The Special Gift by Ruth Doyle & Carmen Saldana
On a bitterly cold, fierce winter's night Donkey wanders from the farm where there is no room for one so little to pull a cart, getting colder and colder as the snow falls. But as he stops to drink in an almost-frozen stream he sees the reflection of a brilliant star that grew brighter as he watched. Suddenly, a silver and white bird flew down, and magically, Donkey is wrapped in a warm blanket and is told to follow the star.
Distressed that he has nothing to offer in return, nevertheless he trudges forward - and so begins a journey that now has hope and purpose. And on his travels, Donkey meets other animals who are lost in their own way: a lonely lamb, an old sheepdog who longs to be useful and a robin searching for a reason to sing. Guided by Donkey, the new friends help each other to navigate the storm to safety . . .
At this time of the year, gift-giving seems to be at the front of mind for many, and while those gifts may seem to have to be the bigger/better/brighter kind, this is a gentle story that reminds us that they can be much simpler. Not a day goes by that we don't hear about the "cost-of-living-crisis" and so it could mean that this year's season is more stressful than ever, so as the characters in this story offer nothing that is tangible but everything that is meaningful, it offers an opportunity for readers to think about what they might offer that could change someone's life for a short time, if not forever. All the creatures have lost their "tribe", lonely and outcast for one reason or another, so perhaps they could think about those in their circle in similar circumstances and consider whether a smile, a visit or a match of homemade biscuits might make the difference. Whether as a family or a class, what can they do to make someone's life a little better - and what might that lead to in the future?
The publishers describe the book as a reminder "of the most special gift we can offer - our own kindness."
Themes: Friendship, Resilience, Gifts, Christmas.
Barbara Braxton