PPBF: The Gift of the Magi

Now that the Christmas season, it's time to focus on books that will bring us joy. This is one of my absolute favorite stories, period. But it so happens that it has a Christmas theme!

Author: O. Henry

Illustrator: Carol Heyer

Publisher: Ideals Children's Books 

Date: 1994

Genre: Christmas-fiction

Ages: 7-77+

Themes: Christmas, gifts, unselfishness

From the Inside Flap: O. Henry, the master of the short story,  captures the essence of giving in this classic Christmas tale. Readers are introduced to Jim and Della Dillingham, a young couple struggling with poverty who sacrifice for each other their most valuable possessions. With his distinctive twist of irony, O. Henry created a story that illustrates the timeless lesson of the Magi - that the most precious of gifts come from the unselfish heart. 

     This classic story is beautifully retold and features richly detailed illustrations by award-winning artist Carol Heyer. The Gift of the Magi is a book children and their parents will treasure.

First page: "One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it was in pennies. Pennies saved one and two at a time by bullying the grocer and the vegetable man and the butcher until her cheeks burned with embarrassment. Della counted it three times. Only one dollar and eighty-seven cents-- and the next day would be Christmas.

Why I like this book: I've been fascinated for years by O. Henry's stories, but this one is so touching that I never tire of reading it. And because of that, I believe all children should be exposed to such a poignant tale, especially when it's theme is unselfishness.  At Christmas time, we could do with more examples of this trait, couldn't we?

Here are a few links for teachers, librarians and parents:

• Purchase The Gift of the Magi Here.

• Other gorgeous titles by the talented Carol Heyer HERE

• Carol Heyer's Illustrator Webpage can be found HERE

• More great stories by O. Henry HERE

• A completely comprehensive page with all links relating to The Gift of the Magi HERE

Do you have a favorite Christmas tale?

Hope you enjoyed today's offering for Perfect Picture Book Fridays, when we review picture books which we deem worthy of mention.  This concept was created by Susanna Hill, and is a helpful resource for librarians, teachers and parents.  For a list of all books reviewed so far, along with activities to complement them, click here.

Is Your Character Static or Dynamic?

Our history course this year includes a mini unit on Shakespeare and his works.  We've just listened to an excellent 3 part DVD series by Schlessinger Media called, "Shakespeare for Students."  Very simply explained, but meaty.

Wikipedia Commons

In The Characters of Shakespeare (Part 1) we learn there are two types of characters in Shakespeare's works: static and dynamic.

Here is a summary:


Static (or Stock) Character- does not change during the course of the story, a shallow two-dimensional figure, used to carry along the story, add comic relief, or provide a menacing presence. The Fool in "King Lear" (which, by the way, is the most "tragic of his tragedies"
...nothing good comes from it, unless it is a lesson for the readers!) is one example.
A villainous character would be Iago in "Othello", or Edmund in "King Lear."

Dynamic Character- one who changes, for better or worse, in the course of the play, a deeper, three-dimensional character, such as Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet." She matures into a complex young lady by the last act, but, unfortunately, it's too late.  Another example is Macbeth, who moves from a valiant war hero to a paranoid murderer within the course 
of the play.

So, this got me thinking...

Not only is this good to know as we develop our own characters in a story (too many static characters spoil the broth, and visa versa), but ponder this:  What sort of character am I?  What kind do I wish to be?

Hopefully, it's obvious that you can't be a dynamic character if you have no trials and tribulations.  How many people do you know who have everything they want and need...are they shallow, or complex?

So, be thankful if God allows troubles in your life!  It will make you a more well-rounded 3D character, who will be wiser, more compassionate and helpful to others. Now that's character!