The Legend of the Candy Cane [Hardcover]

Lori Walburg (Author), James Bernardin (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

One dark November night a stranger rides into a small prairie town. Who is he? Why has he come? The townspeople wish he were a doctor, a dressmaker, or a trader. But the children have the greatest wish of all, a deep, quiet, secret wish. Then a young girl named Lucy befriends the newcomer. When he reveals his identity and shares with her the legend of the candy cane, she discovers fulfillment of her wishes and the answer to her town's dreams. Now will she share what she has learned? Warm, lavish illustrations by James Bernardin bring to life a timeless tale by Lori Walburg, a story that will help families celebrate the mystery and miracle of Christmas---for many Christmases to come.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

For those who cringe at the creeping materialism surrounding Christmas, a pious story about the origins of the candy cane is definitely a change of pace. A stranger arrives in town one dreary November and begins hammering and sawing away at his newly rented storefront. When a small girl offers her help, she's in for a childhood fantasy-come-true, as it turns out all the shelves and counters are being built for a candy shop. After offering young Lucy gumdrops and lollipops, Mr. Sonneman launches into the history of the candy cane. With his guidance, she discovers that the upturned candy is in the shape of a j--for Jesus. Right side up it looks like a shepherd's staff. And the red stripes? The blood of Christ from his terrible whipping. Lucy and Mr. Sonneman set out on a quest to share this story with everyone in town. Their message (and their gift of the pepperminty red-and-white sticks) brings the whole town together in a joyful celebration of Christmas (and candy).

James Bernardin's old-timey acrylic and colored pencil illustrations are reminiscent of Norman Rockwell, but depict both modern and biblical times. Candy canes will never taste quite the same again. (Ages 6 to 9) --Emilie Coulter

From Publishers Weekly

Featuring a keepsake edition of The Legend of the Candy Cane by Lori Walburg, illus. by James Bernardin, The Legend of the Candy Cane Gift Set also includes an enhanced CD (with a reading of the story, carols, screensaver and wallpaper) plus a candy-cane ornament. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Zonderkidz (October 19, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310212472
• ISBN-13: 978-0310212478
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 11.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (38 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #127,584 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It brought tears to my eyes., June 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Legend of the Candy Cane (Hardcover)

This is the most beautiful story I've ever read. Whether it's Christmas time or the fourth of July, I love reading this book with my younger relatives. It tells the story of the candy cane with so much emphasis on Jesus. Christmas has become very materialistic to children, but books like this put things in perspective. It takes an ordinary candy and makes it a symbol for Jesus- his death and his purity. This is my all time favorite childrens book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars a very special night, November 6, 2007

By 

Reader Views "Reviews, by readers, for readers" (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Legend of the Candy Cane (Hardcover)

Reviewed by Brianne Plach for Reader Views (10/07)


There is excitement in the air! A new store will be opening! The anticipation is almost too much for young Lucy. Everyone thinks they know what type of store it will be. Lucy is a very curious girl. She has been watching the store be created by its new owner. She is very excited when she gets asked if she would like to help him.

John Sonnemann is a candy man. He has decided to open his candy store on a very special night, Christmas Eve. John does more than just sell candy; he explains the story of why candy canes are being made as a symbol of Christmas. They have a definite reason why a cane is shaped like a J.

With very beautiful pictures in, this sweet and heartwarming story unfolds in "The Legend of the Candy Cane." Every candy cane you see during the season of Christmas should remind you of Jesus Christ's reason for coming to Earth. Remember Jesus when it comes to Christmas, He truly is the reason for the season.

Book received free of charge

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Spirit Of Christmas, November 16, 2010

By 

stampgirl2 - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Legend of the Candy Cane (Hardcover)

I have four children eight and under and have been collecting hardcover Christmas books for the past ten years since my husband and I got married. We purchase two to three new books a year and specifically look for books that have wonderful meanings and beautiful illustrations. This book does not disappoint. I have read it to my kids every Christmas for the past six years, and while I know the story, it still makes my cry every year while I read it. It's beautiful and my children all love it. This would be a wonderful addition to any Christmas library for children and adults alike. One of the best messages of Christmas.