The Present

A little boy's birthday present doesn't make sense to him at first-but it turns out to be something more special than he could have imagined. Caleb's birthday arrives as he is still trying to sort out his feelings about his parents being separated. At the same time, he is contending-feels like he is competing-with his father's near-constant attention to his cell phone. Over the course of this birthday, Caleb's dad demonstrates that he has the capacity to deliver much more of what his child wants and needs from him. In a touching story that will be entirely relatable to many children and families at a time when there are constant digital demands for our attention, here is an engaging reminder that we each have the power to decide how to be with our loved ones. We have the ability to determine that technology will enhance our lives and not control them, because we are more mindful about our devices and our choices.

The Present: A Caleb and Dad Story is one of three books the author informally considers "the gift series". In A Gift for Trevor, Lucy Likes to Draw, and now The Present: A Caleb and Dad Story, we get the opportunity to reflect on the importance of imagination, creative play, loving relationships, and what matters most in creating the lives we most wish to live. Also, we get a chance to simply enjoy stories that are not at all preachy but are instead just irresistible, good fun.