The True Gift, by Patricia MacLachlan

(Paperback, 112 pages, first published in 2009)

Experience the magic of authentic giving in this holiday classic from the Newbery Award–winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall.

All year long Lily and Liam look forward to the holidays at their grandparents’ farm. It’s always the perfect trip: walking to the lilac library, trimming the tree, giving gifts. But this year, thanks to a white cow alone in the meadow, things will be different. This holiday, Lily and Liam will find out the meaning of a special gift.

This holiday classic from a beloved author rings in the season by celebrating the joys of family, community, and true giving.

Storyglory Considerations: The two siblings in the story are very sweet toward each other but have a couple of tense moments. In one, the sister says "you dumb boy!" not because she thinks he's dumb but because she's worried that he's going to hijack their Christmas with his compassionate plans.

Recommended Age: 6+