Through the Looking Glass Children's Book Reviews
A gift
Picture Book
For ages 5 to 8
Boyds Mills Press, 2009 ISBN: 978-1590788981
Every Chinese New Year Amy’s mother feels the absence of her brothers and sisters more than usual. They live far away in China, and Amy’s only contact with them is through the letters and packages that her uncles and aunt send her.
This Chinese New Year Amy’s relatives send a letter and a gift. In the letter, Amy’s Aunt Mei explains how Uncle Zhong found a stone in his field. He gave the stone to Uncle Ming who carved and polished the stone. The uncles and Aunt Mei decided that the carved stone should be given to Amy as a gift. They find a way to reach out to their little niece even though they live so many miles away.
This touching picture book shows readers how one family stays close despite the miles that separate them. The gift that is sent helps Amy to connect with the relatives that she never seen.
An author’s note at the back of the book goes on to further explain the significance of Amy’s gift, and the traditions of Chinese New year.
