Skip to main content

A Gift for Mama

Cover image for A gift for Mama
A Gift for Mama
by Linda Ravin Lodding
illustrated by Alison Jay
Alfred A. Knopf, 2014. picture book

Oskar walks down a cobblestone street in Vienna looking for a birthday gift for his mama.  He chooses a yellow flower from a vendor, but then an artist wants it for a painting he is doing.  The artist gives the boy a paint brush in exchange.  Then an orchestra conductor asks for the paint brush in exchange for some music. The boy keeps meeting people who want to exchange what they have for what he has.  The goodhearted boy is willing to make the trades and ends up with the perfect gift for his mother at last. The author concludes the book with a note that explains that the people the boy meets in the story represent real historical figures from 19th century Vienna. Jay's crackled and light-filled illustrations suggest the optimism of Vienna in its gold age.  As always Jay's illustrations include little details that will delight young readers.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

De la hora del cuento: La letra "H"

  Cuentos Cuando tu niƱera es una bruja Escrito por Ana Siqueira Ilustrado por Irena Freitas New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2022. Libro ilustrado. "Si consigues una nueva niƱera y ya casi es Halloween, ten cuidado ... ¡porque podrĆ­a ser una bruja!" --Editor Cuentitos Mi ofrenda Por Mariana Galvez   Los Angeles, California: Little Libros, LLC, 2022. PequeƱo libro ilustrado. "Finalmente ha llegado el momento y Amelia necesita tu ayuda para recoger art̕culos para la ofrenda de su familia. A travĆ©s del uso de colores, este libro de buscar y encontrar les enseƱarĆ” a sus pequeƱos el significado especial que tienen los artĆ­culos cotidianos durante el DĆ­a de Muertos." --Editor Otros libros sobre la letra "H" Hola. ¡Adiós! Hermana pegajosa Hansel y Gretel ¡Hola, CapitĆ”n! Nuestras Ancestras: Tejiendo Historias En Mi Huipil

If You Like ... Super Silly Read Alouds

If you like super silly read alouds, these playful picture books are for you! Young readers get to laugh, imagine, and become part of the storytelling fun! From upside-down adventures and magical spells to silly surprises and unexpected telephone calls, each book offers something delightfully different. These books are sure to inspire giggles, curiosity, and plenty of conversation. Pandamonium! Written by Annie Bailey Illusrated by Bonnie Wong New York : Feiwel and Freinds, 2026. When the panda family gathers for a reunion, they attempt to take the perfect family photograph. Despite their best efforts to look their finest and sit still, the little pandas become increasingly wiggly and giggly. Fun panda facts at the end add an educational touch to this playful celebration of family togetherness. I Think We're Upside Down! By Marcus Cutler New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2026. Rabbit and Raccoon discover that something is very wrong with their world. When Raccoon’s new basketball ...

Books to Read When... You're Feeling Dreamy

As the days get shorter and the nights feel darker, my dreams become more vivid. I love waking up remembering little pieces of the adventures my mind had while I slept. Here are some fanciful picture books to take you to dreamland. If the Moon Written by Matthew Burgess Illustrated by Matthew Forsythe Naperville, IL : Stonefruit Studio, an imprint of Sourcebooks, 2026. Picture book. This lyrical bedtime picture book explores possibility and imagination through dreams. A little child transports and transforms between inner worlds (and outer space!) while falling asleep. White pages, variegated blacks, and blurry, cozy colors play together as the liminal spaces between waking and dreaming.  Mr. Lepron's Mystery Soup Written by Giovanna Zoboli Illustrated by Mariachiara di Giorgio Translated from Italian by Denise Muir Somerville, Massachusetts : Candlewick Studio, an imprint of Candlewick Press, 2024. Picture book. Mr. Lepron's homemade vegetable soup is so extraordinary that he ...