On the Eleventh day of Advent

" The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey"

Written by Susan Wojciechowski and illustrated by P.J.Lynch published by Walker Books 

This has to be one of the most beautiful , and moving, Christmas stories I ever read with my children and consequently it will always have a special place on our book case and in our hearts at Christmas. 


"When the widow McDowell and her son Thomas knock at Jonathan Toomey's door one winter's day , they receive a frosty reception. For Jonathan keeps himself to himself - Mr Gloomy, the children call him. What no one knows, though, is that once he was a happy man with a wife and baby and that it is grief at their deaths that has made him so hard and cold.

Would the carver make a set of nativity figures for Christmas, the widow asks, and could her son watch him work ? When Jonathan reluctantly agrees it is the beginning of a miracle that will see the warming of his sad, chill heart "

This is one of those special books to share with your children at this time of year. 

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