Meet Leo—creative, shy, and in search of a special talent he can share with the world. He wonders how he’ll know what his unique gift might be . . . and then, with the unknowing help of his sister, he discovers music. Leo may seem quiet, but the piano gives him a big voice, helps his confidence soar, and propels him to embrace the treasure inside him and share it with the world.
Leo’s Gift beautifully illustrates with words and pictures, the importance of discovering, nurturing, and celebrating the unique gifts that all children possess and the value in sharing those gifts to bless others. Sometimes children – like Leo – need a loving nudge from someone else to help them realize their talents. Leo’s Gift is a wonderful way to encourage children not only to think about their personal talents and to explore how they might share them to help others, but also to urge children to recognize and champion the unique gifts in others.
Find out more at leosgift.com
2018 Moonbeam Award, GOLD: Best Illustrator
2018 Illumination Book Award
2018 Independent Press Award, Book Cover Design: Children
2018 Independent Press Award, Children's Religion
2018 Eric Hoffer Award, da Vinci Eye Cover Design Finalist
2019 International Book Awards, Winner: Children' Picture Book: Hardcover
Publisher's Weekly 9/4/2017A boy discovers a talent for playing piano in Blackaby and Cicciarelli’s touching story, which is only tangentially connected to the holidays. Leo enjoys spying on his older sister Meredith’s piano lessons; after one session she teaches him a few basics—and he launches into the Mozart sonata she had been playing. For reasons not entirely clear, the siblings keep Leo’s musical abilities secret from their parents, though he eventually shares his gift at Meredith’s holiday recital. The authors attempt to fit a bit too much into this story, including Meredith’s passion for basketball, guidance Leo receives from a school music teacher, and the role of Meredith’s piano instructor’s mother with a memory disorder. But messages about the power of music and the rewards of discovering and sharing one’s talent come through clearly in the thoughtful narration and Schuler’s equally sensitive mixed-media images. Ages 8–12. (Oct.)
