Customer Reviews

The Blacksmith's Gift : A Christmas Story

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book is amazing. I got it home a few days ago and last night I decided to read it. It's a little long for young children (ages 3 and 5) so I read it to myself. This will definately be one we put in the special "Christmas" box, which contains books like The Polar Express, and other books that we only bring out for Christmas so that the stories are looked forward to and remain "special".

I had tears in my eyes by page 10. My wife was busy doing other stuff and my kids were playing, so I just decided to keep reading and hope that nobody saw me. Halfway through the book I had tears dropping on a regular basis. There were a few nitpicky things I had thought of in the first few pages that I would remember to be critical about, but by this time I couldn't even remember what they were. Incredible warmth. That is what I kept thinking as I read this. The author gave them incredible warmth. I'm a sucker for kids, and as a result, most of this story just absolutely broke my heart. Dan wrote in a way that made me connect with the main character even though I have children of my own, but could imagine what it would be like if I had never had them. By the end of the book I couldn't even talk out loud to my wife or kids because my voice was too shaky.

This made me cry, and I loved every minute of it. I would rank it right up with Max Lucado's stories about Wemmicks (if you are familiar with those), and it is better than most of his. I can see that the problem I will probably have is that I don't know if I will ever be able to read this to my kids because I will probably start crying. I don't have a problem crying in front of my kids, and several stories have made me do that, and over time I have gotten over it (to a degree), but I know this will only come out during Christmas, so I doubt I will ever get "used" to the emotions it stirs.

The illustrations were also fantastic. The main character actually looks a lot like the picture of the author. I found that interesting, and also made the illustrations more fun to "study" rather than just glance at. Kudos to the illustrator. I also loved the illustrator's line in the back about thanking his daughter for teaching him that nothing is real unless you can bite it (paraphrased). It was a good laugh after a good cry.

Fantastic book. I hope you write many more, and I will promise to get them.

Just a note. I don't want anyone reading this to think that I viewed this as a sad book, because it isn't. It had a great ending, and there is so much joy in it. It definately will have a very broad appeal.

This is a great Christmas story with a bit of Norwegian heritage!

After reading this story, I learned that - a beautiful dollhouse is created, purpose is found (Santa Claus realizes he should give gifts every year), the love of God is revealed (a sweet gift from a little girl to Santa represents God's love), and something legendary is born (the legend of Santa Claus!)

If you are concerned about the religious nature of the story, well, it IS about Christmas - Christ's day, as the story says, so there are a few religious references. There is a nativity near a church and Santa does pray in the story. For me, that made the story even more compelling, as it understood that there is a reason the day is called Christmas.

I think this is a wonderful addition to the Santa Claus legend! It is primarily secular, but does fully understand that Christmas has the word 'Christ' in it.

This book has a wonderful message of hope, generosity and love that is too-often absent from modern Christmas stories. The character of "Papa" was believable in every aspect, from his tangible sense of loss at being childless to his amazing optimism and prevailing hope. Although he was not a father, he has become Father Christmas to millions of wee ones throughout the world.

The setting (both time and place) was beautiful, and the amazing illustrations are more than enough to pull a reader deeply into the story. Although some may find the vocabularly seemingly "too hard" for young children, I believe that introducing such words is an important part of preparing a child to become an avid reader and an active listener. The meaning of words can always be explained, and a child will remember these lessons in the future, to his or her advantage. Adults may be intimidated by such things, but children are learners who are always willing to accept new knowledge and ideas. I appreciate that this book did not "dumb down" the vocabulary, nor underestimate the capability of children to understand and empathize with emotions of longing, melancholy, hope, frustration, sincerity, joy, or true and loving generosity. Each of these and more are included in this tale, making the characters seem very real. Thank you, Mr. Davis, for these things!

This book shall be a gift for my four year old nephew, and I could recommend it to anyone who knows a child with whom they would like to share the joy of Christmas! Reading this story could easily become a holiday tradition for any family, but its message is appropriate for any time of year.

This is such a wonderful book to share with your family. Mr. Davis knows that Christ is the real reason for Christmas and even thought this is a fun fictional story it does include Christ. It is hard to find Christmas stories that are not just about the commercialized "winter holiday". I do think anyone would enjoy this book and it really would make a great and thoughtful gift.

The Blacksmith's Gift identifies Santa Clause as a Norwegian carpenter around 1900 who befriends all of the village children but builds toys only for his own imagined child. It's when he is asked to build a dollhouse for the blacksmith's daughter, that Santa finally discovers his true purpose in life. Dan T. Davis has written a modern masterpiece that is particularly recommended reading for children who have become disillusioned with the legends and fantasies of Santa Claus. The museum quality, full color artwork of Matthew S. Armstrong is a perfect enhancement for a story that can be read with deep pleasure by adults who believe that Christmas is still a time and a season of miracles bringing out the best in men and women. Highly recommended reading for older children, teens, and adults of all ages.

This is beautiful and touching story of loss, love, hope, and joy at Christmas!

Tender and poignant, it gives the legend of Santa Claus a beautiful new dimension by helping to explain how the tradition of Santa giving gifts to children at Christmas was born.

I believe that this wonderful story will help children (and adults) see that beautiful things can come from great loss and great love. The true spirit of Christmas is captured beautifully in this book.

The length and some of the vocabulary may be a bit difficult for the very youngest children, but those in the 3rd to 6th grade should find it just about right. I'm sure that even the youngest children will enjoy the beautiful illustrations and the kindness that Santa displays.

I love happy endings! The Blacksmith's Gift brings out the very heartfelt meaning of the Christmas season.

The "wee ones" are the heroes! Papa and Mama deliver a message that everyone will remember for years to come. Mr. Davis brought alive the characters in this book. I just wanted to leap in and join the fun!!

An added bonus is the magnificant artwork created by Matt Armstrong. Since it's mainly set in the wintertime, the snow scenes are my favorite! I felt the "child in me" wanting to jump right in and catch the snow flakes on my tongue!!

I've already purchased several for Christmas gifts, but could not wait until then. So, I've already given some out!!

Thank you, Mr. Davis. for this wonderful, wonderful tale. I cannot wait for the continuation of the trology!!

I bought 3 copies of Mr. Davis' book "The Blacksmith's Gift" for each of my youngest grandchildren. They can't even read yet but I was so impressed that I wanted to give each of them a copy to keep for their children and grandchildren. But before I gave it to them I read it myself and loved it. It's such a great story, well written and puts a different perspective on giving, loving and magic. Plus, in our present environment too many authors are being 'politically correct' and not mentioning the reason behind Christmas...."Christ's Day".

I just bought 3 copies of Mr. Davis' 2nd book.."An Orphan's Promise" and received them yesterday. Again, I read the book first and it is a lovely story. Illustrations are beautiful in both books. I felt like I was walking in the snow along with the characters. "An Orphan's Promise" is about a little girl who goes to help Mr. Kloss be a carpenter but is told she can't because she isn't a boy. This book shows that 'yes, you can'. Ruby did not give up on what she wanted to do. Both books are well done and I highly recommend both of Mr.Davis' books. Can't wait for the last one to be published in a year or so.

I bought this book to read to my children (13/8/5)for our family reading time. I have to say, in all honesty, that they loved it and so did I! It is hard to find such well written Faith based stories these days and I highly recommend this book to everyone. We still have an Orphan's Promise to read...and I am so looking forward to it.

This is the most touching, and probably the best children's Christmas book I have ever read. Davis retells the Santa legend in an incredibly beautiful and original fashion. I was planning to read a few pages of it before dinner, and wound up not being able to put it down until I'd finished. I actually shed a few tears about half-way through at the sheer beauty and emotion of the capenter's struggle to provide for his wife and his pain at having no kids. What is most touching about it is that despite what Mr. Kloss is going through, he is so wonderfully kind that he deals with it like a champion. His wife's frustration coupled with deep loving understanding drives the emotion home, and this is all done within the simple style of a children's book!
What's more, the richly colored artwork is featured on nearly every other page, and is most captivating. It compliments the story perfectly.
Though Davis does not forget that his hard working pre-modern Norwegian characters would be God-fearing people and would call the holiday by its earliest name, Christ's Day, I would not pigeon-hole the book or the author in the Christian genre, as another reviewer tried to do without even having read it. The universal message of love and the character's belief in a higher power can be understood by all people.
As Oscar Wilde said, "There is no such thing as a good book or a bad book. Books are either well-written, or poorly written."
And this is an extremely well written book. Any child who doesn't get this book read to him or her every Christmas is really missing out, no matter what faith he or she belongs to.
J. Lyon Layden
The Other Side of Yore