Product Description

Grieving for her dead mother, a poor girl finds all her dreams fulfilled when, on Christmas Eve, she hangs above her hearth a stocking she has knitted.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #240855 in Books
• Published on: 2006-10-24
• Released on: 2006-10-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 40 pages

From Booklist
*Starred Review* Set in a coal-mining town, "long, long ago," this is the story of Claire, who lives with her father, a miner, and her mother, who knits for the town's richer residents. Claire learns the craft, and when her mother dies, she carries on. Two days before Christmas, a wealthy woman orders three pairs of stockings. With little light for warmth or seeing, Claire is unsure she can finish, but she does--only to give five of the stockings to a raggedy boy, who, like Claire, understands what it is like never to be warm. Her furious customer refuses the sixth stocking, which Claire hangs up; the next morning it is filled with gifts, including candles that don't go out. This sentimental story is wrapped in a handsome package--a tall, slim format that provides plenty of space for the dreamy, full-page colored-pencil pictures. It's never clear why the successful knitting business doesn't generate enough income for better indoor light, but such details won't deter children caught up in this Christmas miracle. Ilene Cooper
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About the Author
Elizabeth Winthrop is the author of more than fifty books for children, including The Castle in the Attic, The Battle for the Castle, as well as the acclaimed novel Counting on Grace (Wendy Lamb Books). The author lives in New York City and Williamstown, MA.

Customer Reviews

First Christmas Stocking- great new Christmas book.
I am always looking for good books with lessons or messages- this is one of those books. The idea of giving is always a good idea. It has many words on the page making it more enjoyable as a read aloud or for older children. It is definitely one of our "read at Christmas time" each year books! Hope you'll give it a try.

A poignant holiday story benefits from Bagram Ibatouline's warm and lovely drawings.
A long time ago a poor girl named Claire learns to knit by her mother's side - and knits her Christmas dreams into the wool. An order for six stockings could save her holiday; but on the way she meets a boy even poorer than herself: how can she share her dreams of warmth? A poignant holiday story benefits from Bagram Ibatouline's warm and lovely drawings.

A Lovely Book
I bought multiple copies of this book for neices, nephews, godchildren and young cousins. It's a great antidote to the overly commerecialized Christmas season. The writing is elegant but straightforward, and the illustrations glow. Although it has a strong spiritual message, it is not overtly regligous, so is suitable for all children who celebrate Christmas.