Gifts of the Heart

by Patricia Polacco

Beloved author-illustrator Patricia Polacco’s holiday story is a wonderful ode to the magic of family, Christmas, and giving the right kind of gifts—gifts filled with love.
 
Richie and Trisha want to buy Christmas gifts for their family, but they don't have enough money. Enter Kay Lamity, a new housekeeper . . . but is that all she is? She comes into their lives like a whirlwind, brimming with positive energy and a can-do attitude. Kay not only straightens them out when it comes to whether or not Santa Claus is real, she teaches them something about gifts: the just-good-enough kind that come from the pocketbook and the unforgettable kind that come from the heart. Because of Kay, Trisha and Richie—and the family—have a Christmas morning they will never forget.


Celebrating the joy of homemade gifts, Patricia Polacco introduces readers to a new character who is truly a force of nature in this story reminiscent of Christmas Tapestry and An Orange for Frankie. This is a magical Christmas story the author swears is true, right down to the sleigh tracks on the farmhouse roof!

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Family, Fiction, Cultural

40 pages, Hardcover

First published October 3, 2013

About the author

Patricia Polacco is a New York Times bestselling author and illustrator with around seventy beloved and award-winning books to her credit, including The Keeping Quilt, Pink and Say, The Blessing Cup, Chicken Sunday, and Thank You, Mr. Falker. She resides in Michigan.

Reviews

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two Patricia Polacco books almost right in a row! What a treat. While this wasn’t one of my very favorite ones, I did really like it, and it did nearly make me tear up, and it’s a lovely fable, a sweet Christmas story. And it’s another book I don’t know whether to put on my fiction or non-fiction shelf, or both. There’s definitely a fantasy component in this story but I suspect it’s also based on real memories.

Tricia and her family (a young Patricia Polacco and her family) are main characters in this book. The title kind of says it all.

Great for those looking for a Christmas story, for kids who’ve experienced loss, for encouraging homemade and creative Christmas gifts, good for kids who believe in Santa Claus or want to keep the spirit of Santa, good for kids who celebrate the real meaning of Christmas, Christian children, kids who live on farms or are interested in life in rural areas or small towns, and anyone who finds heartwarming stories appealing.

I loved the illustrations here, and especially enjoyed the two page spread of the town scene. I am still getting used to Polacco’s depictions of people, but I’m now fond enough of them that I really enjoy them. I’ve always appreciated their expressiveness. As her books go along, overall I’m enjoying her illustrations more & more.

I think Christmas is very special to this author-illustrator; she has a few picture books with a Christmas theme.

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tricia and her brother Richie experience a heartwarming final Christmas on their grandfather's farm the year before it is sold, learning an important lesson about true "gifts of the heart" from Kay Lamity, the Mississippi woman who comes to cook and clean for their family after their grandmother's death. The tough-talking Kay wins over the initially resentful Richie, helping him to see that he must be more careful of his sister's feelings, and both children have a magical experience that convinces them that Santa truly has visited them...

Although I would not describe it as a personal favorite, when it comes to Patricia Polacco's holiday books - that honor would go to Christmas Tapestry and The Trees of the Dancing Goats - I did find Gifts of the Heart an engaging and emotionally satisfying book. I appreciated the message about the best gifts being from the heart, rather than bought at a store, and I liked the element of magic in the final few pages. I'm catching up on the Polacco books I missed over the last few years (as of 2013, I had read everything she'd published, but have since fallen behind), and requested this from the library without realizing that it was a Christmas title. If I had known, I would probably have saved it for the next holiday season. That said, I'm happy to have read it, and recommend it, particularly to those seeking children's Christmas stories in which the characters are experiencing some kind of life change, whether it be the first Christmas after the loss of a loved one, or a change of residence (both of which are the case here).

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

As their grandfather gets ready to sell his beloved farm, Trisha and her older brother Richie enjoy one last Christmas there. A new housekeeper from the South, Kay Lamity, helps Trisha keep believing in the magic and miracles of Christmas while reminding both children that the best gifts aren't the ones that are bought. As always with this author, the message is positive and delivered gently even while being sprinkled with a touch of fairy dust. Like Trisha and Richie, young readers will wonder where those gifts came from and whether the sleigh tracks that disappear outside their farmhouse could have come from Santa. The illustrations, created with markers and pencils, allow the exuberant personality of Kay Lamity and the innocence of Trisha to shine through the book's pages, possibly making believers out of the most cynical children and adults. This is a great read aloud for the holiday season even though it keeps readers guessing.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gifts of the Heart

I would recommend Gifts of the Heart to anyone anywhere of any degree of belief. Patricia Polacco knows how to keep the heart pumped with hope.

[Ashlee Christians]

1. Have you ever wanted to get your mom or dad something really big and expensive for Christmas or their birthdays but didn’t have enough money to buy it? How did that make you feel? Well in this Patricia Polacco story, that is exactly what Trisha and Richie go through. They run into a problem just like we have been learning about in realistic fiction. As you listen to me read today, I would like you to pay close attention to how the characters work through their problem and how Kay helps them see what gifts are more important to give to the ones you love.

2. My opening moves included activating background knowledge and making and sharing personal experiences related to the story. I also laid some groundwork for helping students to understand the theme of the importance of gifts that come from the heart instead of materialistic things.

3. I chose Gifts from the heart by Patricia Polacco because it illustrates the struggle that some families go through dealing with money which a lot of my students are familiar with. Also, this book shows students how irrelevant materialistic items are in the big picture of life. I like how the characters are young children so it makes it easier for students to relate to what they are experiencing and feeling. Lastly, this book is written by the same author as the other books in this text set and the structure is also a great example for realistic fiction.

[Linda Lipko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Delightful and wonderfully illustrated, this is a story of Trisha and Richie who are celebrating Christmas at Grandpas farm. It will be the last one on the farm. Since his beloved wife passed away, it holds too many memories, and Grandpa is selling and moving on.

As they travel to town and lok in the store windows and see gifts they would love for Christmas, the excitement is mixed with sadness.

When grandpa places an ad for a housekeeper, Kay Lamity from Yazoo, Mississippi waits on the doorstep for their return from town. She is loving, possesses a unique sense of humor and has overflowing compassion.

As Kay helps the children make gifts from corn stalks found in the farm fields, they realize that the gifts of the heart are the ones that last and the memories they hold of their grandmother will last throughout their lives.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patricia Polacco weaves fact and fiction together in this story to creat a meaningful tale for Christmas. This is a great book to read with that child who is beginning to doubt the existence of Santa, but who truly wants to believe in the magic of the season. I love that she includes the message that a homemade gift, made from the heart, is one that is truly treasured.

The illustrations are colorful and typical for Ms. Polacco's style. It's a very touching holiday book and although it didn't trigger the waterworks as many of her tales is apt to do with me, it is certainly one that will warm your heart. We really enjoyed reading this book together.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a five star for me, but perhaps it won't be flying off the shelves with the younger set, some of their grandparents and probably many great-grandparents will love it. Wonderful illustrations of the farm, farmhouse, and Christmas, but I am more that a fan of Polacco illustrations. The character, Kay Lamity, is a perfect warm woman who knows how to give with an open heart. Having grown up on a farm, living with grandparents, the gift that Kay helps the children make for Christmas gifts is a priceless treasure. Perhaps only farm raised people will understand, but I hope others will also. With a grateful heart, thank you, Patricia Polacco for this lovely book.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for those who celebrate Christmas and believe in Santa Claus. Meeting Patricia Polacco and having her tell me that the end of the story is TRUE, adds to the magic of Christmas and all of its traditions. Also, hearing her say that this farm is still a magical place for her and her family makes me love the story even more. Parents of believers should read this book before sharing it with their children. :)

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another beautiful story by Polacco, based on her childhood but with fantasy woven in. After their grandma dies, the family is going to lose the farm. They ask for some help from the Agency, so Kay Lamity comes to cook and help with the children. As Christmas approaches, Kay helps the children learn what the most precious gifts are...gifts of the heart.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrica Polacco is one of the most consistently gifted storytellers I have had the pleasure of reading over the years. In this newest seasonal story is weaves her magic again; love and belief conquering loss.

My full review: http://bit.ly/1lamdTR

[Sherry Elmer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not a fan of Christmas stories that have Santa, but I am a fan of Patricia Polacco. This wasn't my favorite of her books by a long shot, but it is an okay Christmas story. If she hadn't added the Santa element, I may have given it 3 or 4 stars.

[Cheyenne Vogrig · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is rare in any art form to see such a thorough and honest portrayal of life. Not only does the author achieve that in her books, this included, but she does so with a uniquely tender and magical lens. And by some miracle she does this prolifically without sacrificing any twinkle of a detail. Gifts of the heart is a real Christmas story. It touches something pure from my own childhood: wonder, awe, openness, hope. How has Patricia preserved her inner child? Maybe she too had an older generation of great storytellers that never let her spark go out. She does that now for us. I will joyfully accept any new publication from Polacco with the excitement of a child. Thank you Patricia for all of these gifts from the heart.

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title: Gifts of the Heart by: Patricia Polacco

Short Description of the Book:
This book is about Richie and Trisha who want to buy Christmas gifts for their family, but they don't have enough money. Then Kay Lamity, a new housekeeper comes into their lives. She is such positive energy and has a can-do attitude. Kay not only straightens them out when it comes to whether or not Santa Claus is real, she teaches them something about gifts: the just-good-enough kind that come from the pocketbook and the unforgettable kind that come from the heart. Because of Kay, Trisha and Richie—and the family—have a Christmas morning they will never forget.

FOCUS: Narrative Features I would Use in a Mini-Lesson:

*Character Development: Discuss how Polacco uses dialogue, description, and response of other characters to develop who Kay is. Teach the students that writers draw the readers in by letting them know who the important characters are in meaningful ways.

*Memorable Ending: Polacco usually ends her books in a way that wraps up the story with a memorable ending. Sometimes it is a lesson that we can learn (theme), and other times it’s a sweet memory the characters have. Discuss the ending and discuss ways they can apply Patricia Polacco’s technique to their own writing.

TEACH: CCSS Connection (4th grade):
4.W.3 Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.

a. Orient the reader by establishing a situation and introducing a narrator and/or characters; organize an event sequence that unfolds naturally.
b. Use dialogue and description to develop experiences and events or show the responses of characters to situations.
e. Provide a conclusion that follows from the narrated experiences or events

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even with the small twist at the end, it was mostly another predicable Christmas story. But still, a mystery is a mystery, and children will love to come up with ideas about how the tracks in the snow were made, and where Kay Lamity really came from and how she got to the farm.
I am left wondering who won the checkers game. It also says they sold the farm, but in the last paragraph it says they drove back to the farm. These are small details, but think they should be smoothed out when told by such a skilled story teller.
There are two closeup images of Grampa's face. I wonder why in one he has a receding hairline but not in the other. THe facial expressions attract most of the attention in otherwise busy illustrations. I also wonder why the signature family photos are missing.
The first two times through I missed the page preceding the title page that introduced the much-desired doll and train. That part of the story now makes sense!
Fans of Polacco will grab this during the holidays, or even other times for the study of story-telling, starting with "our good old village was all a-bustle."

[Carol Royce Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patricia Polacco has been blessing us with her stories for years, and just in time for the holidays come two beautiful stories that every teacher will want to add to their collection. They are The Blessing Cup and Gifts of the Heart.

Gifts of the Heart occurs just after Trisha and Richie's grandmother has passed away. They are about to spend their last Christmas on the farm, as their grandfather has plans of selling it. Their mother is now working as a teacher in Battle Creek, and so a woman from the Agency, Kay Lamity, has been sent to help cook and clean and care for the children. As Christmas draws closer Richie puts Trisha in tears when he tells her there is no Santa, but then later makes it better in a touching scene between the two siblings. As Trisha and Richie realize they have nothing to give their mother or grandfather for Christmas Kay teaches them that the most unforgettable gifts come from the heart.

[Suzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia Polacco does it again. Wonderful story that the kids requested over and over again. Watch out - it's a little lengthy for a bedtime story...which may be one reason why they kept requesting it! They loved the main character Kay Lamity. My six year old so lovingly pointed out that I am nothing like her - and I agree that there is a lot to learn from her techniques! If only I could bust out lines like, "Boy, where I come from, we cook yard-long night crawlers in green bugger gravy! And fer dessert, blister-pus puddin' with black widow garnish." Or "I can stare down an armadilla while dancin' on the back of a wild boar and tussle a gator to the ground while whistlin' 'Sweet Land o'Dixie." And finally, "Well, slap my face to the side of a hog and let him roll in the mud." These were the funniest lines that made the kids laugh to no end, but the moral of the story was just as wonderful and heartwarming as their laughter.

[Adams Eagles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanna F.
10

Review:


The book was about a family the sold the farm for so the could get Christmas gifts for the kids the were not happy that the could get the gift but when they did they they were grateful for the gifts
The kids the the story are so cute but the old lady can be better with her outfit.My personal connection would be my dad he likes old cars every time I tell when a see old car I says dad look the and old car it so ugly but he said that the good one and I am like no dad the sinks.

The kids the the story are so cute but the old lady can be better with her outfit. My personal connection would be my dad he likes old cars every time I tell when a see old car I says dad look the and old car it so ugly but he said that the good one and I am like no dad the sinks.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son wanted the "truth" about Santa Claus a week or so ago & like all parents I knew this was going to be a bittersweet moment. One more step toward the inevitable growing up part of life & a part of lost innocence. I was relieved & saddened at the same time. Leave it to my dad to find a book that explains what I couldn't so much more easily. There's a little Mary Poppins sprinkled in this lovely story about siblings mourning the loss of their grandmother, the farm that is to be sold, & the uncertainty of Santa's realness. Patricia Polacco weaves a wonderful story about the meaning of Christmas & about how it's ok to keep believing long after the truth is revealed.

[Taylor Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book by Patricia Polacco!

Like most of her books, the story line is all about the sweet and caring characteristics of people and those who inspire them. This book is nothing less, as a housekeeper discusses how gifts made and from the heart can have such a huge impact on people. Possibly even more than expensive gifts, those made from kindness and love from someone's heart can be the best gifts to give, especially around Christmas time.
This book also touches base on believing. Whether it's in santa or the power of love, the housekeeper shows the kids just how important believing is and just how powerful it truly can be.

Great read!

[Jana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told with Polacco’s gift for heartwarming narrative and illustrated in the homespun style that make her books so special, this is a wonderful picture book to share with young readers during the holiday season. A young girl and her brother learn about the most special kinds of gifts to give, those that are pulled from the hearts and memories of the giver and put together with love. After the death of their grandma, a housekeeper comes to help with cooking and other household chores. They develop a special relationship that helps them get through a tough time and learn about the magic and wonder of Christmas.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gifts of the Heart by Patricia Polacco – I was excited to read another new-to-me Patricia Polacco book, about her childhood with her brother on the farm at Christmas. The story is about how the family has a hard time financially and is also focused on grief after their grandmother passes away. A housekeeper comes to help out, Kay Lamity, who is a little mysterious… like Mary Poppins in a way. How attitudes change, gifts are appreciated either store bought or homemade, and the family has a lovely Christmas morning.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book cover attracted my attention at the library. I love the illustrations in this book. Kay Limity is a warm hearted person in this story. My grandchildren, who live close, are too young for this book. It would be a great book to read to my 7 and 8 year old grandchildren. Kay Limity teaches the children about the magic of Christmas, and giving gifts of the heart.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn't planning on buying this book, but I am so glad they were out of what I planned to buy. I have long been a fan of her work, and love that she uses her life to propel her stories. This story gave me goosebumps. Whether you love Santa Claus or angels, you will find the story beautiful. A holiday must read!

[Taril Slater · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Patricia Polacco does a great job recreating her life stories and making them relevant and relatable to young readers today. I appreciate the fact that gifts should not always be about the money. The most important gift really does come from the heart and are more valuable and longer lasting.

[Fred Pollock · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when you want to buy Christmas presents when you have no money? That's the dilemma facing the children in this story. Enter a new house keeper Kay Lamity who brings a touch of magical inspiration to their lives. Love all of Patricia Polacco's books. Love her art. Love her stories rooted in her family. This is all three...gotta love it.

[Jeshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary Realistic
Grade: 3rd-6th
A story about a mysterious nanny that has almost a magical air to her, helps two children discover the true magic of Christmas, loving your family. It is unique in going about doing this and I was left wondering whether the strange events where magical or just the Nanny’s doing.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story for older children with longer attention span. This is a great recommendation for parents with children who are questioning the existence of Santa. The concept of family togetherness, support, and hope are woven throughout the story.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

another picture book that could be jf. I really like the artwork in this one and the storyline. Well done. The writing is a tad bit forced, and it didn't completely capture my attention - probably too many words.

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genre: Contemporary realistic
Reading level: 2-4
This book was such a good reminder of what is important about giving gifts at Christmas. I felt like it was such a good message on relationships because all their relationships with each other were closer at the end.