Franklin’s
Christmas Gift
By Paulette Bourgeois
Illustrated by Brenda Clark
Review by: Yvonne
Gaudet
Franklin’s class was
planning a Christmas toy drive but poor Franklin does not know what to
donate for a gift. Every year, Mr. Owl’s class would donate toys to
needy families. These toys could be new and even gently used. They had
three days to choose their gift. The next night, Franklin dug through
his toy box to see what he could bring in for the sale. He found lots of
toys that meant something special to him, like his stuffed elephant, his
red car, and his marble collection. Finally Franklin picked out a rusty
truck with a wheel missing, and approached his father to see if together
they might fix it. Franklin’s father reminded Franklin that Christmas
is for giving and told him the truck was more then gently used, it was
in rough shape.
Franklin takes more time to think about
what he would like to donate, and while pondering this decision he is
reminded by his teacher that these gifts may be the only thing a child
may receive this year. When Franklin’s aunt sends a gift to
Franklin’s house, he remembers that she always gives something that is
special to her. He thinks about this and finally decides to give his
shiny marbles to the toy drive. He knows that he will miss them because
he worked hard to win them and they each mean a lot to him. After he
donates them Franklin feels good all over, the same way he feels when he
gives his aunt a play that he wrote and dedicated to her. Franklin likes
this feeling, and your child will too.
I recommend this book for ages 3 to 8. It
is full of bright pictures, and the story line leads to a lot of good
conversation with the children you are reading it to. From this book
your child will learn that Christmas is not only about getting gifts,
but that giving of yourself is the best part!
Buy
Now
