December 2003 - Book of the Month

Silver Packages: An Appalachian Christmas Story
by Cynthia Rylant
 

Character Trait  = Generosity

Since 1943, the Santa Train rolls through the Appalachian Mountains with Christmas cheer for the children of the coal towns. This served as inspiration for Cynthia Rylant's latest offering. A rich man, trying to repay a debt to the community, rides the Santa Train, tossing out packages to the children who wait eagerly for their gifts. Young Frankie hopes that the packages he receives will be a doctor's kit. Yet, each year he gets practical gifts but never what he wants most. As an adult he realizes what a profound effect those gifts had on him and understands that he, too, must repay a debt. Elegant paintings enhance this story which first appeared in Rylant' s Children of Christmas.