The Gift from Saint Nicholas
Ages 5^-8. On Saint Nicholas Eve, Misha and Anna wish that Saint Nicholas would blow a path through the snow that's keeping everyone from going outside. Instead, Saint Nicholas leaves a mysterious package in the village square, creating such curiosity that the villagers pitch in and make their own path. Anna's closing comment--"Saint Nicholas may not have blown a path through the snow, but he did find a way to bring us all together!" --will help younger children see the irony of the situation and the wisdom of the gift, which turns out to be an old teapot. Soft, appealing illustrations of snowy villagescenes convey the warmth and spirit of the season and capture the villagers as they rediscover and celebrate the simple joy of friendship.Lauren Peterson