The Christmas Boot

Starred review from September 26, 2016
Gently told and exquisitely illustrated, this holiday jewel centers on Hannah Greyweather, a poor woman who lives in a “ramshackle cabin” and finds a boot in the snow. Her wishes—for the boot’s mate, mittens, and a fancy house—are magically granted. After answering a knock at the door of her sprawling new mansion, Hannah finds a bearded man wearing a red suit and one black boot, whose mate she readily returns. When he asks if there is anything she wants, Hannah’s request for “someone to talk to” (as well as replacement mittens and boots) leads to a resolution that will warm the hearts of readers of all ages. Pinkney’s (The Lion & the Mouse) meticulously detailed art exudes old-world charm and is a splendid match for Wheeler’s (the Dino series) tender tale about taking only what one needs. Ages 4–8. Author’s agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Illustrator’s agent: Sheldon Fogelman, Sheldon Fogelman Agency.

A poor and lonely woman finds a black boot in the snow, which leads to magical transformations just before Christmas.Hannah Greyweather leads a solitary, hardscrabble life in her mountain cabin. When she tries on the newfound boot, it immediately changes shape to fit her foot perfectly. When she wishes for the boot's mate, it mysteriously appears the next morning, followed by a pair of red mittens. Hannah then wishes for a feather bed, fine food, and a fancy house, all of which magically appear without explanation. But when a white-bearded man in a red suit comes looking for his missing boot, all the magical developments disappear. The unnamed visitor provides Hannah with new boots, mittens, and a puppy for companionship before he departs into the night sky with his sleigh and reindeer. The original story flows like a folk tale, with a fine blend of dialogue and description. Dramatic tension and humor result from Hannah's unfamiliarity with Santa, and children will enjoy being in on the identity of the red-suited visitor. Pinkney enhances the strong text with his delightful watercolor illustrations filled with homey details and swirling snowflakes. Both Hannah and Santa have ruddy complexions, and both seem like real people rather than storybook characters. An extra-large trim size, high-quality paper, and a thoughtful design add to the book's overall appeal. A winner of a story with enchanting illustrations by a master. (Picture book. 4-7) COPYRIGHT(1) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

October 1, 2016

K-Gr 3-Hannah is an old woman living simply in her mountain cabin. One day while gathering wood in her stocking feet, she finds a boot. Hannah is delighted and wishes for a second boot and then for warm mittens and finally for a big fancy house. The boots and the mittens suit her well, but the big house doesn't feel as comfortable. When Santa Claus arrives-missing his boots-Hannah gives hers back, and all of the other gifts disappear as well. Santa leaves the old woman with new boots and mittens and a little dog to keep her company. This retelling of the folktale of the "Fisherman's Wife" who greedily wishes for too much has a kinder ending, and Pinkney's paintings are appropriate to the folkloric quality of this entry. VERDICT A worthy holiday reimagining, best enjoyed as an independent read or as a read-aloud in a small group setting.-Virginia Walter, UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2016
Preschool-G Old Hannah lives in a wooden cottage deep in the forest. Life is a struggle, especially in winter, but one day she finds a black boot that changes things. She wishes she had the shoe's mate, and there it is. Mittens come the next day, and when she wonders aloud what the boot might provide nexta feather bed, a fancy house?they appear. Hannah doesn't feel comfortable with this largess, and so she's relieved when the boot's owner appears: Santa Claus. Santa asks if there's anything he can give her. Hannah wishes for the impossible: someone to talk to. But also boots, and maybe mittens? The next morning, she has both, and a squirmy puppy for company. The story's warm folktale feel is heightened by the Caldecott medalist Pinkney's glowing art, alive with detail and overflowing with ambiance. Hannah's wintry world is wide awake with snow-covered pines and cavorting animals. Inside, there is coziness and satisfaction with one's lot in life. Here is a holiday book that provides something to talk about as well as look at.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)