A gift within a gift

I'm always a little stumped by what to bring to baby christenings and faced the dilemma again recently when a friend's daughter was baptized. I wanted to give a small present—but what? Something suitable to the occasion (a bit spiritual but not preachy). Something with a little staying power to remember this day. So as is our family's signature gift, I decided to go with...what else? Books!

I'm happy to say, the books I ended up with were completely delightful: First, Cynthia Rylant's Give Me Grace: A Child's Daybook of Prayers

I love everything by Cynthia Rylant but had not seen this little treasure before. Playful paintings and seven prayers for kindness, love, and guidance. Perfect. 

The second was a board book titled All Creatures Great and Small, illustrated by Naoko Stoop. I was charmed by the art and the title tugged at my heart strings. The James Herriott classic of the same name was one of my mom's favorites. 

My photo does not do justice to the art
of the amazing illustrator, Naoko Stoop

Showing the book to J, the conversation went something like,

"But James Herriott didn't write this, did he?"

"I don't think so."

"Huh, funny that they don't have the author's name on the book."

 "Yeah, I wonder who did write it?"

Is the verse in the public domain? Is it not necessary to credit the author at this point in the life of the work? It just seems whoever wrote these words should at least be named somewhere, doesn't it?

Thanks to the wonders of our glorious information age, I can tell you the writer is one Cecil Frances Alexander and the verse is from a children's hymnal she wrote in 1848. I think she would be very pleased to see how her words come alive with Ms. Stoop's paintings.

Well, you know how it goes, next I started thinking I'd like to see of more of Naoko Stoop's  work, and I did...and well....

If you are looking for sweet gift for little one's big day, these books are wonderful. And if you're looking for a little juice break, a little inspiration or breath of fresh air -  take a moment to check out  Naoko's Stoop.  Truly a gift within a gift.