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The Present

by Bob Gill
32p. 978-0-81187-743-5.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 2—Young Arthur's birthday is approaching and, while rummaging around his father's closet, he notices a present on the top shelf that he presumes is for him. He begins imagining what the box might contain: perhaps a backpack, possibly "a gazillion chocolate bars," maybe a volleyball. Though readers never see the child, they learn about him through his musings: his house is near a park with a pond; he has friends, owns a bicycle, and dislikes bowling; and has an aunt, an uncle, and two parents. But what is quite significant about Arthur will be discovered on the last page. Most of the graphic illustrations contain a large picture of each of the various objects the boy imagines; some appear only in black and white and others in bright colors, outlined in black. This seemingly simple story will lead to discussions about the rewards of giving and/or receiving.—Maryann H. Owen, Racine Public Library, WI
A red-ribboned box on a closet's top shelf beckons to Arthur, whose birthday is coming. The text details his guesses about what's inside. But when he overhears a request for "toys for poor children," Arthur, without a second thought, becomes a philanthropist and runs to donate the mystery gift. Graphic designer Gill's childlike dark-outlined illustrations are stronger than his sentimental text.
Reviewed by Maryann H. Owen , Jan 01, 2011

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