I do love children’s books with magical realism! Because the wonderful picture books by Patricia Polacco have an autobiographical quality, I wondered if Gifts of the Heart was also a true story but then it would mean that the magic that happened is real!
The realism that seems magical isn’t new for Polacco. A real meteor landed in her yard that resulted in the picture book Meteor! and a meteor festival that she hosts as a result.
In My Ol’ Man, a unique black boulder changed their lives much like the black obelisk in 2001: A Space Odyssey.
If you want more children’s books featuring magical realism, check out this list by Imagination Soup!
Patricia Polacco Christmas Pi
cture Book of the Day
Gifts Of the Heart by Patricia Polacco
Grandpa is selling the family farm in the spring; the memories of Gramma are too strong for him since she passed away. Because Tricia and Ritchie’s mom get home late from her teaching job in Battle Creek, they need a housekeeper to help out.
“The name’s Kay Lamity. I’m your new housekeeper!” she said, and she spun on her heels and trundled through the side door into the kitchen.
…
Ritchie doesn’t want “any ol’ lady we don’t know in Gramma’s house.”
“Ca-lamity means ‘disaster’!” Richie said defiantly. “Disaster.”
…
But Kay Lamity has a way of connecting with everyone and when it comes to Christmas and presents, she has advice for them during this very difficult holiday season without their beloved Gramma.
“A gift of the heart ain’t opened by pullin’ on a fancy bow or rippin’ pretty paper off a box. It’s about openin’ your heart … and givin’ what’s inside. That’s the greatest gift of all.”
Keeping the Christmas spirit alive by opening the heart is the central message of this very special picture book perfect for the holidays! [picture book, ages 5 and up]
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My books:
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me
This could be an important book for any child who has lost a loved one in dealing with the holiday season.
Hi Barbara,
I just love Patricia Polacco’s books. They draw on her own life but they speak to everyone. Yes, absolutely! It would make any child who lost a loved one feel a little better knowing that there are others going through a hard time as well!
We love Patricia Polacco books! Thanks for sharing this one. I am looking forward to joining next month 🙂
Thanks so much Natalie!!! We are looking forward to your post on Multicultural Books with Diversity Themes for Kids!
Oooh, I haven’t read this one yet, but we love Polacco! Thanks so much for sharing!:)
Hi Becky,
It’s a new one. My son’s lovely 3rd grade teacher gave me a signed copy!!! We both love to attend children’s book author events and it’s impossible to make them all! I love Polacco’s books too and she just seems to be getting better and better (which seems impossible since all her books are wonderful!!)
Can’t wait to check this one out! I love her books and illustrations!
Hi Ann,
I love Patricia Polacco so much too! My son’s third grade teacher saw her at a book signing and bought me a signed copy! I love all her books but this one is particularly special!