Synopses & Reviews
A story about finding personal fulfillment through the development of one's unique blend of interests and abilities, Gwendolyn's Gifts encourages young children to pursue their own special interests and talents. It helps to overcome stereotypes of all kinds and urge individual expression for everyone, regardless of race or sex. Beautiful Gwendolyn lives in a grand castle. She is surrounded by exquisite jewels, wears fine clothes, and has servants who wait on her every need. After all-she is the queen Indeed, Gwendolyn is an object of envy for many people; she doesn't have to work for a living, and her time is her own to enjoy. Why, then, is Queen Gwendolyn so bored and unhappy? Perhaps you need a change, my dear, offers the king. He has the castle seamstress make Gwendolyn a new dress, the crown jeweler make her a new crown, and the castle carpenter make her a new throne, but none of these gifts make Gwendolyn happy. If she could make her own gown, her own crown, or her own throne, now that would make her happy To have fun and create beautiful things at the same time is Gwendolyn's dream-to do something for herself, not watch someone else do it for her Disguised as a peasant, Queen Gwendolyn travels down to the town and learns the skills of local artisans, returning to the castle with three unique and unconventional gifts that change her life forever. Her husband, the king, sees his wife's contentment and happiness and even learns a new skill himself-cooking
Synopsis
"Sheehan's smoothly paced text contains a pleasant mixture of adventure and repetition characteristic of the genre. The likable king and queen convey the value of self-satisfaction."
-Publishers Weekly
Queen Gwendolyn has everything she could possibly desire-beautiful dresses, golden crowns, and servants who wait on her every need-but she is bored, and nothing the king suggests can lift her spirits. Venturing out of the castle, Gwendolyn visits a peasant's cottage and a jeweler's shop. As she discovers the joy of making beautiful things with her own hands, the queen comes up with an idea that will ensure that she is never bored again.
Illustrated by whimsical pastel drawings, this book sweeps readers up into Gwendolyn's journey. Through her story, children will understand the importance of personal development and individual expression. As Gwendolyn learns, all the riches in the world cannot compare to the treasure of experiencing independence and sharing one's gifts.
Synopsis
A story about finding personal fulfillment through the development of one's unique blend of interests and abilities, Gwendolyn's Gifts encourages young children to pursue their own special interests and talents. It helps to overcome stereotypes of all kinds and urge individual expression for everyone, regardless of race or sex. Beautiful Gwendolyn lives in a grand castle. She is surrounded by exquisite jewels, wears fine clothes, and has servants who wait on her every need. After all-she is the queen Indeed, Gwendolyn is an object of envy for many people; she doesn't have to work for a living, and her time is her own to enjoy. Why, then, is Queen Gwendolyn so bored and unhappy?
Synopsis
Queen Gwendolyn is terribly bored. She wants to create gifts for others, not watch others create gifts for her Disguised as a peasant, she ventures outside the castle to explore her hobbies and, in doing so, learns how to create her true happiness.