The Elves and the Shoemaker

So many classic children's books are now out-of-print that it's wonderful when a true standard like this is kept in print -- and in affordable paperback format too. There are many versions of this story, Galdone's energetic illustrations make it one of the best.

The Shoemaker and the Elves stands out as one of the rare fairytales of old where the characters are actually nice. If you don't remember the story, it is about a shoemaker and his wife who, through no fault of their own, are down on their luck. Their fortune changes though when two small elves miraculously appear to turn their difficult situation around. Down to just the smallest amount of leather --only enough to make one pair of shoes-- the shoemaker goes to bed with the intention of crafting the shoes in the morning. When he (they) wake up however, they find that the shoes have inexplicably been made. A customer soon follows for whom the shoes fit so well that the shoemaker is rewarded with enough cash to buy leather for two new pairs of shoes. He goes to bed again that night with the intention of making the shoes in the morning; and is greeted again with a fait accompli. This goes on until the shoemaker has regained financial stability. Right before Christmas, the husband and wife decide to find out who is doing this for them. They hide out and discover naked elves are doing the good deeds. The couples response is to perform a kindness in return. They make tiny clothes for the little darlings. It is winter after all and surely even elves must like to stay warm. They set out the clothes and hide again. The elves arrive and are stunned speechless. Then they hurriedly get dressed and dance with glee. For reasons unexplained, now that they have clothes, they are free to never return. And everyone lives happily ever after. Four Stars. Classic Galdone drawings. Classic story. [I particularly like that in this fairytale that people are kind.]

This is one of the better versions of this tale that I have seen. Its wording is faithful to the original tale but is accessible also. The illustrations are delightful. Especially the elves, naked and clothed alike. (Some versions of this tale omit the fact that the elves are supposed to be naked initially -- Galdone doesn't hesitate to draw them naked but does so in a way that is sweet, funny and G-rated.)