Review — Priceless Gifts
The Picturebook Shelf, Children’s Bookwatch of the Midwest Book — 4/1/2007
Award-winning collaborative writers Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss present Priceless Gifts, a picturebook set back in the centuries when merchants sailed the seas in pursuit of spices and seasonings, which were so rare that only the wealthiest could afford them. When Italian merchant Antonio sails to the Spice Islands, he meets a king plagued with rodents. Fortunately, Antonio has just the right remedy aboard his ship – a pair of cats! Richly repaid for his gift, Antonio retells his incredulous story, incurring the jealousy of rival merchant Luigi. “The king of that island gave Antonio all those rare jewels and stones for two worthless cats,” Luigi said to himself. “Why, the poorest peasant could have given him that gift. Imagine what the king would give me if I brought him something of real value.” But when Luigi returns to the Spice Islands with riches of every conceivable sort, he fails to keep in mind what is not valuable to him is valuable beyond compare to others! Sweeping color illustrations embellish this story that young cat lovers especially will find delightful.
Title Details: Priceless Gifts
Author: Martha Hamilton
Author: Mitch Weiss
Illustrator: John Kanzler
Interest Level: GR PreK-3
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