Sam y el Dinero de la Suerte: Sam and the Lucky Monet Book

It's Chinese New Year's Day, and Sam is going with his mom to spend his grandparents' gift of "lucky money" however he likes. Chinatown is full of excitement: firecrackers that leave behind mountains of red paper, a New Year's lion dancing in the streets, the clash of cymbals. When Sam discovers he can't afford the things he wants, his excitement turns to disappointment. It takes an encounter with a stranger to show Sam that the best gifts come from the heart. Vivid illustrations and poignant text combine in this acclaimed story of the real meaning of giving. The English edition is an American Bookseller Pick of the Lists, a Cooperative Children's Book Center Choice, and an International Reading Association Notable Book for a Global Society.

Ramirose Attebury Wendt - Children's Literature

When Sam leaves with his family for the New Years celebration in Chinatown, he has with him four whole dollars, compliments of his grandparents, and this year he has permission to spend the money in any way he wants. Upon reaching the crowded shopping area, he accidentally kicks the bare feet of an old man seated by a door. Moving on, Sam decides to spend his money in a candy store, but he can't shake the image of the old man's bare feet. The passing of the large, colorful lion through the streets temporarily distracts him as the festivities come to a climax. However, once the crowd begins to disperse Sam sees a toy store. In the store, Sam decides that the object most worthy of the four dollars is a basketball; however, when Sam looks at the price of it and all items in the store, he decides that the money his grandparents gave him is utterly worthless. As his mother chides the young boy and pulls him from the store, they come across the old man again. His mother pulls twenty five cents from her pocket and apologizes that she doesn't have more. Sam is astounded at the profound gratitude the man shows as he receives this small amount of money, and the man's reaction prompts the youngster to hand over his own four dollars. Set in a multicultural context, this tale allows readers to ponder the ideas of poverty, benevolence, and thankfulness. 2003 (orig. 1995), Lee & Low Books Inc,