The Children’s Book Review | December 11, 2016
The Children’s Book Review: Which five words best describe The Lost Gift?
Kallie George: Giving, Believing, Persevering, Love, Friendship
If you had to take a vacation with one of the characters from The Lost Gift, who would it be? Why?
Rabbit, because he is so full of hope, love and kindness, and he doesn’t give up. I love that kind of person (or animal), and I feel like we need a lot of that kind of spirit around right now.
What has been the best reaction from a reader, so far?
My mom and dad cried when they read it! They helped me become a writer, nurturing me by publishing my Christmas stories for my extended family every year, so this book especially means a lot to them—and me.
What’s on your nightstand? Any books?
Yes—books! I always have a mix of adult and children’s books that I’m reading. Right now I just finished The War that Saved My Life, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, which really was so beautiful.
For your writing energy: sugar or salt, tea or coffee?
Sugar and coffee. (Particularly homemade oatmeal cookies.)
Writing tools: computer, pen and paper, or all of the above?
All the above, although I usually write by hand first and then type out my next draft. I find that I go through a natural editing process that way.
Can you tell us one more thing we may not know about The Lost Gift, your writing style, or yourself?
I am very much inspired by beautiful art and going for hikes. This story came to me while I was hiking in winter, with my family. I remember instantly being excited and wanting to write it. Although it took many drafts, and a long time to actually be published, like Rabbit, I didn’t give up.
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Written by Kallie George
Illustrated by Stephanie Graegin
Publisher’s Synopsis: In this charming Christmas-themed picture book that feels like a classic, four animals deliver a lost package for Santa.
It’s Christmas Eve, and Bird, Rabbit, Deer, and Squirrel are eagerly waiting for Santa to fly overhead. When he does, a gift tumbles out of his sleigh, landing in the woods. The friends find the gift and read the tag: “For the new baby at the farm. Love, Santa.” And so, in spite of Squirrel’s grumbling—“It’s not our baby”—they set off on a long journey to deliver it. Sweet, poignant, and starring a cast of truly adorable characters, this is a story sure to be shared year after year at Christmastime.
Ages 4-8 | Publisher: Schwartz & Wade | 2016 | ISBN-13: 978-0553524819
Available Here:
About The Author
Kallie George holds a master’s degree in children’s literature from the University of British Columbia. She is the author of the Magical Animal Adoption Agency series, among other acclaimed books for children, and, in addition to writing, leads workshops for aspiring writers. Kallie lives in Vancouver, and Christmas is her favorite time of year. Visit her on the web at kalliegeorge.com.
This speed interview with Kallie George, author of The Lost Gift: A Christmas Story, was conducted by Bianca Schulze. For similar books and articles, follow along with our content tagged with Christmas, Christmas Spirit, Santa, Stephanie Graegin and Speed Interview.