The Elves and the Shoemaker (Paperback)

~ Paul Galdone (Author) "There once was a shoemaker who, through no fault of his own, became so poor that at last he had nothing left but just enough..." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 2-This charming word-for-word audio version of Paul Galdone's retelling of The Elves and the Shoemaker (HM, 1986) makes a fine addition to folktale collections. The cassette features page-turn signals on one side and an uninterrupted reading on the other. Galdone's illustrations are brought to life by George Capaccio's spirited reading. He voices the narration with an amused twinkle in his voice, advancing through the story at a leisurely pace that allows listeners to linger over the visuals. The uncredited voice of the Shoemaker's wife, and Capaccio's vocal characterization of the Shoemaker and the elves, bring the illustration to life. Much of the appeal of this recording comes from the sprightly, chamber music-like sound track by Michael Moss, who was nominated for a Grammy for his audio version of The Polar Express (HM, 1990). A unifying musical theme leads listeners from page to page, and recedes under the narration to provide mood and action. Libraries wanting to expand their collection of the tales of the Brothers Grimm should consider this combination of Galdone's well-loved interpretation with a finely produced audio accompaniment.
Mary Burkey, Olentangy Local Schools, OH
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Review

"It's a dandy adaptation, more fun than most of the versions available." -- Review

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (March 17, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0899194222
• ISBN-13: 978-0899194226
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 7.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #92,485 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Memorable elves., January 19, 2004

By A Customer

This is one of the better versions of this tale that I have seen. Its wording is faithful to the original tale but is accessible also. The illustrations are delightful. Especially the elves, naked and clothed alike. (Some versions of this tale omit the fact that the elves are supposed to be naked initially -- Galdone doesn't hesitate to draw them naked but does so in a way that is sweet, funny and G-rated.)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's Not Every Fairytale Where Everyone Is Kind - a review of "The Elves and the Shoemaker", March 13, 2006

By	Pam Tee "Harmless" - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

The Shoemaker and the Elves stands out as one of the rare fairytales of old where the characters are actually nice. If you don't remember the story, it is about a shoemaker and his wife who, through no fault of their own, are down on their luck. Their fortune changes though when two small elves miraculously appear to turn their difficult situation around.

Down to just the smallest amount of leather --only enough to make one pair of shoes-- the shoemaker goes to bed with the intention of crafting the shoes in the morning. When he (they) wake up however, they find that the shoes have inexplicably been made. A customer soon follows for whom the shoes fit so well that the shoemaker is rewarded with enough cash to buy leather for two new pairs of shoes.

He goes to bed again that night with the intention of making the shoes in the morning; and is greeted again with a fait accompli. This goes on until the shoemaker has regained financial stability.

Right before Christmas, the husband and wife decide to find out who is doing this for them. They hide out and discover naked elves are doing the good deeds. The couples response is to perform a kindness in return. They make tiny clothes for the little darlings. It is winter after all and surely even elves must like to stay warm.

They set out the clothes and hide again. The elves arrive and are stunned speechless. Then they hurriedly get dressed and dance with glee. For reasons unexplained, now that they have clothes, they are free to never return. And everyone lives happily ever after.

Four Stars. Classic Galdone drawings. Classic story. [I particularly like that in this fairytale that people are kind.]

2.0 out of 5 stars Dark pictures, July 27, 2009

By	Bree van der Kamp (Florida) - See all my reviews

This is a faithful telling of the story but the pictures are predominantly dark pencil and the language is quite old-fashioned. Not for younger children in my opinion.