Every day Michael (Nicodeme in the original French) checks that the present, wrapped in a blue box with a yellow ribbon, is still there, on top of the closet. He dreams about it and waits — impatiently — for that special birthday to come so that he can open it. But what happens when the big day arrives? A lyrical and memorable story about patience and the ability to give of ourselves to the ones we love.
Children often find it straining and challenging to wait for their birthdays. Time passes ever so slowly, and they keep asking – when is my party? When will I get my gifts? The Gift provides a surprising perspective on the anticipation for birthdays and the giving of gifts:
Read MoreWritten by: Agnès Laroche
Illustrated by: Stéphanie Augusseau
Dear Parents,
Children often find it straining and challenging to wait for their birthdays. Time passes ever so slowly, and they keep asking – when is my party? When will I get my gifts?
The Gift provides a surprising perspective on the anticipation for birthdays and the giving of gifts:
Subtly, sensitively, and compassionately, this book describes a young boy's kindheartedness, as well as his ability to look beyond himself, and see someone else. The ability to give others is not obvious, and each person gives whatever they know and can afford:
One who says […] mine is yours and yours is yours is pious
[Ethics of the Fathers, 5:10]
The Mishna sages revere those who give to others without demanding that the latter give them something in return. This book inspires young and old to be considerate and generous, and to give happily, at any age.
Reading together, experiencing together
