An Orange for Frankie

Written and illustrated by Patricia Polacco

A boy awaits his father's return through a snowstorm, hoping for Christmas oranges and a lesson in giving.

4.4 Goodreads · 1,744 ratings

48 pages· 3,727 words· Est. 29 min read-aloud· AD780L

$18.99Save 7%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Young Frankie eagerly anticipates Christmas, but his father is missing in a snowstorm, threatening their holiday tradition of oranges on the mantelpiece. As the family waits, Frankie learns a profound lesson about giving. Will Pa return in time to save Christmas and bring the cherished oranges? This heartfelt tale captures the spirit of the season and the power of family bonds.

From the publisher

Patricia Polacco’s most poignant Christmas tale! The Stowell family is abuzz with holiday excitement, and Frankie, the youngest boy, is the most excited of all. But there’s a cloud over the joyous season: Tomorrow is Christmas Eve, and Pa hasn’t returned yet from his trip to Lansing. He promised to bring back the oranges for the mantelpiece. Every year there are nine of them nestled among the evergreens, one for each of the children. But this year, heavy snows might mean no oranges . . . and, worse, no Pa! This is a holiday story close to Patricia Polacco’s heart. Frankie was her grandmother’s youngest brother, and every year she and her family remember this tale of a little boy who learned–and taught–an important lesson about giving, one Christmas long ago

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