Book Review: 'Gifts of the Heart' by Patricia Polacco

✰✰✰✰ A family is spending one last holiday on the farm after their Gramma has died. With their mother working, their Grampa needs a little help looking after the kids. Kay Lamity arrives at their doorstep just in time. An eccentric and wise housekeeper, Kay sets the children straight when they have doubts about Santa.

When the children don't have enough money to purchase Christmas presents, Kay teaches them about the two types of presents: some you purchase and others come from the heart. With a little help from Kay, the children make gifts from the farm that everyone will treasure for a very long time.

The Bottom Line: This heartwarming tale of a family love and simple gifts is a treasure. The text and images harken back to a nostalgic time. Recommended holiday reading for kids ages 7 – 10.

Details: Gifts of the Heart written & illustrated by Patricia Polacco. Hardcover picture book published by G.P. Putnam's Sons in 2013. 40 p. ISBN: 978-0-399-16094-3