“A Gift for Nana” by Lane Smith.
Random House, New York, 2022, 40 pages, Grades K-3.
Some of the warmest memories many people have involve their grandparents. Being grandparents frees the older folks from the day-to-day issues of child rearing, while allowing them the freedom to enjoy time with their grandchildren. In my family, Christmas was always celebrated at my grandparents’ home. There, the entire family gathered and we shared a delicious meal and the love we felt for each other.
Additionally, grandparents are the living memory to the past. It is very difficult to learn about our history without the stories shared by our grandparents. Lane Smith has written a delightful account of a young rabbit trying to find the perfect present for his Nana, or Grandmother. The name of this charming adventure is “A Gift for Nana.”
Rabbit knew that it was not his Nana’s birthday, or even a rabbit holiday. But still his heart longed to give his grandmother a present. But what should he get? He began asking the other animals and plants what would be the best gift.
Crow told Rabbit that there was a perfect gift for Nana, but that Rabbit would have to trek after it. This sounded wonderful to Rabbit and he started out on his quest to find it. The journey was complicated, however. Rabbit soon needed more information about the present.
The Moon told Rabbit that she could give Nana one of her phases. It is similar to a beautiful smile. Rabbit thought about it, but decided that Nana already had a lovely smile. That gift would not work.
As Rabbit continued to walk through the forest, he met different animals and objects. Each had a suggestion for Rabbit. But none of these ideas seemed right.
At last, Rabbit climbed a big hill and spied a huge carrot at the top. Now, this would be an ideal present. But the carrot was large and the journey back to Nana’s house was long. What should Rabbit do? His love for his grandmother swelled and he made his decision. It was time to act.
What did Rabbit decide? Did he take the carrot all the way back to Nana’s house? The trip was so long that Rabbit was hungry. Here he was holding a delicious carrot. Should he take a bite or not? What would make his Nana the happiest?
To find the answers to these and other questions on Rabbit’s quest to find his Nana the best gift, go to the library and check out “A Gift for Nana” by Lane Smith.
This delightful read-aloud should be shared by grandparents and their grandchildren. It is a sweet story and the illustrations draw readers into the book. Primary school children will especially enjoy the book.
If you are looking for a delightful book to share with your grandchildren, this is the one. I enjoyed Rabbit’s quest to find the perfect gift for his Nana. Readers will particularly enjoy the comforting ending. I hope you like the book as much as I have. Enjoy!
