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  • Published: 5 January 2021
  • ISBN: 9781761041969
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $14.99

The Gift



Championing simple acts of kindness, this exquisite picture book explores the importance of friendship and the joy of giving.

The house across the road looks abandoned, but Rosie knows someone lives there. She decides to give her mystery neighbour a gift – something different, something unusual, something surprising. Something her mum would have been proud of.

  • Published: 5 January 2021
  • ISBN: 9781761041969
  • Imprint: Puffin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 32
  • RRP: $14.99

About the author

Michael Speechley

Michael Speechley has been a graphic designer and high school art teacher in WA.
His first picture book, The All New Must Have Orange 430, explores themes of consumerism and the environment. It was shortlisted and awarded as an Honour Book in the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) Children’s Book of the Year Award in 2019, and was the winner of The Wilderness Society’s 2019 Environment Award for Children’s Literature, Picture Books. His second book is The Gift, which was published in September 2019. This book deals with loss, kindness and the joy of giving. It was a Notable Book in the 2020 CBCA Book of the Year Awards, and was shortlisted for the 2019 Western Australian Premier’s Book Awards.

Also by Michael Speechley

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Praise for The Gift

This is a lovely, subtle book about grief, healing and never judging a proverbial book by its cover. It will be loved by children aged five and up. 4 stars!

Books+Publishing

This is a book to be shared, to be given and to be treasured.

Educate Empower

The Gift is a compelling, uplifting story of patience, overcoming grief, accepting loss, and venturing forward. It’s a tale of reaching out and healing and again, of the positive impact individuals can have on their community. Outstanding premise, superbly illustrated, Speechley’s creations are highly recommended.

Dim's Write Stuff

Without being overly sentimental, this story will tug at the heart.

ReadPlus

The Gift is a remarkable book subtly exploring loss and grief, healing and resilience, challenging our assumptions and the positive impact each person can have on their community.

Blog of Dad

A very heartwarming story about lonely people finding friendship. Sensitively illustrated. A book for the whole family.

Margaret Hamilton

Awards & recognition

Western Australian Premier's Book Awards

Shortlisted  •  2019  •  Shortlisted Western Australian Premier's Book Awards

Western Australian Premier's Book Awards

Shortlisted  •  2019  •  The Premier's Prize for Writing for Children

CBCA Book of the Year Awards

Notable Book  •  2020  •  Notable Book, CBCA Awards

CBCA Book of the Year Awards

Notable Book  •  2020  •  Picture Book of the Year

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Article
The Gift activity pack

A gift for you.

Teachers' notes