Gifts of the Heart
K-Gr 3—Reminiscent of Chris Van Allsburg's classic The Polar Express (Houghton Mifflin, 1985), this delightfully old-fashioned story reaffirms a child's belief in Santa Claus. The narrator, Trisha, and her older brother, Richie, prepare for their last Christmas on Grampa's farm before he has to sell the property. Dreaming of dolls and model trains, they want to make the holiday unforgettable even though they don't have much money. Kay Lamity, a wise, no-nonsense housekeeper arrives on their doorstep, bringing with her the true spirit of Christmas. Despite some initial difficulties, she befriends the children, sharing with them her belief that gifts from the heart don't come wrapped in paper and ribbons. Excited about seeing Santa in town, Trisha nearly has her Christmas ruined when Richie scoffs, "There ain't no Santa." Kay soon restores harmony in the house and helps Trisha and Richie make corn-husk angels, their gifts from the heart for Grampa and Momma. Trisha's faith in Santa is rewarded on Christmas morning when the siblings spot runner marks and hoof prints on the snow-covered roof and find two sleigh bells in the yard. Come spring, the magical Kay Lamity returns home, and to the family's surprise, the woman from the employment agency reveals that she hadn't sent her to them. Polacco's deftly drawn pencil and marker illustrations eloquently portray Trisha's nostalgic childhood world of cinnamon gumdrops, toy-store windows, and Santa parades, enhancing the warmth and charm of the story. Children will want to hear Gifts of the Heart every holiday season.—Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston, MA