The Perfect Gift Something Special

Author Emma Price’s goal for writing this book is to show boys and girls how they can be determined, think outside of the box, and think of something that would make others feel good. Most kids between the ages of 4 – 8 are self-centered, think of what they like, and do not consider others’ likes and needs.

On several occasions, Marlon asks his teacher if the gifts he likes could be the gift for the kids at the hospital, she rejects them. Marlon’s spirit is crushed. But he is determined to find the ideal gift. So, he keeps on searching.

The main character, Marlon, is a good role model. He persists until, on his own, he comes up with an idea of a gift that his teacher accepts.

Buy The Perfect Gift Something Special today to find out what Marlon comes up with as his perfect gift!

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Reviews for The Perfect Gift Something Special

The Perfect Gift: Something Special, written by Emma L. Price and illustrated by Beverly Hawkins Hall, is a story about a little boy named Marlon. His class has been given the assignment of finding presents to give to children in the hospital. Marlon asks his mother, his older sister, and his father for the right answer, and while none of his family refuses to help, they are all very busy just at the moment. They tactfully give him time and encouragement to find his own answer. Marlon comes up with several gifts that would make him happy, all ideas that sound very good to him. But pets and marbles are not suitable for a hospital room, and his teacher rejects these suggestions without fanfare. Then, on a visit to his grandparents’ house, Marlon notices their cat playing with a sock, which reminds him of a time when he was sick and his grandmother gave him a stuffed koala bear made from a sock. Marlon spends his own money on supplies and enlists the help of his family to make very personal cuddly toys, something truly special to take to sick children.

The Perfect Gift: Something Special by Emma L. Price is suitable for children aged 5 and up. It is concise and easy to read, with small blocks of text in clear bold font on each illustrated page. The watercolor pictures by Beverly Hawkins Hall are bright, clean, and uncluttered. They show personality, thought, and feeling on the faces of the characters. The grandparents’ cat is named Mr. Spock, which I appreciated, as will most adults who read this book aloud. The family dynamics depicted in the story are worthy of emulation: there is a mutual respect that’s all the more effective because it is taken for granted. Another thing I appreciate is that the characters, including the young protagonist, think and speak in grammatically correct sentences.

The child in the story is going through a process of thinking of other people’s needs, and the child reading or hearing the story can follow along, contributing their own ideas, which may generate some interesting and worthwhile conversations. This is a book that teaches good values, good relationships, and good communication. The Perfect Gift: Something Special by Emma L. Price sets an excellent example. I enjoyed reading it and warmly recommend it to parents, grandparents, elementary schools, and libraries.
— Francis Mont for Readers’ Favorite

The Perfect Gift Something Special is an adorable picture book about a boy searching for a special gift to give to sick children in a hospital. Marlon, the main character, was given a school assignment to think of a special gift for children patients in a local hospital. He is determined to find the perfect gift and seeks his family’s help. In the end, Marlon is able to think of the perfect gift on his own.

I enjoyed this book. As a former elementary classroom teacher, this is a book that I would have enjoyed reading aloud to my students. The Perfect Gift would have stimulated their interest and captured their attention. It would have led to great discussion topics such as determination, family life, and caring about and helping others.

Ms. Price has written a book that any child would cherish. The Perfect Book Something Special is relatable and appropriate for young readers. It is easy reading with repetitions that even younger children could learn to read.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Ms. Price has written another award-winning book.
— Kayrese McDuffie

This book is a wonderful idea to encourage empathy in children. Good job.
— Michael Thal, Author of The Legend of Koolura