Oskar is intent on finding the perfect birthday present for his mother, and the yellow rose he spots while on his mission seems perfect. But as he makes his way home, passersby want to make a trade with him, starting with the artist who trades his paintbrush for the rose. The young boy is compassionate and compliant, and each time he agrees until he ends up giving his remaining gift to a heartbroken girl. Thank goodness, she gives him back the rose with which he started. I like the story's circular nature, Oskar's kindness in thinking of others, and the illustrations, created with alkyd paint and crackle varnish. I don't know how the rose managed to escape all that action unscathed, but it does. Oskar can also tell his mama the story of how her present came to be, giving her a second gift. I enjoyed this one. Oskar, our hero, wants to give his Mama a gift. He has one single coin to buy that gift. His first gift is a yellow rose. It doesn't stay the gift for mama, however, for someone soon appears that has greater need for it. And he's willing to trade. A paintbrush for a rose. This may be the first exchange, but, it won't be the last. What gift will Oskar give his mother? Oskar travels all around Vienna meeting lots of different people in Lodding's picture book A Gift for Mama. I think the premise is a good one. I enjoyed meeting the different characters. The illustrations in this one are just wonderful.
What do You think about A Gift For Mama (2014)?
A very sweet story about a young boy in Vienna searching for the perfect gift for his mom.
—Ukishome
Sweet story and lovely illustrations with Easter eggs of famous artists in Vienna.
—Chresta
