Customer Reviews

The First Christmas Stocking

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I am always looking for good books with lessons or messages- this is one of those books. The idea of giving is always a good idea. It has many words on the page making it more enjoyable as a read aloud or for older children. It is definitely one of our "read at Christmas time" each year books! Hope you'll give it a try.

A long time ago a poor girl named Claire learns to knit by her mother's side - and knits her Christmas dreams into the wool. An order for six stockings could save her holiday; but on the way she meets a boy even poorer than herself: how can she share her dreams of warmth? A poignant holiday story benefits from Bagram Ibatouline's warm and lovely drawings.

I bought multiple copies of this book for neices, nephews, godchildren and young cousins. It's a great antidote to the overly commerecialized Christmas season. The writing is elegant but straightforward, and the illustrations glow. Although it has a strong spiritual message, it is not overtly regligous, so is suitable for all children who celebrate Christmas.

This is a beautifully illustrated meaningful Children's Christmas Picture book with a well-written text that teaches a wonderful lesson or moral. The book is 7 3/4 inches by 11 1/2 inches. Just about every other page is a full color full page drawing which really conveys the emotions and meaning of the text. While this may be considered a children's book, people of all ages will really enjoy it.

The book reminds me of those very small tear jerker Victorian books which portrayed the bleakness and darkness of life for the poor in Victorian England. You have all the elements of a sad story: The father worked like a slave in the coal mines and his skin turned as black as the night from the coal dust. You have the dwelling of the poor in the lowest valley of the town where the streets twisted between dank stone huts. You have a poor mother who slaves over making clothing for the more well to do in the town. You find that the sun rarely found its way to the front of the door of the house. You have the sad passing of the mother of the house. You have the cold dark house. And you have Claire who is very lonely as Christmas approaches without her mother. All these things make for a rather bleak beginning of the story.

Claire was so looking forward to a grand Christmas celebration with her mom and dad when her mom passed away. Before she died, Claire's mother taught her how to knit. She now knitted for the neighbors and wanted to get enough money together to buy the biggest Christmas log for her house--one that would burn all day and finally bring light and heat to her cold dark damp house. Claire worked day and night knitting her Christmas dreams into clothing. A few days before Christmas a wealthy lady comes to Claire's house and asks her to knit stockings for her three children. Poor Claire works day and night to complete this task. Finally she finishes the stockings on Christmas Eve and Claire sets out to deliver them. On her way, Claire shows the true meaning of Christmas and gift giving. As you read the glorious conclusion of the book your tears will dry, and you will be uplifted by this wonderful Christmas story.

The colored artwork is superb. At the beginning of the book all the pictures are dark, sad and dreary accurately portraying the feelings and emotions of the story. As you read the wondrous miracle and conclusion of the book you will see the illustrations brighten into glorious warmth, happiness and joy.

This book is truly a Christmas treasure that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. You owe it to yourself to read and share this book this Christmas.