Here is an unusual book that has had a little difficulty finding a home in the store — where to put it? It looks like a picture book for young readers, but once read, you realize this book is unique and it really is a gift.

A young girl is growing up in a loving home in a small village. One day, on a picnic with her parents, she discovers a small clearing “where buttercups sparkled in the sunlight” and where she thought that she would someday like to be buried in this very spot. An old woman appeared before her to grant her wish. The girl went on to live a long life filled with love and art. She married, had children and grandchildren. The Gift is a gentle telling of her life with illustrations that intimately reflect her tale.

In May 2009, Carol Ann Duffy became the first woman to be appointed as the United Kingdom’s Poet Laureate — a big deal! The illustrator of The Gift is Rob Ryan; he handcut each of the book’s illustrations from single sheets of paper, spray painted them and then photographed them. Extraordinary illustrations for an extraordinary story.
I am drawn to stories that are able to articulate the circle of life in a tender way and The Gift succeeds beautifully. ~Patti