Silver Packages

By Cynthia Rylant and Chris K. Soentpiet

Each Christmas in Appalachia, Frankie waits with most of the town by the side of the railroad tracks for the Christmas Train. Long ago, a rich man had an automobile accident and was greatly assisted by the poor community. He repays their kindness each Christmas by tossing silver-wrapped Christmas packages out the back of the train.

The main character receives presents each year, but not the one he wants (a doctor’s play kit). When he became a man, he became a doctor and returned to assist the community.

The yearly hope of getting the tools needed to assist others, the repayment in kindness of the rich man, and his own eventual return to Appalachia bring the transformation of kindness to the reader, and demonstrates the power of hope.

The watercolor illustrations of trains, snow draped hills, and even of poverty against the pale blue sky background show an earthy realism and unearthly spiritual glow about the proceedings. While nowhere in the book is there a cross or religious symbol, l the sentiment of the season is clearly conveyed.

In the end, the adult Dr. Frank recalls that he never got his hoped-for toy but instead received much needed socks, mittens, hats, and scarves with his toys. And he recalls why he returned to Appalachia. He returned to repay to the community the kindnesses he received growing up, to repay the assistance he received to become successful.

Of all the picture books I have ever read or had read to me, Silver Packages is my favorite. See a lesson plan for Silver Packages at:

http://www.richlandone.org/departments/titleone/soentpiet.htm#elem