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Summary: A Christmas Book That is Different From the Others
Review: 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!
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Summary: Don't pass by this gem!
Review: 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...
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Summary: The whole family loved it
Review: It was hard reading this book to my kids, because it made me cry, but we all loved it. The book explores the importance of human relationships in giving meaning to life. It also deals with how people recover from loss and overcome adversity. Despite it's being a children's picture book, it's definitely meaty material. It deals with a world that is not at all like a fairy tale, where people are struggling with real problems. I like that. I like letting kids see that happiness doesn't necessarily come from being a rich person or having everything go right. Happiness comes from working hard and reaching out to others. I recommend this book most heartily.
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Summary: The Christmas Miracle Of Jonathan Toomey
Review: 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
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Summary: A true miracle
Review: Simple in theme, with the beautiful message that appearances can be deceiving, it's marvelous prose. Gorgeously illustrated. (When it first came out, I bought it for all eight of my granchildren.)
If I were to write a book for children, I would wish it to be as good as this one!
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Summary: This one is a keeper
Review: Tender story, exquisitely illustrated. I recommend this book in hardcover because it is classic and definitely a "keeper". Jonathan is a somber man who is touched by deep tragedy. He lost his interest in life until a young widow and her son ease their way into his heart. Very touching story. Children are enthralled with both the story and the illustrations.
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Summary: This one is a keeper
Review: Tender story, exquisitely illustrated. I recommend this book in hardcover because it is classic and definitely a "keeper". Jonathan is a somber man who is touched by deep tragedy. He lost his interest in life until a young widow and her son ease their way into his heart. Very touching story. Children are enthralled with both the story and the illustrations.
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Summary: It's Delovely.
Review: 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.
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Summary: My favorite Christmas story
Review: 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.
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Summary: One of the best picture books ever produced.
Review: The writing of this moving story shows true artistic mastery. Even with a few rhythmic, well-chosen phrases which echo in the reader's heart, the author helps us really KNOW her memorable characters. This is a beautiful, beautiful book, worthy of the season which inspired it, and of the audience of children and adults which will surely be deeply affected by it. A life-altering experience, because it makes its mark on one's soul. Susan Wojciechowski and P.J. Lynch deserve the highest honors for this exquisite work.
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