Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Candlewick; 20 Dlx Anv edition (September 8, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0763678228
ISBN-13: 978-0763678227
Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 0.4 x 10.3 inches
Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (191 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #54,843 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #210 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Christmas #232 in Books > Children's Books > Growing Up & Facts of Life > Family Life > Values
Age Range: 6 - 9 years
Grade Level: 1 - 4
I started reading this book to my now-seven year-old daughter two years ago. Clueless about the plot, I read on and on; by the end we were both sniffling away the tears. Jonathan Toomey has since become de rigeur holiday reading in our family. I think we like it so much not least because it seamlessly combines the religious message of Christmas with a very down-to-earth story about love, loss, and love - again. Also, the illustrations are pretty extraordinary. My only suggestion: The author and illustrator should immediately publish a dozen books like it!
I picked up this book while browsing in the children's section of my favorite book store. After reading several pages, I had to shut the book and march up to the checkout, wiping my eyes a bit. I waited until I was at home to finish the book, so if I howled out loud, I wouldn't embarress myself. The true meaning of Christmas shines through this book, with a love story on the side, and some gentle humor. My children relate to the young hero in the book, and the illustrations are lovely. I now give this book as a great Christmas gift! You'll enjoy it.
THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TWOMEY is a simple and heartwarming story. The plot is simple enough. Jonathan is lonely and still mourning the loss of his wife and child. The pain of this loss makes it difficult for Jonathan to open up to others. Though many respect his talent as a wood carver, he is mistakenly judged as a miserable and mean spirited person. His life begins to change when a local widow orders a new manger scene and requests that her son watch Jonathan at work since the child hopes to be a woodcarver one day. The boy�s simple goodness as well as the magic of the Christmas story begin to have an effect on Jonathan and he is eventually able to accept the love that the mother and her son wish to offer him. The transformation is gradual and therefore rings as authentic.Ms. Wojciechowski tells a beautiful story. She weaves her words in a masterful way that will certainly engage a child�s imagination. An as is the case in many stories labeled for children, the book holds universal truths that will touch an adult heart as well.
THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY is a charming book about the nature of patience and grace. Jonathan Toomey is a very sad and gloomy man. His wife and child died very young and he has never gotten over his grief. Children call him Mr. Gloomy, for they fail to see the beauty beneath. One day a young widow and her son show up, asking Toomey to make a nativity scence for them, replacing one they lost when they recently moved to town. Mr. Toomey agrees. His life is forever changed by the act.The book is beautifully illustrated and has become a modern Christmas classic.
I'm a writer/editor that is always on the lookout for great books for my three kids (7, 11, 14). I don't even remember where I found this one, but it's my ALL TIME favorite Christmas story. It's got enough religion to keep the Christians happy, but the real message here is the miracle of the wonderful connections we can make with each other. I haven't met anyone who doesn't love this book. Do your family a favor and BUY IT NOW! It will become a tradition in your house, but be warned: you won't get through it without puddling up, and that, my friends, is a good thing. It really is. Merry Christmas to you all...
I am an artist/author. I also teach art at the high school level and I usually pick up books that are strong in art to show my students and to study from myself. I am deeply impressed with the quality of this book. The compostions of the art layouts and word arrangements are outstanding. My sincere compliments to both the author and artist. I would love to hear back from them. Thank you
Jonathan Toomey is a sad and lonely man, living alone in the little village after his wife and little baby child died. Nobody talks to him, and he wants nobody. But then, one day a widow and her seven years old son come to see him, asking if he can make them a manger with all the traditional Christmas figures. The little boy, Thomas, loves to watch Jonathan when he works, and Thomas' mother brings small gifts in her very silent way, while Jonathan is working. In a beautiful told story Jonathan Toomey is helped by Thomas and his mother to look at his grief and by that he is helped through it.Perfect for anybody who has lost somebody, and also perfect for anybody else as a Christmas story.I am very happy to have this book, with the beautiful illustrations of P.J.Lynch in my growing collection of Christmas books.Britt Arnhild Lindland
Being considerate and respectful are major elements of this book. The CD adds a special touch to the beautifully illustrated, realistic story. Non-Christians as well as Christians are moved by the transformation of the Scrooge-like character, Jonathan Toomey. Unlike Scrooge, this woodcarvers' heart was changed not from fear but kindness. A young boy's widowed mother asks if he would he carve a new "manger scene" and let the boy watch. In a crumpy manner, he agrees. It is discovered that part of his bitterness is the loss of his wife and child years ago. He has the reputation of being the best woodcarver. The boy has specific memories of the old "manger scene" and he wants the new one to be like it. With each figure, he states that it is a wonderful carving, maybe the best in the world, but it isn't quite like his old one (not an exact quote). The boy is very considerate and respectful in clarifying his wishes. The grumpy man gradually begins to become more kind, himself. He had not smiled in years. The book ends with the three of them rejoicing over the accomplishment and his new found happiness.
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