Customer Reviews

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey with CD: Gift Edition

5 star:		(32)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a beautiful story. The author did a reading/slide show of this book at our school several years ago. When the lights came on, there wasn't a dry eye among the parents (and some of the kids)in attendance. I still get choked up when I read this to my children. Its truly a beautiful story. I've bought 6 copies through the years for friends & family when they have children. A must read at Christmas time.

I still read this book to my children every year and they are 14 & 18 years old. This is a wonderful book about the meaning of Christmas, and renewal of a human spirit. A widow with a small boy asks the town woodcarver to make a duplicate of the nativity set she had lost. Her little boy wants to watch the carver at work, and as he works, the little boy describes how each piece is supposed to look. From happy sheep,and a proud cow, to the important angel, smiling baby, and loving Mary, Thomas describes each of the figures, and the woodcarver captures the qualities. I have alump in my throat by the end every time I read it. You will cherish this book, I guarantee.

Jonathan Toomey is a sad and lonely man, living alone in the little village after his wife and little baby child died. Nobody talks to him, and he wants nobody. But then, one day a widow and her seven years old son come to see him, asking if he can make them a manger with all the traditional Christmas figures. The little boy, Thomas, loves to watch Jonathan when he works, and Thomas' mother brings small gifts in her very silent way, while Jonathan is working. In a beautiful told story Jonathan Toomey is helped by Thomas and his mother to look at his grief and by that he is helped through it.
Perfect for anybody who has lost somebody, and also perfect for anybody else as a Christmas story.
I am very happy to have this book, with the beautiful illustrations of P.J.Lynch in my growing collection of Christmas books.

Britt Arnhild Lindland

This is a wonderful Christmas book for children and adults. An endearing story that is beautifully illustrated. Thoroughly enjoyable. Pass it on.

I'm a writer/editor that is always on the lookout for great books for my three kids (7, 11, 14). I don't even remember where I found this one, but it's my ALL TIME favorite Christmas story. It's got enough religion to keep the Christians happy, but the real message here is the miracle of the wonderful connections we can make with each other. I haven't met anyone who doesn't love this book. Do your family a favor and BUY IT NOW! It will become a tradition in your house, but be warned: you won't get through it without puddling up, and that, my friends, is a good thing. It really is. Merry Christmas to you all...

I picked up this book while browsing in the children's section of my favorite book store. After reading several pages, I had to shut the book and march up to the checkout, wiping my eyes a bit. I waited until I was at home to finish the book, so if I howled out loud, I wouldn't embarress myself. The true meaning of Christmas shines through this book, with a love story on the side, and some gentle humor. My children relate to the young hero in the book, and the illustrations are lovely. I now give this book as a great Christmas gift! You'll enjoy it.

What a wonderful read for children as well as adults. The characters are well written, as is the story. A great traditional read every Christmas Eve! Do have a box of kleenex at hand!

I started reading this book to my now-seven year-old daughter two years ago. Clueless about the plot, I read on and on; by the end we were both sniffling away the tears. Jonathan Toomey has since become de rigeur holiday reading in our family. I think we like it so much not least because it seamlessly combines the religious message of Christmas with a very down-to-earth story about love, loss, and love - again. Also, the illustrations are pretty extraordinary. My only suggestion: The author and illustrator should immediately publish a dozen books like it!

While reading this book to my 5 year old daughter, she asked me near the end, "Daddy, why are there drops of water coming from your eyes?" The beautiful and touching message of love and healing in this story is one even more appreciated by parents than the young audience for whom the book is designed. This is a Christmas treasure that I look forward to sharing with my children over and over again as they grow. Highly recommended.

This is a warm your heart book for all ages. I've read it to kids of five and middle school ages to thirteen. The characters crawl into your heart where you'll want to keep them loved by you and each other. The cd that comes with some editions is an added plus for classroom use. The illustrations get ooohs and ahhs from old and young alike. They draw you into the time and place immediately and evoke an ambience of a classic winter's tale. We eagerly await more touch our heart stories from Wojciechowski and Lynch!