Giving With Grace

    For November, here are some titles about the nature of giving with grace. Simple stories that tell so much more than what is on the page. Share them with someone you love.

Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan, illus. by Sophie Blackall (Penguin). Rubina’s celebration at bringing home a birthday party invitation goes sour when Ami (mom) makes her take younger sister Sana with her. Sana gets all the attention and even eats Rubina’s big red lollipop. See what happens when Sana receives her own party invitation in this vibrant pencil and watercolor winner. (All ages)

The Present by Bob Gill (Chronicle). Rifling through closets looking for presents is a childhood rite of passage. On the cover of this book is a brightly wrapped package, full of possibilities and importance as it sits high up on the shelf behind a hat and some old boots. Each page considers what it could be, from desired toys to the scarf that Auntie gives every year to a soft teddy bear. It couldn’t be a fish, though. Can you imagine the ending? (All ages)

14 Cows for America by Carmen Agra Deedy, illus. by Thomas Gonzalez, with an afterword by Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah (Peachtree). Naiyomah, a Maasai warrior, had been in the United States studying medicine during the 9/11 disaster. He returns home to tell his tribe the story “that burned a hole in his heart.” His tribe gives a gift to America, blessed by the elders, to help a nation heal its grief. A moving story of generosity and grace. (All ages)

Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts, illus. by Noah Z. Jones. (Candlewick). Current and wise, this story centers around the expensive fads which consume youngsters, especially those falling on hard economic times. Jeremy’s grandmother says they don’t have room for “want,” only for “need.” While shopping for winter boots, they find those shoes, but in a size too small. In a world filled with envy, embarrassment and teasing, Boelts reveals the kernel of kindness that exceeds expectations. (All ages)

Julie Hubble sees glimpses of grace in Leawood.