The Lost Gift: A Christmas Story
by Kallie George (Author), Stephanie Graegin (Illustrator)
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade (October 18, 2016)
Age Range: 4 – 8 years
Grade Level: Preschool – 3
Hardcover: 40 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0553524819
E-Book ASIN: B01B0K99GE
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.
Nana’s Thoughts
A beautifully illustrated tale of four woodland characters giving Santa a big assist on Christmas Eve.
The dialogue between bird, deer, bunny and squirrel has a timely message of good deeds, friendship, and perseverance. Each character is unique with their own personality. From the cantankerous squirrel, to the intuitive bird, the optimistic bunny, and the tentative deer.
Targeted at ages 4 – 8, but that would mean learning to read the book themselves. The story itself would be enjoyed by little ones being read to as well. The story is engaging and illustrations are colorful. I love the faces on the animals.
The book would make a wonderful gift that would be enjoyed year after year. There is a gift tag on the first page so that your special child will always be reminded who gave them this fun and entertaining book.

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.
Click here for more books by Kallie George.
About the Illustrator
Stephanie Graegin is the illustrator of Forget Me Not by Nancy Van Laan;Water in the Park by Emily Jenkins
, which received three starred reviews; and Happy Birthday, Bunny! by Liz Garton
Scanlon, which received two starred reviews. Graegin earned her BFA from the Maryland Institute for Fine Arts and her MFA in printmaking from Pratt Institute. You can visit her at graegin.com.
Click here for more books illustrated by Stephanie Graegin.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”