The True Gift: A Christmas Story
on Goodreads (1,548)
What’s inside...
Liam and Lily are spending Christmas on their grandparents' farm, enjoying their usual traditions. This year, they notice a lonely white cow in the meadow and decide to help it find a friend. With the support of their community, they embark on a journey of authentic giving, learning the true spirit of the holiday and making it a Christmas they'll always remember. This holiday classic by a Newbery Award-winning author celebrates the joys of family, community, and the essence of giving.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
81 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Lily and Liam to find a gift for the white cow?
How do you think the cow felt when she received the gift?
What are some ways we can help others like Lily and Liam did?
Can you think of a time when you gave someone a special gift? How did that make you feel?
Why do you think giving is an important part of Christmas?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences with giving and receiving gifts.
Discuss the emotions of the characters in the book and ask your child how they would feel in similar situations.
Highlight the theme of generosity and discuss its importance, especially during the holiday season.
Ask your child to think of ways they can be generous in their daily life, similar to the characters in the story.
Use the book as an opportunity to discuss the joy and fulfillment that comes from selfless acts.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Generosity
Explanation: The story revolves around a brother and sister, Liam and Lily, who use their holiday break to make a difference for a lonely cow in their grandmother's town. They buy it a companion using their own savings.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of kindness and selflessness. They can apply this by sharing their resources to make someone else's life better, whether that's through donating toys or helping out a friend in need.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Liam and Lily show great understanding and concern for the cow’s feelings of loneliness. They go out of their way to ensure it has a companion.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to consider the feelings of others and act compassionately. They can practice empathy by acknowledging their friends' emotions and supporting them during both happy and challenging times.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The siblings demonstrate problem-solving by figuring out a way to buy another cow to keep the first cow company. They assess their savings and find a solution that addresses the problem.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of critical thinking and finding practical solutions. They can use these skills to tackle assignments at school or resolve conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: The joy of giving
Explanation: Throughout the book, the anticipation and act of helping the cow provide Liam and Lily with profound happiness and satisfaction.
Real-World Application: Children understand that true joy can come from giving and helping others. They can experience this happiness by participating in community service or by helping out at home.
Example Lesson: Family bonding
Explanation: The shared goal of helping the cow brings Liam and Lily closer together, showing the strength of family bonds in achieving common goals.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to engage in family activities, understanding that cooperation and shared objectives can strengthen familial relationships.