A GIFT FROM DANIEL
by Marie Le
Illustrated by Jason Fruchter
Simon Spotlight
Early Reader Chapter Book
32 pages
ages 5 to 8
A new generation of children love Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, inspired by the classic series Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood! Daniel Tiger makes gifts for family and friends in this holiday-themed Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read.
Daniel Tiger wants to give his friends and family special presents, but he doesn’t have enough money to buy them! Then his mom reminds him that homemade gifts are even better than store-bought, and Daniel learns to embrace his creativity and the joy of giving. © 2023 The Fred Rogers Company. All Rights Reserved.
MY TIDBITS
Holds an important message about gift-giving, while inspiring readers to create their own gifts.
Daniel Tiger enjoys spending time with Miss Elaina. One day, she gives him a gift. Daniel is so touched that he wants to give her one, too. After talking about it at home, he decides to make one for Miss Elaina and hopes she'll like it.
Fans of the series will recognize Danie Tiger and the other characters right away. The settings come across very familiar (directly from the show) and invite in with their colors and every day details. Daniel, of course, is a very kind soul, and it's easy to understand that he wants to do something for Miss Elaina, too. I especially enjoyed watching Daniel create his own gift, since it does remind readers that they can do this as well. The reminder that self-made gifts are especially special adds just the right touch and does inspire kids to do the same.
The text is just right for beginning readers and helps them exercise their reading skills, expand their vocabulary, and still, not push too hard. It's concise and brings across the story in an interesting way, which will even appeal to more reluctant readers.
This isn't really a complete Christmas read, but rather, lets the illustrations strongly hint at the season (colors and wintery scenes). So, this can be read at other times and used as a general gift-giving read as well.
And here she is...
Maria Le grew up in Oklahoma and now lives in New York City, where she writes and edits children’s books. She loves pottery, boba tea, and Chihuahuas.
