, 12/9/20:
This marks year three of reading A True Gift with K for Christmas. While I must confess that I would like be trying out new Christmas books with her, there is something really lovely about having a book that we read every year, especially one she takes such delight in.
Update, 1/5/22:
Squeaked this one under the wire on the twelfth day of Christmas. It's K's favorite Christmas book (this year she got her own copy), and a must-read every year during Christmas.
Update 11/7/22:
The girls binged the audiobook in one sitting and then begged for MORE CHRISTMAS AUDIOBOOKS! I'm thinking (even considering SPL's e-audio collection and Audible Plus) that we're going to run out before we make it to December. Whoops.
Regardless, The True Gift continues to be a Christmas favorite around here (we've read it every Christmas since 2018), and I'm pretty sure none of the kids would mind listening again before the season is over.
Update 12/22/23:
L: "It's a good book."
K: "There are SO MANY COWS!!"
H: "It is VERY VERY GOOD. Five stars!"
E: "It's a very emotional book."
Update, 12/2/24:
Our first family Christmas audiobook of 2024. It continues to be a favorite.
Update, 12/9/20:
This marks year three of reading A True Gift with K for Christmas. While I must confess that I would like be trying out new Christmas books with her, there is something really lovely about having a book that we read every year, especially one she takes such delight in.
Update, 1/5/22:
Squeaked this one under the wire on the twelfth day of Christmas. It's K's favorite Christmas book (this year she got her own copy), and a must-read every year during Christmas.
Update 11/7/22:
The girls binged the audiobook in one sitting and then begged for MORE CHRISTMAS AUDIOBOOKS! I'm thinking (even considering SPL's e-audio collection and Audible Plus) that we're going to run out before we make it to December. Whoops.
Regardless, The True Gift continues to be a Christmas favorite around here (we've read it every Christmas since 2018), and I'm pretty sure none of the kids would mind listening again before the season is over.
Update 12/22/23:
L: "It's a good book."
K: "There are SO MANY COWS!!"
H: "It is VERY VERY GOOD. Five stars!"
E: "It's a very emotional book."
Update, 12/2/24:
Our first family Christmas audiobook of 2024. It continues to be a favorite.
November 29, 2022
Perfect read aloud for the holidays. My 6yo loved listening to it by the tree at night.
November 21, 2021
Good, fun to read. Just a good short story. Not great.
September 25, 2017
Liam and his sister Lily spend time with their grandparents at Christmastime every year. They've earned money for presents and brought many books with them to while away the time until Christmas. But something threatens to spoil the holiday. White Cow is alone in the field since her companion donkey has been returned to his own owner. Liam is concerned that she is lonely. Thus begins the heartwarming tale of a Christmas gift that seems impossible. This short book for children is a delightful reminder that true happiness is found in making others happy, even if "the other" is a cow.
December 14, 2019
Written in the same style as Sarah, Plain and Tall, which I loved. This, too, is a gentle, warm-hearted story featuring an older sister and her younger brother. Both of the kids are avid readers, and books are a real presence in their lives. The message is more about giving than receiving.
July 3, 2021
Sweet story about a quirky boy who loves to read more than anything. He and his sister go to visit their grandparents where he see a single lonely cow at the farm. He researches and finds out the cows are social animals and he determines the white cow is sad and lonely. The boy goes to great sacrificial lengths to find the white cow a friend.
June 16, 2021
A nice, short, heartwarming Christmas story in a farm
October 29, 2022
What a lovely Christmas story. If you love books and animals, this little book will make you happy and warm, after you have dried your tears.
December 9, 2025
"It's just a field full of cows," I whisper, wiping my eyes. "Nothing to get emotional over." *Blows nose* *sniffles*
December 8, 2012
Well, I kept meaning to read this book since it came out as it is in my library, after all. So at long last, I just sat down during a quiet evening shift and read it cover to cover, enjoying Floca's illustrations nearly as much as MacLachlan's writing.
Perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised by the ending but my mushy old heart was truly touched. I had to leave the desk and hide for a while as I have been cursed with one of those complexions that turns deep red and stays red for a long time after a cry. I hate other people seeing me get teary because for me, red eyes, cheeks and swollen eyelids come so easily. But, it was worth it.
Part "Gift of the Magi", part "Mixed-Up Files" (at least in the brother-sister interaction), this was a gem that I will be adding to my personal collection for home.
It seems to me to be particularly fitting that I read this on St. Nicholas' Day. And...I think I may have to become, at long last, vegetarian.
Perhaps I shouldn't have been surprised by the ending but my mushy old heart was truly touched. I had to leave the desk and hide for a while as I have been cursed with one of those complexions that turns deep red and stays red for a long time after a cry. I hate other people seeing me get teary because for me, red eyes, cheeks and swollen eyelids come so easily. But, it was worth it.
Part "Gift of the Magi", part "Mixed-Up Files" (at least in the brother-sister interaction), this was a gem that I will be adding to my personal collection for home.
It seems to me to be particularly fitting that I read this on St. Nicholas' Day. And...I think I may have to become, at long last, vegetarian.
December 17, 2018
Lily and Liam are excited to spend yet another Christmas at their grandparents' farm, but this year, when they see that their grandparents' white cow is all alone in the pasture, Liam makes it his mission to ensure that everyone - including the white cow - has a memorable Christmas. This was a simple and sweet Christmas story with its farm setting, its brother-sister team, and its kind story of sacrifice and generosity. While some older readers may not find the children's kind gestures in this book especially memorable (I say this having read other reviews), I think young readers and animal lovers would really resonate with Liam's actions and find his sacrifice genuinely refreshing.
September 25, 2017
A beautiful story, poignant and heartwarming. I liked the character journeys, and I thought the siblings and grandmother were surprisingly well-developed for so short a story. I also liked the realism; this story lacks so many cliches that abound in Christmas literature. Here, there are no outlandishly tragic circumstances, no misers-turned-saint, no dead parents, and no miracles. And yet, despite this, all the beauty and heartache of the holidays is captured in this straightforward and unexpectedly moving tale. A joy to read.
January 2, 2018
Not as good as her other books, but the kids liked it.
January 3, 2018
Such a very beautiful book!:)
December 16, 2018
The best little Christmas story to read! So cute and fun and full of love! I highly recommend and super short!
January 4, 2019
Lovely, heart warming story!
December 6, 2021
Read this in one sitting and I just love it! Especially the illustrations. Full review to come soon (hopefully *fingers crossed*)
December 23, 2024
Cute story about gifts and love.
I didn't love it because I'm not a huge animal person.
I was disappointed with the rude language from sister to brother. She calls him dumb multiple times. Really just not how we should talk to each other. I do not delight in hearing derogatory language popularized in children's books.
Best quotes:
"We worry about not taking as many books as we'll need."
"Well, hate is a strong word. So is love."
Never thought about it quite in this light! Is love a word that we use with as much care and intention as hate? Although of course we want to say love far more than hate.
"A true gift. Its own reward."
I didn't love it because I'm not a huge animal person.
I was disappointed with the rude language from sister to brother. She calls him dumb multiple times. Really just not how we should talk to each other. I do not delight in hearing derogatory language popularized in children's books.
Best quotes:
"We worry about not taking as many books as we'll need."
"Well, hate is a strong word. So is love."
Never thought about it quite in this light! Is love a word that we use with as much care and intention as hate? Although of course we want to say love far more than hate.
"A true gift. Its own reward."
Currently reading
November 21, 2019Join us for a fun, informal book discussion. This month's selection is The True Gift by Patricia Maclachlan. Discussion will take place at Kent District Library's Rockford Branch, on December 20, 2019 from 1:30-2:30 pm.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews