The Gift of Nothing


Fiction - Audiobook
56 Pages
Reviewed on 09/02/2012
Buy on Amazon

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    Book Review

Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite

“The Gift of Nothing” written by Patrick McDonnell is a thought-provoking story for both children and adults alike and is now shared in an audio version that will be enjoyed by all! Mooch wants to get Earl a present for his birthday; however, Earl has everything he needs and does not need anything. Mooch hears Millie saying there was nothing to buy at the store, so Mooch sets out to the store and sees so many things, yet does not buy anything. Mooch decides to give Earl just that, nothing! When Earl opens his present he sees nothing and he and Mooch spend time together, just being together and doing nothing, which is possibly the best gift.

How many times do we hear and do we ourselves say that there is nothing to do, or nothing to buy when really there are millions of things to do and buy, but they just do not appeal to us as they are not “special” enough or so similar to what we already have or do? This book illustrates just that and reminds the reader (and listener) to take a minute and think about what we really do have and to appreciate the things in life that do not cost money and are the most important but often overlooked, such as the gift of time. This would be a good book to use with children to teach them that there are things more valuable than money and also encourage them to be creative and do a kind act instead of giving material things.