A Season of Gifts

By: Richard Peck

Narrated by: Ron McLarty

One of the most adored children’s book characters of all time is the eccentric, forceful, bighearted Grandma Dowdel, star of the Newbery Medal—winning A Year Down Yonder and Newbery Honor—winning A Long Way from Chicago. And it turns out that her story isn’t over–not even close.

It is now 1958, and a new family has moved in next door to Mrs. Dowdel–a family in desperate need of her help (whether they realize it or not). There’s twelve-year-old Bob, shy on courage in a town full of bullies; his Elvis-obsessed older sister, Phyllis, who just might be on the verge of spinning out of control; Bob’s little sister, Ruth Ann, ready and waiting for a larger-than-life role model; and even Bob’s two parents, the young minister and his wife, who are amazed to discover that the last house in town might also be the most vital. As Christmas rolls around, the whole family will realize that they’ve found a true home, and a neighbor with remarkable gifts to share.©2009 Richard Peck; (P)2009 Listening Library

Critic reviews

-This is one of Peck+s best novels yet-and that+s saying something.+-Kirkus Reviews, starred review

Fun Family Listen

We listened to this story on a long car trip. Great story. All ages 12-49 enjoyed it.

Loved it so much 😍😍😍😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💗💗💗💗💗💘💘💘💖💖💝

Great
I loved it for its humor
I would recommend it to 9-60 years old it meets the needs of a good book and I know we all need a break sometimes from work or school it is just what we all need today

A Little Disappointing

The first two books in this series were just great and I was so looking forward to the last one. I feel as if the author was distracted while writing this last one. It wasn’t nearly as good as the first two. You wouldn’t have to listen to this one. However, the first two are great fun and I’d listen to those a second time.

A wonderful story by mr McLarty

A long way from Chicago and A year down yonder are must reads for more about Mrs Dowdel and her family These are feel good stories plus they remind us of how little we had in earlier times. And remind us of how much we have now ???

Elements of this story did not age well

The story overall, was great. Richard Peck does not disappoint.
The one issue I have is more a product of the evolution in thought and imagination regarding indigenous peoples and their lands since the time of the author’s childhood.
Some of the rhetoric around “Indian Burial Grounds” and the nonchalant attitude around the fact that Grandma Dowdell’s house is built on such a spot did not sit well. Again, I recognize the generational gaps in thought regarding such issues, but I believe it worth noting for future readers.