The Perfect Present - Softcover

Jones, Stella J

3.85

60 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1848692781 ISBN 13: 9781848692787

Publisher: Little Tiger Press, 2017

View all copies of this ISBN edition:

Billy and Bella are the best of friends. There's nothing they wouldn't do to make each other happy. But what if that meant giving up something they love? The Perfect Present is a wonderful Christmas tale about giving, receiving and friendship. With beautifully festive illustrations from best-selling illustrator Caroline Pedler ( Badger and the Great Rescue, When Granny Saved Christmas ). Little ones will love snuggling up with this cosy Christmas story.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

From School Library Journal:

PreS-Gr 1—Jones has simplified O. Henry's famous short story "The Gift of the Magi" in a child-centric scenario. Sibling bears Bella and Bobby each sacrifice something they love to make the other happy. Bobby's scooter is traded for a flag to adorn Bella's tricycle. Bella's trike is forfeited for a bell to jazz up Bobby's scooter. Since both swaps are obviously lopsided in favor of the shopkeepers, their scruples seem suspect. But after the siblings exchange their Christmas presents, hug, and say they don't mind having given up their favorite toys, gifts from Santa are discovered under the tree. Surprise! The trike and scooter are both there, fixed up as good as new! A note explains that Santa knows what kind, thoughtful bears they are. Were the shopkeepers behind this? No parents are shown in the story. Bella and Bobby simply take it for granted that Santa resolved everything, and ride off to enjoy the crisp winter day. Pedler's art is charming and colorful, depicting woodland creatures with lovely expressions in a pleasant holiday wonderland. The book design and text placement are exemplary. VERDICT Children who aren't confounded by the mysterious conclusion will enjoy this idealized fable.—Linda Israelson, Los Angeles Public Library

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.