Manuela’s Gift
Manuela’s Gift by Kristyn Rehling Estes, published by Chronicle Books in March 1999, is a children’s fiction book that explores themes of family and gratitude. In this 32-page story, young Manuela longs for a new yellow party dress for her birthday. However, due to her family’s difficult circumstances, she receives her Mama’s blue dress instead. Disappointed, she dreams under the piñata that is meant for her party, envisioning it filled with new dresses and other gifts for her family.
As Manuela’s dreams unfold, she imagines the piñata containing eggs for her mother, rain for her father’s corn, and a strong horse for her grandmother. Through these dreams, she comes to realize the importance of appreciating what she has. The book features poetic text by Kristyn Estes and enchanting illustrations by Claire Cotts, creating a narrative that emphasizes hope and celebration within the context of family life in Mexico.
Official synopsis Publisher
More than anything, Manuela wants a new yellow party dress for her birthday. But times are hard for her family and what she gets instead is her Mama’s blue dress cut and resewn to fit her. Disappointed, she lays down under the pinata Papa has hung for her party and begins to dream that it is filled with new dresses. She also dreams that the pinata holds eggs for Mama to cook, rain for Papa’s thirsty corn, and a strong horse for Grandmother to ride when she is tired. Thinking of her family, Manuela discovers that she has much to be thankful for. Kristyn Estes’ poetic text and Claire Cotts’ magical paintings make this a touching story full of hope and celebration.
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