Gift Days

Winters, Kari-Lynn, illustrated by Stephen Taylor

Young Nassali longs to learn to read and write like her brother, Baaba. But since her mother’s death, Nassali is responsible for looking after her younger siblings and running the household. There is no time for books and learning. Then one day, she wakes up to discover that her chores have been taken care of. It is her first gift day. From that day on, once a week, Baaba gives Nassali the gift of time so that she can pursue her dream of an education, just as her mother would have wanted.

This book is also raising money for the charity Because I am a Girl, a social movement to “unleash the power of girls and women to claim a brighter future for girls in the developing world” through education and women’s rights; already enough money has been raised to send 10 girls to school in Uganda for a full year (see Brock News, Education prof launches new children’s book, helps a cause).

Read more about this book at Wikipedia.

  • Reading level: ages 8+

  • Published Fitzhenry & Whiteside

  • ISBN-10 1554551927

  • ISBN-13 9781554551927

  • Also translated into Korean. Soon to be translated into ten native African languages.

About The Illustrator

Stephen Taylor has illustrated numerous children’s books, including educational publishings over a span of 20 years. He studied at the Ontario College of Art. He is also a fine artist who has showcased his art at Toronto arts festivals, including the Caribana art exhibits at the Royal Ontario Museum. His titles include Rise of the Golden Cobra, Cakewalk, and One More Border: The True Story of One Family’s Escape from War-Torn Europe. Mr. Taylor was born in Dulwich, England and currently resides in Toronto, Canada with his wife and son.

Reviews

  • "This book gives a first-hand account of a girls’ struggle toward education and the barriers that keep her from school. A short non-fiction explanation at the back of the book details the many barriers that children face when seeking an education. Perfect for a read aloud or as part of a theme study. Reading Comprehension Strategies: making predictions and making connections.This book gives a first-hand account of a girls’ struggle toward education and the barriers that keep her from school. A short non-fiction explanation at the back of the book details the many barriers that children face when seeking an education. Perfect for a read aloud or as part of a theme study. Reading Comprehension Strategies: making predictions and making connections.This book gives a first-hand account of a girls’ struggle toward education and the barriers that keep her from school. A short non-fiction explanation at the back of the book details the many barriers that children face when seeking an education. Perfect for a read aloud or as part of a theme study. Reading Comprehension Strategies: making predictions and making connections."

    From Canadian Teacher (September 2015)

  • "Reminding readers not to take for granted the right to go to school and become educated, this understated story about a young girl’s desire to learn to read will tug at readers’ heartstrings for several reasons. After the death of her mother in Uganda, Nassali assumes responsibility for her younger siblings and spends her days performing the necessary household chores. There is no time or money for school, at least not for a girl. Nassali longs to learn how to read, and after reflecting on their mother’s goals for both of them, her brother gives her a precious gift. Once a week he gets up early and takes care of the chores so that his sister can practice reading and writing. This inspiring story shows just how important an education can be in attaining a better life. The softly-colored illustrations reveal the sheer joy on Nassali’s face once she has a chance to dream of a brighter future. The book’s back matter includes a glossary and discussion of Article 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as well as statistics about the HIV/AIDS epidemic."

    International Reading Association’s Reading Today (March 2013)

  • "Toronto author Kari-Lynn Winters and illustrator Stephen Taylor shed light on the plight of countless girls in impoverished countries and shows how education can be life-changing for them."

    “Books for children: Gift Days,” by Brenda Hoerle. The Record (December 14, 2012)

Awards

2014: Selected: Storytelling World’s Resource Awards “Best Stories for Young Listeners”

2013: Finalist: BC Book Prize (“Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize“)

2013: Nominated: BC Reader’s Choice Chocolate Lily Award

2013: Gift Days was selected as one of a dozen Canadian books in the new Rainforest of Reading literacy program and competition. See their website, and the press release Canadian-Created Annual Book Festival to Cultivate Literacy in Nine Caribbean Nations.

2013: Recommended: Canadian Toy Testing Council’s Toy Report 2014 Best Books.

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