Special Gifts

Cobble Street Cousins #3

by Cynthia Rylant, Wendy Anderson Halperin (Illustrator)

When Aunt Lucy's boyfriend plans a special party, the cousins each begin to think of just the perfect gift they are going to make to bring to the party.

Genres: Fiction, Childrens, Chapter Books, Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Picture Books

Hardcover

First published September 1, 2000

About the author

An author of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry for children and young adults as well as an author and author/illustrator of picture books for children, Cynthia Rylant is recognized as a gifted writer who has contributed memorably to several genres of juvenile literature. A prolific author who often bases her works on her own background, especially on her childhood in the West Virginia mountains, she is the creator of contemporary novels and historical fiction for young adults, middle-grade fiction and fantasy, lyrical prose poems, beginning readers, collections of short stories, volumes of poetry and verse, books of prayers and blessings, two autobiographies, and a biography of three well-known children's writers; several volumes of the author's fiction and picture books are published in series, including the popular "Henry and Mudge" easy readers about a small boy and his very large dog.

Rylant is perhaps most well known as a novelist. Characteristically, she portrays introspective, compassionate young people who live in rural settings or in small towns and who tend to be set apart from their peers.

from bookrags.com

Reviews

[Aneesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

7yo was extremely tired and grumpy so I insisted she sit down and listen to this book. It is excessively charming, illustrated by the illustrator of The Secret Remedy Book (which is not a chapter book) and very similar. Completely hygge.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book because I like special gifts. I also enjoyed this book because I liked when Michael invited the cousins and Aunt Lucy to his house on the winter solstice.

[Meredith Nunley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leah thought this one was hilarious - completely lost her to the giggles for a bit.

[Miz Lizzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a holiday read in children's books I came across this sweet solstice story for early chapter book readers. The Cobble Street Cousins are three nine-year-old girls, Lily, Rosie, and Tess who are living in their Aunt Lucy's attic while their parents are traveling the world with their ballet troupe for the year. It's an old-fashioned sort of read -- very white, rather privileged, definitely idyllic -- just the sort of book that I would have absolutely loved at the age it's intended for. And actually I still loved it ... enough that I am searching out the rest of the series as this is actually the third book. It is sweet, but not saccharine. For those who enjoy carefree family adventures with lots of creativity (Tess is a singer, Lily a poet, and Rosie a cook), this is definitely a feel-good read.

[Elza Kinde · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lily, Tess, and Rosie spend winter vacation with their aunt Lucy. Their days are filled with crafty activities, spending time with the neighbors, and making plans for future adventures.

Special Gifts is a nostalgic kind of story that celebrates childhood things like listening to old stories, finding stored-away treasures, learning new skills, and imagining the kinds of cool things you'll be able to do when you're a little bit bigger.

The respectful portrayal of characters--from ambitious young girls to their very elderly neighbor--gives the story a charming quality that I really enjoy. I'd be willing to look for more books in this series simply for the lovely illustrations. Readers looking for something comforting might enjoy this quiet, cozy gem.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

My Review: I have had this book sitting on my shelf for a while now, just waiting to be picked up. It is a very cute book about 3 little girls living with their Aunt. It is the 3rd book in the series but you don't have to read the previous two books to enjoy this one. It really has a feel like the Little House on the Prairie stories but more modern and updated. I like how this story revolves around kindnesses to so many people, simple smiles and company can go further than a gift. It also revolves around the Winter Solstice as opposed to Christmas as a time for gathering together, which is also refreshing. It is pretty easy to read and is meant for young readers just getting into chapter books (on about the same level as Magic Tree House books).

[Joanne Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not much happens in this wintry addition to the cousins' series. It was still full of the warm joy and comforting relationships which characterize these books. Perhaps it was the title which misled me to think the main learning experience would lead to the "special gifts" as opposed to pointing to the somewhat random ending. Nothing harshly wrong with it, I was just expecting a little more. Still a family favorite in our house.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an adorable little children's book with lovely illustrations!

[ireneekins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these three girls.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I like each one a little better than the previous book.

[Cheryl]

because intergenerational friendship

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adequate and amusing as our readers are also learning to sew!

[Sarah Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super sweet. This 3rd book in this series felt a little all over the place without a cohesive storyline, but still quite sweet and good. The kids loved it.

[Rose McCallum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I realized through the books that the seasons were going in order and I thought it was so cool! This was winter and I think the last one was fall! I’m pretty sure.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

lowkey whippin these books out 💪💪

some of the illustrations are giving uncanny valley…🫠

[Jlnpeacock Peacock · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was lovely and one that my children will so enjoy since being with their cousins is the highlight of their summers. The illustrations were sweet as well.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and innocent

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

These little children’s books have pretty illustrations and such wonderful stories.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Cobble Street Cousins series by Cynthia Rylant and Wendy Anderson Halperin. Unfortunately we have read these completely out of order, but they are such wonderful tales that we love them anyway. Now we have two more books to read and we are really looking forward to them. They are chapter books, but are short enough that they can be read in one sitting, which is what we normally do. And the tales are sweet, almost too sweet, but they inspire such creativity in our girls that I love them as much as they do. We are quickly working our way through Cynthia Rylant's vast body of work - we are lucky that she is such a prolific writer!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this is the fifth in the series of six, it is my favorite one.
It is a three week winter vacation for the cousins and how shall they spend their time. The decision was made to learn to sew and 90 year old Mrs. White will teach them. Also Michael, Aunt Lucy's sweetheart, is having a winter solstice dinner party.
Although the theme of this particular volume is rather disjointed, isn't that what a vacation is for taking time to do several things a person would enjoy. And thanks, Michael, I am going to have a winter solstice dinner.

[Yumi Learner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished reading the third book. After I finish reading the series, I always ask some unknown words and phrases to my American friend. It is a good practice for me.

I love Mrs. White. She is my favorite character of this series. The story that Mrs. White and one of the American president, Francklin Roosevelt's wife were friends was very interesting!

I can't wait to read what will happen to next!

[Relyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these happy little books. I think they appeal to little girls who grow up to be adult readers like me. Readers who love domestic stories and strong relationships. This series of books by one of my favorite authors is everything I love in a book condensed to it's tiny, young-at-heart essences. I also absolutely adore the illustrator.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Three creative cousins who live with their unique Aunt Lucy want to do something special during their three-week winter (Solstice) break . They decide to take sewing lessons from their ninety-old neighbor Mrs. White. Mrs. White also encourages the girls to keep their special memories in a diary. This chapter book emphasizes friendship, bonding and giving your own talents as gifts.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of the adventure's in this story of Lily, Tess, and Rosie. In this book the girls learn to sew. All girls make special gifts for people at a Winter Solstice party.
(In Comparison: This is like a younger version of the Beacon Street Girls.)

[Bella · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about three girls who are nine years old and they want to know how to sew. In this book they learn how to sew. One of the girls really likes to sing, another really likes poems and at the end of the story, they all get a gift.

[Lori Kuder · Rating 5 out of 5]

just discovered these books and can't wait to read to my girls!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter brought this home from her school library. It was a cute book for girl "beginning chapter book readers" 2nd/3rd grade. I'll have to read the other ones.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Special Gifts (Cobble Street Cousins #3)
Rylant, Cynthia
three sisters learn the value of family, and friends by helping and learning from their neighbors

[Hillvan]

540L

[Karin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A winter-time adventure for Tess, Lily and Rosie. They learn to sew, they keep a journal, and they celebrate the winter solstice with Michael and Aunt Lucy. Sweet, gentle fun.