A Present for Mom

by Vivian French

A new charmer by Vivian French celebrates the innocent gift of a child's love.

Mother’s Day is tomorrow, and all of Stanley’s siblings have something special to give to Mom. Everyone except Stanley, that is. Being the baby of the family, Stanley is having a very hard time finding just the right gift. But after a night of fretful dreams - when it’s almost too late - Stanley comes up with an idea for a present that will last forever. With winsome illustrations by Dana Kubick, Vivian French’s story of a memorable Mother’s Day will resonate with children and parents all year long.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Cats, Family, Fiction

32 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2002

About the author

Vivian June Isoult French MBE was born in 1945 and educated at Exeter University.
Vivian French was best known in school for being extremely skinny and for talking a lot. At school she developed an attachment to words and later became an actor, then a storyteller, and finally a writer of children's books. She is the author of more than two hundred books. Ms. French lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, and has four grown daughters.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite knowing that this is a popular theme (consider the famous Mr. Rabbit and the Lovely Present and The Best Kind of Gift that I read yesterday) I'm not too jaded to appreciate this little delight. And I'm a mom and would definitely love all these, especially the one from the littlest child. I think my favorite gift though is custom coupons, good for 'one hug' and 'one hour's peace & quiet' etc.

[Jessica]

This is a cute book about a cat trying to get the perfect present for his mom. He cannot figure out what to get her and ends up getting her a box of kisses (not the candy). I think this could be a great book to read right before mother’s day (assuming my students all have a mother). This book shows the students that even the simplest of gifts will make their mom’s happy on mother’s day or even their birthday. I would then follow this up by allow the students to make their own origami box and to place cute stickers and little Hershey kisses inside the box for their moms.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, simple message - a great read aloud.

[skcocnaH · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not gonna lie, I was surprised by how much I liked this. Stanley is SUCH a sweet little guy trying so hard to give his mom a meaningful gift. In the end, he finds a perfect (and creative) gift.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

A kitten keeps messing up on the gifts he's trying to make for his mother, then ultimately gives her a box full of kisses.

[Hope · Rating 3 out of 5]

Checked out from FW Library in TX; on display for Mother’s Day

[Tracey M. Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do you think is the best present? In "A Present For Mom" that is Stanley's question. Going around to his siblings doesn't help and Mother's Day is only one day away.

"A Present For Mom" will help children to see that you don't have to buy the fanciest things to show how much you love someone.

Dana Kubick's Illustrations add a darling charm to the text.

"A Present For Mom" is written by Vivan French.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, I love cats so the cat characters really worked for me. They are so adorable!!! This is a nice Mother's Day story showing that the best gift of all cannot be bought--it's love. Yeah, a bit cliche and the way its delivered is, too--but it's still a sweet story and the cats really won me over :-)

[Eva Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stanley gave his mom an empty box and said it was full of kisses, and she liked that, but you know what? My friend Lana says that their cat likes to sleep and play inside empty boxes more than he likes toys. And Stanley and his mom and them are all cats. So maybe that's why cats like empty boxes!!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sweetest book! The little one in the family is having a hard time coming up with a Mother's day present for Mom...but when he decides, it is the best gift in the bunch! (and that is a Mom's opinion. :0) )

[Shasta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a book to use for Mother's Day with our Faith Friends here at church. While this book takes a very stereotypical approach to Mother's Day the ending is a little different. Stanley gives his mom a box full of kisses and the kisses, like God's love, never run out.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another one of my favorite books to read to the kids.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a cute picture book and it can teach kids a lot about just doing your best and giving what is most important.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very cute and sweet book that teaches sometimes the greatest gift to give is usually the simplest and we all have it...Love. :)

[Cws]

JEPIC-Fre

[Marlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor little Stanley, search as he might, he can't think of what to give his mother for Mother's Day. What could this tiny kitten possibly give to his mother?

[Sarah]

Too cute! What a good moral, too.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

No, kisses never, ever, ever expire!

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good idea, Stanley. :)