After the death of his father and the loss of their farm, James Otis and Mama are experiencing tough times. But when Reverend Dennis announces that Irene Temple and her daughter, Sarah, have lost their house in a fire, Mama knows that she and James Otis can scrounge up a donation for the Temples’ “love box.” Otis considers his gift carefully. Would Sarah like his blue ribbon from the spelling bee? His special rock? His crayons? His favorite book? Mama sews an apron for Mrs. Temple using her nicest possession, her white tablecloth, which inspires James Otis to put his own creative talents to good use. Mama is proud of James Otis, not only for giving when they have so little but just for being himself. The mutual love of this mother and son warms each page of gorgeous mixed-media illustrations in a story about the care, support, and selflessness of one African American community that, it turns out, has not forgotten James Otis and Mama, either. (Ages 4–9)

CORETTA SCOTT KING – JOHN STEPTOE ILLUSTRATOR AWARD FOR NEW TALENT WINNER

This final, magnificent picture book from three-time Coretta Scott King Award winner and Newbery Honor author Patricia McKissack is a poignant and uplifting celebration of the joy of giving. 

"Misery loves company,"" Mama says to James Otis. It's been a rough couple of months for them, but Mama says as long as they have their health and strength, they're blessed. One Sunday before Valentine's Day, Reverend Dennis makes an announcement during the service-- the Temples have lost everything in a fire, and the church is collecting anything that might be useful to them. James thinks hard about what he can add to the Temple's ""love box,"" but what does he have worth giving? With her extraordinary gift for storytelling, McKissack--with stunning illustrations by Harrison--delivers a touching, powerful tale of compassion and reminds us all that what is given from the heart, reaches the heart.