What do you think?
Rate this book
Winter's Gift
It may be Christmastime but on a small, forlorn farm the holiday season is best forgotten, along with painful memories of loved ones lost. Mother Nature has other plans, however, and a chance snowstorm brings together two unlikely hearts, one human and one beast, yet both yearning for comfort, companionship, and that most elusive gift of all, hope. This lustrous jewel of a story, quietly told and perfectly complemented by soft, evocative paintings, reminds even the most cynical of readers that the heart indeed can recover and go on.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 22, 2004
9 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
December 28, 2024
I'd honestly give this book more than five stars if I could. It's a beautiful and somewhat tear-jerking Christmas story for children. An older man and his wife have many special Christmas traditions throughout the years, until something changes. Is all hope lost? Read along in the story to discover a message of assurance. This book is undoubtedly one to keep!
December 30, 2022
What a lovely short Christmas read! An old man is facing his first Christmas without his wife. A story that starts of feeling sad and then brings tears to your eyes and finishes with hope. It's a good book to read with no knowledge of what is going to happen.
I read this on open library.
I read this on open library.
December 15, 2016
This was a really cute, simple book with an unexpected and untraditional way of approaching the theme of hope. My students enjoyed this book.
January 18, 2021
An old man faces his first Christmas without his wife of many years in this poignant, ultimately hopeful picture-book from author/illustrator Jane Monroe Donovan. Going about his chores on Christmas Eve, the man recalls Christmases past, when he and his wife would seek out the perfect tree, bring it home, and decorate it together. The star they put on top always symbolized hope, but this year the man was sunk into loneliness, and had no hope. Then a pregnant mare, separated from her herd and lost in the snowy woods, found her way to him, and in helping this lost soul, the man found what he needed again...
A title I stumbled across by accident, Winter's Gift drew me in with its gorgeous cover, and I picked it up, unaware that it was a Christmas story, rather than just a wintry tale. I'm not sorry to have discovered it however, as I found the story moving and the artwork absolutely beautiful. It is not so common to see the experiences of the elderly in books for young children, so I am always happy to encounter a story which presents their lives in a humane and relatable way, one that builds empathy and fellow-feeling in the young. This was my first book from Donovan, but I certainly hope it will not be my last! Recommended to picture-book readers looking for touching stories featuring grief and healing, Christmas, the elderly, and/or lost animals in need of hope.
A title I stumbled across by accident, Winter's Gift drew me in with its gorgeous cover, and I picked it up, unaware that it was a Christmas story, rather than just a wintry tale. I'm not sorry to have discovered it however, as I found the story moving and the artwork absolutely beautiful. It is not so common to see the experiences of the elderly in books for young children, so I am always happy to encounter a story which presents their lives in a humane and relatable way, one that builds empathy and fellow-feeling in the young. This was my first book from Donovan, but I certainly hope it will not be my last! Recommended to picture-book readers looking for touching stories featuring grief and healing, Christmas, the elderly, and/or lost animals in need of hope.
December 9, 2021
I loved this one!
But, I do have a confession to make; I tend to love the books where a struggling person finds hope when they don't think that they ever will again.
And that is this story-- a lonely widower and a lonely horse coming together at Christmastime.
Beautifully illustrated.
But, I do have a confession to make; I tend to love the books where a struggling person finds hope when they don't think that they ever will again.
And that is this story-- a lonely widower and a lonely horse coming together at Christmastime.
Beautifully illustrated.
December 9, 2017
This little book is a gentle and charming story just perfect for the holiday season or any season about hope and nature. I loved the illustrations, too.
November 25, 2020
Sweet and touching holiday read. An old man facing his first winter alone and a horse in need find and help each other on Christmas Eve.
August 27, 2020
Beautifully illustrated, with a story that touches emotions of sincere empathy and then joy!
A grieving elderly man, A Christmas Eve snow storm, a horse lost as the snow pelts her coat and makes it very difficult tot continue to walk! What a wonderful compilation coming together helping each other! While this horse is not a pet, she does what animals do best, they bring joy and hope.
When the snow increases, the grieving man remembers that one year ago on Christmas Eve, his wife was there as together they placed the star on the tree. Now, he is sad and simply trying to get through the night. As he walks outside, he thinks he hears something. Turning back while walking toward his house, he discovers a horse on the ground.
Gently, he helps her walk into the warm, cosy barn. As he feeds her and makes sure she is comfortable, he falls asleep on a bale of hay. Awaking in the morning, he hears a lovely sound and sees a baby horse. Watching the mother tend to her baby, he notes that in the center of the head is a perfect star!
Yes, this is soapy and over the top, but it is just what is needed during these times of level four hurricane gales bashing into Texas and New Orleans, LA, a pandemic that increases, two political conventions with vast differences regarding how to run this troubled nation, and again, yet one more shooting of a black man, this one seven bullets in the back!
I will escape into the lovely illustrated books I've collected.
A grieving elderly man, A Christmas Eve snow storm, a horse lost as the snow pelts her coat and makes it very difficult tot continue to walk! What a wonderful compilation coming together helping each other! While this horse is not a pet, she does what animals do best, they bring joy and hope.
When the snow increases, the grieving man remembers that one year ago on Christmas Eve, his wife was there as together they placed the star on the tree. Now, he is sad and simply trying to get through the night. As he walks outside, he thinks he hears something. Turning back while walking toward his house, he discovers a horse on the ground.
Gently, he helps her walk into the warm, cosy barn. As he feeds her and makes sure she is comfortable, he falls asleep on a bale of hay. Awaking in the morning, he hears a lovely sound and sees a baby horse. Watching the mother tend to her baby, he notes that in the center of the head is a perfect star!
Yes, this is soapy and over the top, but it is just what is needed during these times of level four hurricane gales bashing into Texas and New Orleans, LA, a pandemic that increases, two political conventions with vast differences regarding how to run this troubled nation, and again, yet one more shooting of a black man, this one seven bullets in the back!
I will escape into the lovely illustrated books I've collected.
December 24, 2021
This is one of my favorite Christmas stories. The art is wonderful as is the story itself. Christmas is not a joyous occasion for everyone, for many it is a lonely time of year. Sometimes the only way out of that loneliness is to help someone (or some creature) who is suffering as well. It is ultimately a story about hope, and perseverance. And it makes me tear-up each time I read it.
February 2, 2024
Been hooked on children’s picture books lately as I sort through boxes. So many great illustrators and writers out there! This is lovely. The story and images.
May 28, 2025
An old man's wife has died, and he doesn't have the heart for Christmas. But one, or two, unexpected visitors remind him there's hope even in the dark.
March 28, 2013
Love it! When reading to young people note that the story is influenced by the loss of the man's wife. losing his wife. The ending is so sweet with a memory of his wife. My kids love horses, so they were cheering for the horse the whole time!
December 26, 2015
Touching story of love lost and love found. An elderly man grieves for his recently dead wife. A pregnant mare wanders in to his yard during a snow storm. The foal has a star blaze. Perfect for holiday season.
January 28, 2025
This is a Christmas book with a difference -- it looks at those deep in grief during "the happiest time of the year."
Despite this, the book is in no way soppy or sentimental. The prose is stark, as if Just-the-facts-ma'am Joe Friday from Dragnet wrote this. This style for the subject matter works. The only problem is that the story is far too short, although for very young readers, it's sure to be the right length.
The full-color artwork by the author takes this simple story to the next level. The level of detail in the paintings is astonishing. There's a horse featured in an framed needlepoint work in the old man's bedroom. There's a small brass horse figurine in his kitchen. There's a horse ornament on the Christmas tree of his memory. You can see a theme developing.
The author/artist does an amazing job with the horses, especially the portrait of the dark bay mare's face in a winter storm on page 20, which is suitable for framing.
You can find this book currently up on The Internet Archive.
Despite this, the book is in no way soppy or sentimental. The prose is stark, as if Just-the-facts-ma'am Joe Friday from Dragnet wrote this. This style for the subject matter works. The only problem is that the story is far too short, although for very young readers, it's sure to be the right length.
The full-color artwork by the author takes this simple story to the next level. The level of detail in the paintings is astonishing. There's a horse featured in an framed needlepoint work in the old man's bedroom. There's a small brass horse figurine in his kitchen. There's a horse ornament on the Christmas tree of his memory. You can see a theme developing.
The author/artist does an amazing job with the horses, especially the portrait of the dark bay mare's face in a winter storm on page 20, which is suitable for framing.
You can find this book currently up on The Internet Archive.
April 21, 2020
In Winter's Gift, A lonely old man living on a small farm wants to forget Christmas, along with its painful memories of loved ones lost. But a snowstorm and a surprise visitor, a horse, needing help, brings an opportunity for that most elusive gift of all, Hope. I would recommend this for grades 3 and up because the theme is more complex.
I would use this in my classroom because there are lot of things a student can take out of this book and I also think that it would be a good book during Christmas time. I enjoyed the theme of this book and the beautiful illustrations, I love snowy country.
I would use this in my classroom because there are lot of things a student can take out of this book and I also think that it would be a good book during Christmas time. I enjoyed the theme of this book and the beautiful illustrations, I love snowy country.
November 10, 2020
Copyright: 2004
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Themes: Winter, Loneliness, Grief, Loss, Hope, Christmas
This book is beautiful! The illustrations are stunning and the story is sad, but heartwarming. This book shows that the holidays can be a very sad time for some people. Maybe, I could use this book as a read aloud to give students a window or a mirror to what it's like to be grieving during the holidays? But, I would also want to show them that there is always hope. This book does that well, I think.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Themes: Winter, Loneliness, Grief, Loss, Hope, Christmas
This book is beautiful! The illustrations are stunning and the story is sad, but heartwarming. This book shows that the holidays can be a very sad time for some people. Maybe, I could use this book as a read aloud to give students a window or a mirror to what it's like to be grieving during the holidays? But, I would also want to show them that there is always hope. This book does that well, I think.
January 5, 2021
This book is subtle with a level of language suited to gifted middle grade or young adults. I love the soft illustrations, they are beautiful, if a little on the small side.
The story teaches children about hope, patience, resilience and kindness. I love the way in which the author shows a deep closeness evolve between the widower and the mare, whom he rescues, which is rewarded.
The ending of the story is magical It really pulls at the heartstrings. Ideal for animal and nature lovers.
The story teaches children about hope, patience, resilience and kindness. I love the way in which the author shows a deep closeness evolve between the widower and the mare, whom he rescues, which is rewarded.
The ending of the story is magical It really pulls at the heartstrings. Ideal for animal and nature lovers.
December 6, 2023
Winter's Gift is a powerful, engaging children's book that emphasizes the nostalgia and charm of Christmas and the importance of never giving up hope. The book is emotional, but worth the read.
The setting is a small, picturesque town on Christmas Eve during a blizzard. Each page is filled with beautiful and breathtaking illustrations by the author. Kids who love animals will appreciate this story. Parents who need hope and inspiration during the holidays will also love and appreciate it.
The setting is a small, picturesque town on Christmas Eve during a blizzard. Each page is filled with beautiful and breathtaking illustrations by the author. Kids who love animals will appreciate this story. Parents who need hope and inspiration during the holidays will also love and appreciate it.
May 2, 2024
An old farmer, who lost all hope when his wife died in the spring, rescues a lost mare that has wandered into his yard during a blizzard. He tends to her needs, giving her carrots and a blanket to keep warm. He stays in the barn with her and falls asleep there. When he wakes in the morning, he discovers the mare has given birth.
This heartfelt story of hope might be a bit sappy for some but it's also sweet.
This heartfelt story of hope might be a bit sappy for some but it's also sweet.
February 17, 2019
An elderly widower goes about his day on a snowy December 24th, missing the holidays of years past spent with his dearly departed wife. This year, there's nothing to look forward to.
Then, a desperate, weary mare collapses in the clearing near the man's home. He discovers and takes care of her. What surprises may wait in store for him next?
Then, a desperate, weary mare collapses in the clearing near the man's home. He discovers and takes care of her. What surprises may wait in store for him next?
December 23, 2019
A captivating love story in a picture book that will put that lump in your throat in the end. Donovan’s beautiful soft images only add to the experience. It has become my favorite Christmas story to read with my husband.
December 21, 2020
4/5 (physical book)
This is a wonderful story about family and friends. Two unlikely characters meet when they are both really in need. The illustrations are wonderful and the ending is adorable. I enjoy reading this in the holiday season.
This is a wonderful story about family and friends. Two unlikely characters meet when they are both really in need. The illustrations are wonderful and the ending is adorable. I enjoy reading this in the holiday season.
December 20, 2023
A lonely old man finds a new reason to go on when a lost pony in need of aid arrives on his farm.
This story attempts to be a heart-tugger and sort of succeeds maybe. It's another one to pick up if you need filler and your audience enjoys sentimental stories or horses. Two Stars.
This story attempts to be a heart-tugger and sort of succeeds maybe. It's another one to pick up if you need filler and your audience enjoys sentimental stories or horses. Two Stars.
March 7, 2017
Excellent book about hope and Christmastime. Made me tear up! :_)
October 11, 2017
Christmas eve brings a gift to an old man who has lost hope. touching tale. want to own this book.
October 26, 2017
Really good story line and the drawings are exceptional.
November 5, 2017
Beautiful illustrations and a beautiful story. A perfect Christmas story! A 5 plus rating!
March 7, 2018
Pretty drippy, but sweet. Nice illustrations.
December 27, 2018
A cute Christmas story with beautiful illustrations.
May 10, 2020
had me curious, great illustrations, happy ending ... enjoyable fun!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews