Just Like New

Ethel King-Shaw is professor emerita of curriculum and instruction in
the Department of Teacher Preparation, University of Calgary.

More than 50 years ago, as a result of wartime shortages of goods,
Canadian children were asked to send gifts that were “just like new”
to children in England. These gifts were collected at church on White
Gift Sunday and delivered in time for Christmas. Instead of purchasing
gifts, children were to give something they owned that was in good
condition and meant a great deal to them. Making the best choice
involved sacrifice in the true spirit of giving. Ann Marie, who parts
with her newest and most-prized doll, is delighted to receive a
thank-you note from the recipient with whom she anticipates becoming
penpals.

While this tender story lends itself to discussions of sharing and
social responsibility, a similar tale in a modern setting might have
been more meaningful to children. Operation Christmas Child, the annual
collection of shoeboxes filled by children each year for distribution in
war-torn or impoverished countries, is one among many contemporary
examples of child-centred giving. The illustrations, with their soft,
appealing colors, are done with graphite pencil and watercolor.
Recommended with reservations.