Rainer Maria Rilke

"Live a while in these books, learn from them what seems to you worth learning, but above all love them. This love will be repaid you a thousand and a thousand times, and however your life may turn,-it will, I am certain of it, run through the fabric of your growth as one of the most important threads among all the threads of your experiences, disappointments, and joys."--Rainer Maia Rilke


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Friday, April 3, 2015

A Sweet Story That Explains the Real Reason Behind the Season

The True Gift:  A Christmas Story by Patricia MacLachlan

Children's Holiday

Patricia MacLachlan is far and above one of my favorite writers.  Her writing style is the true gift of this story.  Every book of hers that I've read has broken my heart a little, in the sweetest way, and this was no exception.  Her works are so lyrical, more like poetry than prose and getting swept away by her words is so easy, like swinging in a hammock with the gentlest of breezes.

In the story, brother and sister Liam and Lily are going to their grandparent's farm to spend the holiday season.  Instead of focusing solely on his gifts, Liam is distressed to see that White Cow has to spend the holidays alone in the field.  In true Christmas spirit, he uses his savings to buy a calf, a companion for White Cow.  The story is told so simply, so sweetly and is a great reminder of the real reason behind the season.

This is a great Christmas read, a great read-aloud for a classroom of elementary kids, a great short and easy read, and a great multi-generational family read.  It's just a great read, no matter the reason.

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