A Gift for Mama

Lodding, Linda Ravin

ISBN 10: 0385753322 ISBN 13: 9780385753326

Publisher: Alfred a Knopf Inc, 2014

Synopsis

Oskar sets out—with a single coin—to find the perfect gift for his mother. And he spots it at once: a beautiful yellow rose. But when he meets an artist, Oskar trades the rose for a paintbrush. And when he meets a conductor, he trades the paintbrush for a sheet of music. . . .

The bustling streets are full of interesting people and delightful possible presents, and Oskar trades one gift for another, and another, and another! But what he finds by the end of the day is even more precious.

Simple kindness is at the heart of this enchanting, gloriously-illustrated tale.
From the Hardcover edition.

About this title

Review

Starred review, "Publishers Weekly, "December 2, 2013:
"The beauty and rich culture of historic Vienna course through this sweet, circular story from Lodding. . . . Colorful storefronts, elegant carriages, and a stately opera house depicted in Jay's earthy palette and crackle varnish help evoke an earlier century.""
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"School Library Journal, " March 2014:
"The narrative is well written and satisfying to read aloud. Jay's crackle-glazed paintings are as dreamily beautiful as ever, masterfully composed, and full of interesting details. . . . A lovely and successful book about optimism, giving, and love."
"Booklist, " March 2014:
"As an introduction to a special time and place, Lodding's unique offering will prove a treat for sensitive, imaginative readers."
"The New York Times Book Review, "May 2014:
"[Jay] and Lodding create an attractive portrait of Vienna as a picturesque toy town inhabited by art lovers and well-mannered aristocrats, but in the end, the gift Oskar's mother declares she likes best springs directly from nature."

Starred review, Publishers Weekly, December 2, 2013:
"The beauty and rich culture of historic Vienna course through this sweet, circular story from Lodding. . . . Colorful storefronts, elegant carriages, and a stately opera house depicted in Jay's earthy palette and crackle varnish help evoke an earlier century."

School Library Journal, March 2014:
"The narrative is well written and satisfying to read aloud. Jay's crackle-glazed paintings are as dreamily beautiful as ever, masterfully composed, and full of interesting details. . . . A lovely and successful book about optimism, giving, and love."

Booklist, March 2014:
"As an introduction to a special time and place, Lodding's unique offering will prove a treat for sensitive, imaginative readers."

The New York Times Book Review, May 2014:
"[Jay] and Lodding create an attractive portrait of Vienna as a picturesque toy town inhabited by art lovers and well-mannered aristocrats, but in the end, the gift Oskar's mother declares she likes best springs directly from nature."

About the Author

LINDA RAVIN LODDING is a freelance writer and author of the children's picture book The Busy Life of Ernestine Buckmeister, illustrated by Suzanne Beaky, and the upcoming Hold That Thought, Milton!, illustrated by Ross Collins. Linda is originally from New York, but lives in Sigtuna, the oldest city in Sweden.

ALISON JAY is a graduate of the London College of Printing and is the acclaimed illustrator of many picture books, including The Cloud Spinner, published by Knopf Books for Young Readers. Her signature style is created using alkyd paint on thick cartridge paper, with a crackle varnish, giving an aged effect.

About this edition

• Publisher: Alfred a Knopf Inc
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0385753322
• ISBN 13: 9780385753326
• Binding: Library Binding
• Illustrator: Jay Alison