The Gift of Love is a light-hearted children's holiday story that steers us past the material aspect of the holidays to what really matters: spending time with loved ones, taking care of one another, and making memories together.

Each year, Sean prepares for the holiday season by choosing the perfect Christmas tree. He decorates it with his family and dreams of the gifts Santa will leave him Christmas morning. But this year, the best gift won't come in a box. Sean and Mommy go to a local animal shelter and adopt an abandoned cat. They want to give Sampson a warm home, a caring family, and a second chance at life. But when they bring him home, problems arise with the family's other cat. The cats fight with one another, which upsets Sean.

That night, he tosses and turns in his bed. He needs help, so he prays to God. The next morning, Sean comes downstairs to see the cats curled up together under the tree. It seems that during the night, they were able to work past their differences and become friends. Sean realizes not everyone has a loving family and a warm place to live. He sees firsthand how lucky he is and begins to understand the true meaning of Christmas. Sometimes it is better to give than to receive.  

About the Author: 

Elisabeth Matulewicz, children's book author of Benny and Marshmallow - a Day of Mischief, grew up in Pennsylvania. As a child, she enjoyed horseback riding, drawing, gardening, and raising animals - including a rabbit, minnows, bugs, and a chicken all under the same roof! In school, Elisabeth enjoyed art, science, and mathematics, and loathed gym class. Her son, Sean, and his love for reading motivated her to publish her first book. His gift for creating his own stories is the driving force for the second book. Elisabeth works fulltime as a Public Affairs Multimedia Manager with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. She holds an AAS in Audiovisual Productions, a BA in Digital Arts & Multimedia Design and is currently enrolled in an MBA program.