The Gift

by Joseph Culhane

-- A spare and delightful holiday tale that honors both Hanukkah and Christmas

Genres: Christmas, Jewish, Picture Books

278 pages, Paperback

First published August 26, 1996

Reviews

[Joan Almond · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a long time author, and teacher of writing, Joe Kertes would be considered a career writer. Because of this, I was pretty sure The Gift would be well written. So, on a cold winters night , curled up in my easy chair , I entered into the story. I was not disappointed! The Gift is beautifully told, with equally special illustrations. It is the story of two friends, one who celebrates Christmas, and the other who doesn’t. It is told through the eyes , and in the voice of the child experiencing Christmas for the first time. It demonstrates that true friendship isn’t about needing to believe the same things. The book is well worth sharing with a child, or having in your own personal library. The Gift , written by Joseph Kertes, and illustrated by Peter Perko is published by Groundwood Books.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was sentimental and nostalgic in a way that I really enjoyed but I rate it a 3 because my kids, in the intended audience age-range, really didn't! The illustrations are beautiful and there is a sensitivity to being different that I thought my children of mixed-faith backgrounds would appreciate but apparently not.

Wish others had reviewed it here as I think it was simply a case of the wrong book for these particular kids.

[Theresa Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, gets you thinking…