Loretta's Gift

PreS-Gr 1—When Loretta hears that her aunt is expecting, she wants to give a gift. But her funds are limited, her jump rope is old, and her crafting makes a mess. Once Gabe arrives, she decides he is the "best baby on the block." She helps with diapers, tickles his toes, feeds him, and rocks him. Soon, his first birthday arrives, but she is still presentless. When he falls and cries, it is Loretta who rushes to help him up and make him laugh, prompting her aunt's declaration that Loretta is Gabe's best present. Loretta realizes her love is the most important thing. Despite the sweet sentiment, Miller avoids the saccharine, with concise yet descriptive language, and a tight focus on Loretta's thoughts and point of view. Marley portrays Loretta and her family with dark brown skin. Her aunt is also dark-skinned, while her uncle is white. Marley's characters have rounded eyes and simple, expressive faces. An effective mix of spot art, single pages, and spreads move the story along effectively, and while many backgrounds are white, the color palette focuses on pastels and earth tones, providing a cozy feel.