Gift for the Contessa, A (Hardcover)

How do you carry a gift of glass flowers to a contessa? Very carefully-and with a group, if you're Maybellinda. Maybellinda's father has just told her and her family that he may not be able to feed them this winter. Dejected, Maybellinda is nevertheless polite to an old woman who visits her flower stall. When the gray-haired woman requests "a bright yellow flower to match my golden hair," Maybellinda kindly complies. She is rewarded when the old woman gives her a bunch of glistening glass flowers. Maybellinda decides to take them to a count who is giving gold for the world's most beautiful gift for his wife. If she can win the gold, she can take care of her family Along the way she meets an entertaining mix of people. Children will have a good time following their trip and finding out what happens. The gorgeous color illustrations bring the story to life vividly. Author Michael Mele, conceived A Gift for the Contessa during his travels in Italy. The places named in the book actually exist, and some of the characters are based on people he met there.