Title: The Miracle of The Wooden Shoes

Author: Deborah Pace Rowley, illustrated by Dan Burr

Publisher: Deseret Book

Genre: Fiction

Year Published: 2008

Number of Pages: n/a

Binding: Hardback

ISBN-10: n/a

ISBN-13: 978-1-59038-990-4

Price: $18.95

Reviewed by Jaymie Reynolds



I really enjoy reviewing children's books. Imagine my excitement upon receiving this book and realizing that, not only is it a book that I can easily read with my children but that the author used to babysit me when I was a young child. While I was predisposed to like this book because of these factors, I also felt an obligation to be even more objective than usual. It was finally with some trepidation that I approached reading this book. In the end, my fears proved to be groundless. The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes, by Deborah Pace Rowley and illustrated by Dan Burr, is a beautiful book that captures the feeling of the season and opens the door for families to create new Christmas traditions of their own.

Walter is a young boy growing up in Germany. This year has forced him to grow up too soon. From the day that Walter's father collapses in front of their home, Walter realizes that things are very dire. His father is dying and this young boy feels the responsibility to compensate. He does what he can to provide for his family but as a young school child, his contributions are meager. As St. Nicholas Day approaches, Walter realizes that there will be no carrots or straw to put out in his wooden shoes for St. Nicholas' horse. From here, it is not hard for Walter to see that his shoes will not be filled this year.

Walter's mother encourages him to place his shoes outside before bed on the eve of the holiday. While Walter opens and shuts the door to convince her that he is doing as she asks, he chooses to avoid disappointment by keeping his shoes inside. It is while he is sleeping that the first of Walter's miracles occurs. A scroll of paper accompanied by much needed candles appears in Walter's shoes. Throughout the course of the Christmas holiday, Walter and ultimately his family will be blessed by the mysterious events that continue to take place. In the end, these events will lead to the miraculous healing of this boy's father.

Scriptures from the Bible are woven throughout this book. Each scripture references the Savior and His gifts to us. The author uses these scriptures to build Walter's love and understanding of Jesus Christ and His teachings. As the boy is blessed by the miracle of his filled shoes, he turns to the scriptures and builds on the foundation that is laid for him by this mysterious gift giver.

This Christmas book will appeal mainly to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The inclusion of missionaries and other aspects of this faith does narrow the target audience of this book. At the same time, this is a book that will appeal to most families within this faith. This is a wonderful book with beautiful illustrations that only enhance the story that is being told. The emotion of this story is one that will touch adults and children alike.

The author has included instructions in the back of this book for those who would like to make this a part of their Christmas traditions. It includes ways for families to become the mystery giver and brighten the lives of their neighbors. While the price point of this book may seem a bit high to some readers, those who apply this story and use it to create their own holiday memories will find this book well worth it.

This story is truly Christ-centered and will make a wonderful addition to the holiday season in many households.