Written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco, this lovely Christmas tale tells the true story of a child named Frankie and his eight siblings. Every year their father brings them oranges from another city. While their father is away, the family makes treats and warm drinks for the conductor of the train that passes by their house. As Christmas comes closer, their father has yet to return. Will he make it home in time? 36 pgs, hc. Laura
The Stowell family is abuzz with holiday excitement, and Frankie, the youngest boy, is the most excited of all. But there's a cloud over the joyous season: Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and Pa hasn't returned yet from his trip to Lansing. He promised to bring back the oranges for the mantelpiece. Every year there are nine of them nestled among the evergreens, one for each of the children. But this year, heavy snows might mean no oranges . . . and, worse, no Pa!
This is a holiday story close to Patricia Polacco's heart. Frankie was her grandmother's youngest brother, and every year she and her family remember this tale of a little boy who learned--and taught--an important lesson about giving, one Christmas long ago.
heartwarming story
I like choosing lesser known books for my kids to read.
My daughter chose this for her 1st grade book exchange.