The Best Gifts is the story of Sara and the important moments in her life. It starts with her birth and concludes when she welcomes her own baby. On each occasion, friends and family bring gifts to celebrate. In the end, though, the most cherished gifts are the ones that cannot be purchased. The first cherished gift Sara receives is her mother’s milk and the story comes full circle when she gives that same gift to her own baby.

Originally published in 1998, The Best Gifts has been fully revised, with all-new illustrations and updated breastfeeding resource information.

The Best Gifts has been a cherished baby book for fifteen years. This fully revised new edition with breathtakingly beautiful illustrations by Elly MacKay is sure to be cherished for generations to come.

Excerpt:

When Sara was born, friends and family welcomed her with joy and special gifts. Her parents opened each one and thanked everyone for their thoughtfulness.

When all the visitors had left, Sara’s father put the gifts away. Then he sat on the bed next to Sara and her mother as she opened her nightgown and drew their daughter near. Sara was wrapped in love and a light scent of sandalwood as the warmth of her mother’s milk swirled in her mouth and filled her tiny stomach. She fell into a happy sleep.

Reviews:

Canadian Materials: 3/4 stars

excerpt:

When Sara was born, friends and family welcomed her with joy and special gifts. Her parents opened the gifts and thanked everyone for their thoughtfulness. When all the visitors had left, Sara’s father put the gifts away. Then he sat on the bed as Sara’s mother opened her nightgown and drew their daughter near. Sara was wrapped in love and a light scent of sandalwood as the warmth of her mother’s milk swirled in her mouth and filled her tiny stomach.

 

The rest of the The Best Gift is devoted to the simple, but beautifully told, story of Sara’s life. Readers follow her through several milestones of her life – birthday parties, graduation, leaving home to pursue a future. As Sara grows, she realizes that her “childhood might be over, but like the scent (of sandalwood), the memories stayed”. She finds her true love and has a child of her own years later. She also breastfeeds her son, and the story comes full circle.

     Throughout, Sara’s parents are a constant presence. The special events in her life are always marked by gifts. At each of these occasions, the refrain, “opened gifts and thanked everyone for their thoughtfulness”, is repeated. But, in the end, it is not the gifts that are purchased which are prized. It is the love, warmth and time spent with a child that is really of importance. The idea that one of the best presents a child can receive is providing nourishment through breastfeeding is clearly implied. However one feels about this issue, this idea is conveyed in a subtle tone, and it is the first book that I have come across that addresses this issue in such a loving and natural way.

     There is an elegance to the text, and Skrypuch conveys a comforting, peaceful mood to her story. This tranquillity is mirrored by the soft and colourful illustrations done in watercolours and paper artwork. The predominant hues are of a red/orange combination, with the beauty of nature playing a significant role. The dreamlike quality of the illustrations is appealing and serves the story well. McKay also presents a variety of interesting perspectives in her drawings. This title that was first published in 1998 is now accompanied by this lovely new artwork.

     The Best Gifts has a special market and audience. It is relevant to new parents and to those who are thinking about the value of breastfeeding. This title is suitable as a read-aloud by a parent to a children in a private setting, especially if the child happens to be an older sibling with a new baby in the house.

     For added value, the book includes information on breastfeeding, resources, support groups and a web site that promotes this idea.

Recommended.

Reesa Cohen is a retired Instructor of Children’s Literature and Information Literacy at the Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, MB.