The GIFT of the MAGI written by celebrated writer O. Henry and illustrated by award-winning artist Lisbeth Zwerger is a beautiful story about love and sacrifice. The story, written in 1906, is considered one of O. Henry’s best short stories. And the pen and ink lettering style used supports the early 1900 timeframe perfectly.
“Three times Della counted it. One dollar and eighty-seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas.” This opening sentence brings the problem forth immediately. Della wants very much to get her husband Jim a fob chain for the watch he inherited from his father who, in turn, inherited it from his father. But, alas, they cost more than one dollar and eighty-seven cents. The only thing she can think to do is to sell her long beautifully flowing hair. So, she does. The twenty dollars she receives from the sale of her hair allows her to buy the perfect platinum fob chain for Jim’s watch.
This book hosts the narration on the left side of each spread and the elegant illustrations on the right side. When Jim comes home for dinner, he looks at Della but cannot immediately understand that her hair is gone! Once the situation is clear he sits down on the couch while she opens his gift to her-----a set of beautiful tortoise shell combs with jeweled rims for her hair. When he opens her gift to him, he must tell her that he sold his watch to buy her the combs!
The GIFT of the MAGI written skillfully by O. Henry and ever so delicately illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger is a story that will last a lifetime in the hearts of excellent readers 10-14 years of age and up (Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers) the 2006 edition.
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Activity Questions for The Gift of the Magi
The gift that Jim got for Della was a beautiful set of tortoise shell combs for her hair. They also had jeweled rims. Look online as to what tortoise shell looks like. Then design your own pair of tortoise shell combs.
There are many words mentioned in this story that you need to be aware of by looking them up in a family dictionary or online. Here are some words with which to start: vestibule, pier glass, Queen of Sheba, King Solomon, fob chain, meretricious ornamentation, prudence, truant schoolboy, and ardent spirit.
What did you learn about the year 1906 by reading this book? Be sure to study the text and the pictures before you answer. Did you enjoy this book? Why?
