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The Gift is a gentle and inspiring story based on the life of Dr. Aquinas Edassery, a doctor who devoted her life to providing medical care to people in remote villages where healthcare was scarce.

One morning, a village postman arrives with urgent news about a sick boy named Bullu. Without hesitation, Dr. Edassery leaves her clinic and sets out to help him. When she reaches the village, she discovers that Bullu’s fever has worsened because he had not received timely care. With calm determination, skill, and compassion, the doctor treats the young boy and ensures that he receives the attention he needs.

The story captures the quiet heroism of a doctor who chose to use her knowledge and skills to serve communities that had little access to medical help. Through this simple yet powerful narrative, the book introduces children to the idea that knowledge, kindness, and responsibility can transform lives.

Illustrated with warmth and sensitivity, The Gift celebrates the power of empathy and the importance of caring for those who need help the most.

Why Should a Child Read This Book?

This book introduces young readers to the idea that helping otherscan be one of the most meaningful ways to use one’s abilities. Through the actions of Dr. Aquinas Edassery, children see how dedication and compassion can bring hope and healing to people who might otherwise be left without help.

The story also gently opens children’s eyes to the realities of inequality. While some communities have easy access to doctors and hospitals, others must travel long distances or wait for help to arrive. By presenting this idea in a sensitive and age-appropriate way, the book helps children understand that the world is not the same for everyone.

Most importantly, the story shows that knowledge can be a powerful gift—one that can be shared to make life better for others.

What Are the Learnings?

Empathy and compassion
Children learn to care about the well-being of others and understand the importance of responding when someone needs help.

Humanitarian responsibility
The story encourages children to think about how their skills and knowledge can be used to support others and contribute to society.

Awareness of inequality
Through Bullu’s illness and the lack of healthcare in remote areas, children are introduced to the idea that resources are not equally available everywhere.

Respect for healthcare workers
The book helps young readers appreciate the dedication and service of doctors and medical professionals who work to keep communities healthy.

The value of knowledge as a gift
The narrative highlights that learning and expertise can be shared for the benefit of others.

How to Use This Picture Book

1. Conversations about helping others
After reading the story, adults can ask children how they think Dr. Edassery helped Bullu and why it was important that she responded quickly.

2. Understanding community helpers
Parents and teachers can use the book to talk about the role of doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers in society and why their work matters.

3. Discussions about fairness and access
Educators can introduce the idea that some places have fewer resources than others and discuss why helping underserved communities is important.

4. Role-play activities
Children can act out scenes where they play doctors, nurses, or helpers responding to someone who needs care. This encourages empathy and imagination.

5. Classroom activities on kindness
Teachers can invite children to share small acts of kindness they can do in their daily lives—helping a friend, sharing something, or comforting someone who is unwell.

6. Inspiring future aspirations
The story can encourage children to think about careers where they can help people, such as medicine, social work, or community service.