Written in rhyme and functioning as an extended poem, Giver of Gifts seeks to remind young readers of the abundance of nature and that we should be in relationship with that abundance, with gratitude, cognizant of the connectedness of all things. Utilizing repetition with slight variations to reinforce the message, Cade uses broad strokes and abstract language to share this message. For those looking for beautiful language and even more stunning illustrations, Giver of Gifts provides a gentle, though at times vague reminder of nature’s beauty and abundance and humanity’s responsibility to ensure it survives.

The result is a paean to stewardship and to the Earth that gives us “our very existence.” Cade celebrates, in rousing lines, how we’re “lavished in gifts” from nature, and that it’s up to us to reciprocate that generosity. To that end, Giver of Gifts emphasizes indigenous teachings on reciprocity with nature, in a general way, but not offering much in the way of context, even when the text gets uncharacteristically specific. A passing reference to the Two Row Wampum Treaties, for example, presents this 400-year-old agreement between five tribes and Dutch colonists as common knowledge, though young readers (and many grown-ups) will have to look it up. The art is gorgeous, though words and layout are always in clear alignment. At one point, the words “Come! Speak with me and share my strength” appear to be coming from a creature nestled in the crook of a great tree, but then the next lines seem to come from the tree itself.

The evocative, almost ethereal illustrations are excellent. Sabrina Riegler’s layered watercolor and colored pencil illustrations, with a watercolor paper texture as the background, create almost fairytale-like vignettes that add depth to the abstract language of the text. The specifics at times could be more clear, but the message of Giver of Gifts shines through, making it an engaging introduction for young readers to these urgent topics.

Takeaway: Gentle introduction of the reciprocal relationship between nature and humanity.

Comparable Titles: Diana Sudyka’s Little Land, Albert D. Marshall & Louise Zimanyi’s Walking Together.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: A-
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: A-