The Lost Gift: A Christmas Story
What’s inside...
This Christmas-themed picture book about four animals delivering a lost package for Santa already feels like a classic, and makes the perfect gift this holiday season! It’s Christmas Eve, and Bird, Rabbit, Deer, and Squirrel are eagerly waiting for Santa to fly overhead. When he does, a gift tumbles out of his sleigh, landing in the woods. The friends find the gift and read the 'For the new baby at the farm. Love, Santa.' And so, in spite of Squirrel’s grumbling—'It’s not our baby'—they set off on a long journey to deliver it. Sweet, poignant, and starring a cast of truly adorable characters, this is a story sure to be shared year after year at Christmastime.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What would you do if you found a lost gift like the characters in the story?
How did the animals work together to deliver the present, and why do you think teamwork was important?
What are some ways we can help others during the holiday season?
How did the adventure change the way the characters felt about giving?
What would be your perfect gift to give, and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the importance of teamwork by asking them to share a time when they worked with others to achieve a goal.
Discuss the joy of giving by asking your child what makes them happy about giving gifts to others.
Relate the story's themes to your child's experiences by discussing any time they have found something lost and what they did with it.
Use the story to talk about empathy, asking your child how they think the characters felt during their adventure and why.
After reading, engage your child in a creative activity where they can draw or write about their ideal gift for someone special, explaining their choices.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of generosity
Explanation: In 'The Lost Gift: A Christmas Story,' the animal characters demonstrate generosity by helping Santa deliver a lost present.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to share their toys, time, and help others in need, fostering a spirit of giving in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the story, the animals must work together to solve the problem of the lost gift, showcasing effective teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children to collaborate with siblings and friends on projects or tasks, emphasizing the value of cooperative efforts.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving skills
Explanation: The characters face challenges that require creative thinking and problem-solving to successfully deliver the gift.
Real-World Application: Children learn to think critically and develop solutions when they encounter challenges at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The animals show empathy by worrying about the child who might not receive a gift, driving their quest.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to consider the feelings of others and to act compassionately in both family and social interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and resilience
Explanation: The group of animal friends encounters several obstacles but their determination does not waver, underscoring perseverance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of persistence in achieving goals, whether in their academic pursuits, sports, or personal hobbies.