Aliana Brodmann Celebrates Cross-Cultural Compassion in The Gift

In most books I’ve read that involve Hanukkah, the holiday itself is a central part of the story, but in The Gift, a semi-autobiographical picture book written by Aliana Brodmann and illustrated by Anthony Carnabuci, both Hanukkah and Christmas linger in the background of a beautiful tale about generosity and compassion.

The story takes place in Germany in the 1950s, where the narrator recalls her excitement at having received a five-mark piece as a Hanukkah gift from her father. She carries the coin with her all through school, clutching it in her fist, then spends the afternoon perusing every shop in town trying to decide what the best use of this splendid present might be.

One neat thing about this book is all of the details of the types of objects found in shops of the time. It’s fascinating to read her descriptions of the fancy fountain pens, the tiny mirrors, the elegant hats, the pull-string duck with the line of ducklings behind it. Almost every item she examines is within her price range; one can certainly understand how she becomes overwhelmed with all of the choices before her!

The oil paintings are soft and intricate. Each shop the girl visits has a distinct assortment of goods, and several of the shopkeepers stand out, treating the little girl in the bright red coat and hat and deep blue scarf with kindness as she tries to make her decision. The fact that it is Christmas means that the shops are full to bursting with tempting merchandise. It also means that it’s winter, and by the end of her excursion, gentle snowflakes will render her warm clothing absolutely essential.

This book offers an intriguing slice of life from 1950s Germany, and the youthful but artful narration draws readers in. What really leaves a lasting impression on me, though, is what the child ultimately decides to do with her money. It’s a conclusion that recalls the exquisite Kate DiCamillo book Great Joy as the narrator’s kind heart compels her to make a surprising choice that nonetheless causes her to bubble over with happiness.

The peaceful rapport between the narrator and the many Christians she meets adds to the serene feel of the book; Brodmann’s parents survived the Holocaust, so there’s something especially poignant about seeing this childhood memory that conveys such a sense of mutual respect. A lovely book alight with the glow of compassion, The Gift is aptly titled.