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The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
Booksellers, reviewers, and readers immediately embraced The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey as a moving tale of the spirit and generosity all people hold in their hearts, especially during the holidays. And now this stunning gift set invites friends and family to gather and enjoy the magic of holiday storytelling at its finest.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1995
58 people are currently reading
4430 people want to read
About the author
Susan Wojciechowski
18 books20 followersSusan Wojciechowski was a children's librarian for many years. "Every December," she says, "I read the same two or three classic Christmas stories aloud to the children. I tried to find another one I wanted to read and couldn't. So I wrote THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY. I've never written anything that way before. It just came through me in a flood of inspiration and was finished in less than an hour." THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY proved an enormous success, selling out its first printing long before Christmas Day. In addition, it won numerous honors, including the Christopher Award for "affirming the highest values of the human spirit" and Britain's prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal, and was a finalist for a National Book Award.
Following the success of THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY, Susan Wojciechowski wrote the acclaimed middle-grade novel BEANY (NOT BEANHEAD)! This time, inspiration came when she was in bed with a cold. "Beany just stayed there, and by the time I was well, the stories were written," she says. Beany has since had more adventures in BEANY AND THE MAGIC CRYSTAL and BEANY AND THE DREADED WEDDING, both of which were honored with a Parents' Choice Gold Award, and more recently, BEANY GOES TO CAMP and BEANY AND THE MEANY.
Along with the time she spends writing, Susan Wojciechowski makes many visits to schools, where she shows slides and talks about her books and her own life. Among the information she shares with children is the fact that, like many of them, she had no interest in writing when she was growing up. "In regard to writing for children, I like to create realistic kid role models," she says, "like Beany, who is not perfect, but tries hard." A native of Rochester, New York, Susan Wojciechowski now lives in Pennsylvania with her husband.
Following the success of THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY, Susan Wojciechowski wrote the acclaimed middle-grade novel BEANY (NOT BEANHEAD)! This time, inspiration came when she was in bed with a cold. "Beany just stayed there, and by the time I was well, the stories were written," she says. Beany has since had more adventures in BEANY AND THE MAGIC CRYSTAL and BEANY AND THE DREADED WEDDING, both of which were honored with a Parents' Choice Gold Award, and more recently, BEANY GOES TO CAMP and BEANY AND THE MEANY.
Along with the time she spends writing, Susan Wojciechowski makes many visits to schools, where she shows slides and talks about her books and her own life. Among the information she shares with children is the fact that, like many of them, she had no interest in writing when she was growing up. "In regard to writing for children, I like to create realistic kid role models," she says, "like Beany, who is not perfect, but tries hard." A native of Rochester, New York, Susan Wojciechowski now lives in Pennsylvania with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 604 reviews
December 20, 2021
I met a teacher who talked to me about how perceptive children are. She had read the book to her first-graders, then asked questions. When she asked what Jonathan Toomey had taken from a drawer, a child answered, "He took his heart out of the drawer." When you read the book, you'll understand the profound depth of that child's answer.~Susan Wojciechowski (Author's note)
Goodreads friends, I can't say it any better than that child from the quote above. The heart of Christmas is contained in this touching story. Profound truths are communicated in the words and pictures (by P.J. Lynch) of the 40 pages contained here. Jonathan Toomey is Mr. Gloomy at the beginning of the book, but a Christmas miracle helps him to laugh again. This classic tale is just over 25 years old. Have you read it yet? There are still five days until Christmas. What are you waiting for?
Goodreads friends, I can't say it any better than that child from the quote above. The heart of Christmas is contained in this touching story. Profound truths are communicated in the words and pictures (by P.J. Lynch) of the 40 pages contained here. Jonathan Toomey is Mr. Gloomy at the beginning of the book, but a Christmas miracle helps him to laugh again. This classic tale is just over 25 years old. Have you read it yet? There are still five days until Christmas. What are you waiting for?
January 8, 2020
What a wonderful Christmas tale this is! When I queued up for it at the library, I hadn’t realized the kindle edition comes with narration. And the narrator is James Earl Jones, no less. This definitely adds another layer of emotion to the story. Even better are the exquisite illustrations, which are most impressive! There are only three characters: a despairing woodcarver, a young woman, and her eight-year-old son. The theme is hope, and it is beautifully conveyed in a touching yet not sugary sweet or melodramatic manner.
This story is geared to adults and children alike and can be read over lunch, or even better, as a bedtime story in front of the fire. Highly recommended for all!
This story is geared to adults and children alike and can be read over lunch, or even better, as a bedtime story in front of the fire. Highly recommended for all!
December 14, 2023
I remember this story. A lonely and disgruntled man is asked to carve the figures for a special crèche. But the young son of the woman who asks him to undertake the task keeps interrupting the carver’s work and telling him what he’s doing wrong. Hilarious and heart warming. A cozy Christmas recommendation.
December 16, 2023
3.5 stars.
1000/10 for the art! I could look at it all day. It’s so beautiful. The story is simple and sweet but oh the art!!!
1000/10 for the art! I could look at it all day. It’s so beautiful. The story is simple and sweet but oh the art!!!
October 8, 2017
This book came out the year I was 13, and I remember reading through it while browsing in the Christian bookstore. I wanted my parents to buy it for me, but of course they weren't too interested in buying a $10+ picture book for a 13-year-old who could read three adult books in a single afternoon. Thereafter, for the following two years, I'd make it a point to find a copy and read it at some point during the Christmas season.
Definitely recommended.
Definitely recommended.
December 8, 2019
A nice Christmas tale of how a grieving widower meets a widow and her son through him carving a nativity scene. Realistic and detailed illustrations, this illustrator is very talented, especially at faces and expressions. The story did feel slightly predictable but it was a lovely, happy ending.
My daughter commented that the high point of the story for her was seeing the nativity scene finished and set out together but this was shown on a double page spread with the fold going through the middle of the scene, which is such a shame, our new copy took a lot of bending/spine breaking to reveal the scene. The nativity scene is lovely and such a nice thing to have made together. This is such a feel good story that leaves you feeling that these people will be very happy together.
My daughter commented that the high point of the story for her was seeing the nativity scene finished and set out together but this was shown on a double page spread with the fold going through the middle of the scene, which is such a shame, our new copy took a lot of bending/spine breaking to reveal the scene. The nativity scene is lovely and such a nice thing to have made together. This is such a feel good story that leaves you feeling that these people will be very happy together.
August 25, 2025
Two things at once. My new favorite activities at the same time, walking indoors when it’s cold outside and listening to a children’s book on YouTube being read.
Always seeking new ways to experience literature and share ideas for others to consider. Who have children and enjoy books as a family, friends, and for educators.
This is a new win/win for me going into 2024. Requiring a lot more reading toward sharing great books goal. And walking more steps. Time management at its best 🏆
Susan Wojciechowaki’s The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Tommey is masterfully illustrated by PJ Lynch. Making for a fun listen video and almost half hour walk.
Adding to the story is wonderful sound effects. Enough to add a bit of action to an otherwise stagnant page while listening.
Having read many a story or seen films based on loss. When all hope felt lost. A beam of faith shows up. Likened to a feral cat or the fox from The Little Prince, pain keeping the heart of the hurt at bay. Having lost its connection to love. Only to be caressed into the world through a heart felt taming.
This story is a new classic, for me. Having the hardback to enjoy is a big plus. But, if you don’t have a print copy click the link. Be transported to Mr. Toomey’s awakening.
The ending reminds me of the conundrum Rudolph faced with his nose so bright, at first. People made judgments. In the end, well, you’ll have to find out for yourself😊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯
This is a book for everyone regardless of your faith practice. When all hope is lost, joy comes in the mourning. Meaning grieving sorrow through loss.
Regardless of where life has led, my hope for you is a peace filled winter.
https://youtu.be/ryy-yEcklAI?feature=...
Always seeking new ways to experience literature and share ideas for others to consider. Who have children and enjoy books as a family, friends, and for educators.
This is a new win/win for me going into 2024. Requiring a lot more reading toward sharing great books goal. And walking more steps. Time management at its best 🏆
Susan Wojciechowaki’s The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Tommey is masterfully illustrated by PJ Lynch. Making for a fun listen video and almost half hour walk.
Adding to the story is wonderful sound effects. Enough to add a bit of action to an otherwise stagnant page while listening.
Having read many a story or seen films based on loss. When all hope felt lost. A beam of faith shows up. Likened to a feral cat or the fox from The Little Prince, pain keeping the heart of the hurt at bay. Having lost its connection to love. Only to be caressed into the world through a heart felt taming.
This story is a new classic, for me. Having the hardback to enjoy is a big plus. But, if you don’t have a print copy click the link. Be transported to Mr. Toomey’s awakening.
The ending reminds me of the conundrum Rudolph faced with his nose so bright, at first. People made judgments. In the end, well, you’ll have to find out for yourself😊
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💯
This is a book for everyone regardless of your faith practice. When all hope is lost, joy comes in the mourning. Meaning grieving sorrow through loss.
Regardless of where life has led, my hope for you is a peace filled winter.
https://youtu.be/ryy-yEcklAI?feature=...
December 30, 2019
I found this book at a school book sale years and years ago. I read it while standing there and knew I had to buy it when I found tears in my eyes at the end. So lovely!
This is the story of Jonathan Toomey -- a man the village children call Mr. Gloomy. Jonathan is a wonderful wood carver, but a very sad man -- for good reason. He has lost his wife and child to illness.
One day, a widow and her son come to Jonathan with a special request. While moving into the village, they had lost a precious Christmas heirloom: A nativity set carved for the woman by her grandfather when she was a young girl. Could Jonathan carve her another in time for Christmas?
As the days go by, the widow and her son visit Jonathan to bring him the gifts of food, tea and companionship while he works. The boy helps Jonathan by describing the pieces as only an eight-year-old can. As the days go by and as Jonathan works on each of the pieces of the nativity set, his heart begins to heal.
The book ends happily, and even though I've read it many times, still brings a tear to my eye.
The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful and enrich an already beautiful story!
Love it!
This is the story of Jonathan Toomey -- a man the village children call Mr. Gloomy. Jonathan is a wonderful wood carver, but a very sad man -- for good reason. He has lost his wife and child to illness.
One day, a widow and her son come to Jonathan with a special request. While moving into the village, they had lost a precious Christmas heirloom: A nativity set carved for the woman by her grandfather when she was a young girl. Could Jonathan carve her another in time for Christmas?
As the days go by, the widow and her son visit Jonathan to bring him the gifts of food, tea and companionship while he works. The boy helps Jonathan by describing the pieces as only an eight-year-old can. As the days go by and as Jonathan works on each of the pieces of the nativity set, his heart begins to heal.
The book ends happily, and even though I've read it many times, still brings a tear to my eye.
The illustrations in this book are absolutely beautiful and enrich an already beautiful story!
Love it!
December 22, 2009
Reread this after watching the film of the same name. Fortunately Bill Clark's film version sticks to same basic story, only filling out the lives of the widow McDowell and Thomas and presenting the story more from their perspective than from Mr. Toomey's. This doesn't detract from the essence of the tale.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is a heart-warming, holiday vignette about being helped through helping. I can still recall with fondness the first time I read it to my children. In addition, the book is charmingly illustrated by P.J. Lynch. It should be an annual read.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is a heart-warming, holiday vignette about being helped through helping. I can still recall with fondness the first time I read it to my children. In addition, the book is charmingly illustrated by P.J. Lynch. It should be an annual read.
December 31, 2020
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey was published over 20 years ago so why haven’t I heard about it before now? The story is meant to be shared.
Susan Wojciechowski’s creativeness offered a unique look about the true meaning of Christmas. A little boy’s innocent questions and comments provided the necessary catalyst for healing and change. The humorous moments were unexpected but endearing. Lastly, Mr. Lynch’s illustrations matched the plot perfectly.
This book is a keeper.
Susan Wojciechowski’s creativeness offered a unique look about the true meaning of Christmas. A little boy’s innocent questions and comments provided the necessary catalyst for healing and change. The humorous moments were unexpected but endearing. Lastly, Mr. Lynch’s illustrations matched the plot perfectly.
This book is a keeper.
December 21, 2020
Це саме те, що нам потрібно в різдвяний час - стара, добра історія, тиха та інтимна за своєю тональністю, яка наповнює нас домашнім теплом, затишком і любов'ю. Але найголовніше - вона дарує віру і надію в те, що не все втрачено, вихід існує. Така невеличка історія, а має потужний терапевтичний ефект - показує як відпустити втрату і продовжувати жити далі!
November 11, 2016
Not nearly as saccharine as I feared. I'm definitely glad I read it. The people feel authentic, and the story plausible. Well-told. Recommended.
November 19, 2020
I loved this story! Another perfect-for-Christmas-mood and warm book. Just perfect for family reading!
December 28, 2009
This is a touching, sweet story about loss, love and healing and is, to my mind, quite an excellent one for the holidays. Some might find it a bit too "sentimental" but I felt that the fine storytelling and warm but realistic illustrations save it from being the least bit cutesy or unbelievable. Woodcarver Jonathan "Gloomy" Toomey lost his wife and baby son to illness some years ago and can find no joy in life until one day a window and her young son come to ask Mr Toomey if he could please carve them a nativity scene in time for Christmas since their treasured family heirloom was lost in the move. Gloomily, he agrees and the boy is so interested in woodcarving that he and his mother often come to watch Mr Toomey work. It doesn't take much to figure out where this is headed, but I still think the story is well-told and I love the way the boy describes how his manger figures looked--being so happy and proud to be present at the birth of Jesus--and how some of that joy begins to enter Mr Toomey's broken heart.
December 5, 2021
A beautiful classic of my childhood.
December 30, 2021
beautiful.
the most touching story, and simply breathtaking watercolor illustrations.
the combo = a Christmas book that will make you cry.
i love this book so very much <3
...
small acts of love make the biggest difference. you might never know, but they do.
the most touching story, and simply breathtaking watercolor illustrations.
the combo = a Christmas book that will make you cry.
i love this book so very much <3
...
small acts of love make the biggest difference. you might never know, but they do.
February 20, 2021
This book has incredible artwork as well as a beautiful story about the redeeming power of love and the magic of Christmas. It's a wonderful children's story that more adults should check out.
January 5, 2020
Ох, прочитати можна за годинку і насолодитися добром, радістю та світлом. Нічого,здавалося б, нового, але проникливо аж до серця
December 22, 2016
An absolute beautiful book. How have I never found this Christmas Story before. Wonderful story and illustrations.
December 18, 2023
Jonathan Toomey is a wood carver and the town grump. He lives by himself and never smiles. The children in the town call him Mr. Gloomy, but the reason for his sadness is his secret, locked in his closed down heart: he is grieving for his wife and child. One day, a new family comes to town. The widow McDowall and her son Thomas have lost their family creche in the move, and come to Mr Toomey to have a new one made before Christmas. He grunts his agreement to the plan and allows young Thomas to sit by him to watch him carve. Thomas, who is seven, has his own ideas about how the pieces should look, and tells Mr Toomey that the sheep should be happy or the cow should be proud. As the days pass, Mr Toomey's heart begins to open to the innocent enthusiasm of young Thomas, whose clear ideas on the miracle in the stable reminds Mr. Toomey that life is a precious gift. This wonderful picture book is a fine choice for readers of all ages.
December 8, 2022
So very good. One of my favorite Christmas stories.
November 30, 2017
The story is sweet and simple, but the beautifully detailed illustrations lift this book to 4 stars for me.
December 21, 2018
A beautiful, touching story, whose text and illustrations convey the message of Christmas in a wonderful way.
Read
December 23, 2021I met a teacher who talked to me about how perceptive children are. She had read the book to her first-graders, then asked questions. When she asked what Jonathan Toomey had taken from a drawer, a child answered, "He took his heart out of the drawer." When you read the book, you'll understand the profound depth of that child's answer.~Susan Wojciechowski (Author's note)
Goodreads friends, I can't say it any better than that child from the quote above. The heart of Christmas is contained in this touching story. Profound truths are communicated in the words and pictures (by P.J. Lynch) of the 40 pages contained here. Jonathan Toomey is Mr. Gloomy at the beginning of the book, but a Christmas miracle helps him to laugh again. This classic tale is just over 25 years old. Have you read it yet? There are still three days until Christmas. What are you waiting for?
*Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*
Goodreads friends, I can't say it any better than that child from the quote above. The heart of Christmas is contained in this touching story. Profound truths are communicated in the words and pictures (by P.J. Lynch) of the 40 pages contained here. Jonathan Toomey is Mr. Gloomy at the beginning of the book, but a Christmas miracle helps him to laugh again. This classic tale is just over 25 years old. Have you read it yet? There are still three days until Christmas. What are you waiting for?
*Reviewed by Darla from Red Bridge*
December 22, 2023
sweetest book to ever book
January 26, 2015
I very much enjoy picture books. Although they are geared to children, I find the stories wonderful to read to myself quietly or out loud. The words often seem to sing and I find the ones that sometimes rhyme to be fun and joyful. An important and powerful message is usually conveyed in a story of few words.
What I particularly like about picture books however are the illustrations. It is pleasurable to view so many quality paintings in one sitting, all combined into one tiny, terrific package. It’s like visiting an art gallery from the comfort of your reading chair and you can enjoy the aesthetics just a few inches from your face.
I admire the artwork of illustrator P.J. Lynch. I read another of his illustrated books recently and primarily chose The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey for that reason. Lynch only illustrates about one book per year so I knew I was in for a treat. What I didn’t know and found out is that P.J. Lynch won the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal in 1995 awarded for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people for his illustration of The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey. Lynch’s illustrations are rich in detail and really enhance the book’s story. He uses lots of brown and earth colours that provide much warmth and his picture choices really focus on the essence of the story. They add another dimension and evoke feelings that the words alone would not.
Susan Wojciechowski has written a wonderful story to illustrate. It is a simple, although predictable story as most children’s books are. Interspersed throughout are rhyming words and alliteration – wonderful for reading out loud – the kind of words children remember and like to read along with in boisterous voices and to repeat throughout the day. The story is touching. It is about a widow and her son who approach a woodcarver who has lost his own wife and son to ask him to carve a nativity scene to replace the scene that they lost when they moved. The only catch is that the son wants to watch the woodcarver while he works so he can learn from him because he wants become a woodcarver when he grows up. The boy’s eagerness and openness is contagious. The author really captures the dialogue, enthusiasm and mannerisms of a young boy. The book like most children’s books is short but the words are a treat and the message, like the words, are worth reading again and again.
The book and its gorgeous illustrations would make a wonderful gift for another or an addition to your own personal Christmas library to take it out each holiday season to enjoy.
What I particularly like about picture books however are the illustrations. It is pleasurable to view so many quality paintings in one sitting, all combined into one tiny, terrific package. It’s like visiting an art gallery from the comfort of your reading chair and you can enjoy the aesthetics just a few inches from your face.
I admire the artwork of illustrator P.J. Lynch. I read another of his illustrated books recently and primarily chose The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey for that reason. Lynch only illustrates about one book per year so I knew I was in for a treat. What I didn’t know and found out is that P.J. Lynch won the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal in 1995 awarded for an outstanding book in terms of illustration for children and young people for his illustration of The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey. Lynch’s illustrations are rich in detail and really enhance the book’s story. He uses lots of brown and earth colours that provide much warmth and his picture choices really focus on the essence of the story. They add another dimension and evoke feelings that the words alone would not.
Susan Wojciechowski has written a wonderful story to illustrate. It is a simple, although predictable story as most children’s books are. Interspersed throughout are rhyming words and alliteration – wonderful for reading out loud – the kind of words children remember and like to read along with in boisterous voices and to repeat throughout the day. The story is touching. It is about a widow and her son who approach a woodcarver who has lost his own wife and son to ask him to carve a nativity scene to replace the scene that they lost when they moved. The only catch is that the son wants to watch the woodcarver while he works so he can learn from him because he wants become a woodcarver when he grows up. The boy’s eagerness and openness is contagious. The author really captures the dialogue, enthusiasm and mannerisms of a young boy. The book like most children’s books is short but the words are a treat and the message, like the words, are worth reading again and again.
The book and its gorgeous illustrations would make a wonderful gift for another or an addition to your own personal Christmas library to take it out each holiday season to enjoy.
December 9, 2018
Known as "Mr. Gloomy" in his small New England village, woodcarver Jonathan Toomey was a man who had no time for conversation, and no tolerance for the games of children. Enveloped in sorrow, at the death of his wife and son some years before, he had withdrawn from the world, devoting himself to work, and avoiding all human contact. And then one wintry day, the Widow McDowell and her young son, Thomas, knocked at his door, and commissioned a wooden crèche for Christmas. Slowly working their way into his life - Thomas asks to watch him work, having an ambition to become a woodcarver himself, one day - mother and son create a miracle. Just as another mother and son did, so many years before...
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is one of those books that's been "on my radar" since it was first published, back in 1995, when I was working in the children's section of a large bookstore. But somehow, despite finding the cover immensely attractive, and being curious about the story, I never happened to pick it up. How glad I am that, prompted by the recommendation of a goodreads friend (thanks, Kathryn!), I finally did! A heartwarming story, satisfyingly emotional, without veering too far into the saccharine or sentimental, is joined to gorgeous watercolor artwork that perfectly captures the world being depicted. The reader feels as if she were right there, in that New England workshop with Jonathan - a note about location: although it is never specified in the text, the dust-jacket blurb about the artist mentions that he traveled to Vermont's Shelburne Museum, to study the early American artifacts to be found therein - and feels as one with the characters, both in loneliness and joy. The parallel between the miracle that reawakens the heart of Jonathan Toomey, and the larger miracle of the Christmas season, just adds depth to this wonderful book, which I highly recommend to anyone in the market for Christmas tales!
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is one of those books that's been "on my radar" since it was first published, back in 1995, when I was working in the children's section of a large bookstore. But somehow, despite finding the cover immensely attractive, and being curious about the story, I never happened to pick it up. How glad I am that, prompted by the recommendation of a goodreads friend (thanks, Kathryn!), I finally did! A heartwarming story, satisfyingly emotional, without veering too far into the saccharine or sentimental, is joined to gorgeous watercolor artwork that perfectly captures the world being depicted. The reader feels as if she were right there, in that New England workshop with Jonathan - a note about location: although it is never specified in the text, the dust-jacket blurb about the artist mentions that he traveled to Vermont's Shelburne Museum, to study the early American artifacts to be found therein - and feels as one with the characters, both in loneliness and joy. The parallel between the miracle that reawakens the heart of Jonathan Toomey, and the larger miracle of the Christmas season, just adds depth to this wonderful book, which I highly recommend to anyone in the market for Christmas tales!
November 16, 2022
This is a story that rings of warmth, compassion and hope. And it's compellingly touching each time it's read.
It's a tender tale about a gloomy man who receives two visitors one day and how through their persistent thoughtfulness, change his life.
Incredibly well told and with luxurious life-like illustrations, this is a book worth making a family tradition.
Ages: 5 - 10
Cleanliness: mentions a pipe.
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It's a tender tale about a gloomy man who receives two visitors one day and how through their persistent thoughtfulness, change his life.
Incredibly well told and with luxurious life-like illustrations, this is a book worth making a family tradition.
Ages: 5 - 10
Cleanliness: mentions a pipe.
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! And be sure to check out my bio page to learn a little about me and the Picture Book/Chapter Book Calendars I sell on Etsy!
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December 22, 2022This is definitely one of my absolute favorite Christmas books. I reread it every year, no matter how busy I am or what I have going on. It's become very dear to me.
This follows a woodcarver named Jonathan Toomey who is really grumpy because of things that happened to him. One day, a woman named Widow McDowell and her son Thomas, come into his life and ask him for a miracle - recreating a Nativity set and in the process heal.
The illustrations of this book are some of the most stunning. They're so vivid and immersive in every possible way. Every emotion is raw and flayed out on the page. I could stare at the illustrations for hours and never get bored of them.
If you haven't read this, I'd highly recommend it.
TW/CW: Grief, mention of death, mention of child death
This follows a woodcarver named Jonathan Toomey who is really grumpy because of things that happened to him. One day, a woman named Widow McDowell and her son Thomas, come into his life and ask him for a miracle - recreating a Nativity set and in the process heal.
The illustrations of this book are some of the most stunning. They're so vivid and immersive in every possible way. Every emotion is raw and flayed out on the page. I could stare at the illustrations for hours and never get bored of them.
If you haven't read this, I'd highly recommend it.
TW/CW: Grief, mention of death, mention of child death
October 7, 2017
Every Christmas I buy my daughter a Christmas book. To help me make my choice I borrow Christmas books from the local library. This is the first for this year and it is a possible on my to buy list.
A sweet story of how service to others and allowing children into our lives can bring about the miracle of healing for one with a broken heart. This is very apt at Christmas when we are reminded to let the Christ child into our lives and through service to be healed.
A sweet story of how service to others and allowing children into our lives can bring about the miracle of healing for one with a broken heart. This is very apt at Christmas when we are reminded to let the Christ child into our lives and through service to be healed.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 604 reviews