The Elves and the Shoemaker

Great illustration of a classic story. My kids really enjoyed it.

I have always loved the story of "The Elves and the Shoemaker" and have searched and searched for an adaptation that evoked the memories that I carried from my childhood. (As children, my sister and I fell in love with the Scholastic version which, sadly, is off the market.) But this version is as good, if not better! The pictures are simply beautiful ~ so full of color and expression and detail! And the story is told in a simple yet profound way so that children as young as three but as old as eight or nine will be able to find meaning and enjoyment. I can not recommend this book enough! In my mind, it deserves a space on every child's bookshelf!

Everyone knows the story of the elves and the shoemaker - the poor cobbler who is visited by a pair of elves who (for reasons that are purposefully never revealed) help him out by crafting exquisite pairs of shoes. After the shoemaker is made wealthy, he and his wife stake out the workshop and discover their secret benefactors. Seeing how poorly they are dressed, they make for them tiny clothes and shoes, and delighted with their gifts, the elves leave forever as mysteriously as they came. It is an unforgettable story of anonymous charity and giving, and children all across the world love it for its simplicity and mystery. Jim LaMarche is utterly faithful to the old Grimm's version of the tale and using vibrant colour throughout his illustrations. Jim LaMarche's illustrations are lovely when depicting the old shoemaker and his wife, as an old and loving couple in the warmth and cleanliness of their little shop. However, the elves themselves were not quite to my taste, though I have no doubt they'll appeal to most parents reading to their children. Rather than show them as miniscule adults, they are portrayed as small children with pixie-features. However, to my eyes they looked very modern, especially the girl who actually reminded me of a Jan McLean doll. However, this is a personal gripe due to memories of my childhood version of the tale in which the elves looked adult, mischievous and vaguely wicked, making it all the more interesting that they were helping an elderly couple in need. Anyone else who picks up this book will be certain that they've found the definitive version of the famous Grimm's fairytale.

This book is a wonderful companion to any collection of classic fairy tales. The illustrations are lively and charming; the tale is retold simply and well. This book also does an excellent job of conveying what a cobbler does, if you are looking for some books to bring history alive. Not many children now think twice about where their shoes come from. Above all else, the illustrations really bring the tale alive. The quality of the expressions on each character's face is truly incredible and any small child can easily "read" along by seeing the delight on the faces of the customers, the patience and careful work done by the elves (you can practically hear them whistle as they work), the astonishment and gratitude felt by the shoemaker and his wife. This heartwarming story is a must for any preschool or first grade classroom.

I picked this book up, which was laying on my classroom shelf. I would have never guessed by it's cover that it contained such and endearing story. "Read it Yourself" it said in big letters. You can tell this book is old and foreign, by the details and colors used. Even the end pages contained illustrations. The words are simple and not overwhelming. For years I have read many versions of "The Elves and the Shoemaker", but this one was special. The book was thin and about the size and width of an adults hand. The illustrations contained, warm dark colors that are not found nowadays in childrens books, which are usually bright and loud. This added to the coziness of the book. The book is simple enough for a child learning to read. Yet, also surprisingly enjoyable for the adult.

The illustrations in this book are wonderful. A true artist. Very cleverly hides the elves in each page and its much fun for a 3 year old to find them and the mice and birds too.