The Christmas Boot

A lovely, original story of Santa's magic, illustrated by Caldecott Medalist Jerry Pinkney.Lonely Hannah is delighted to discover a warm black boot as she gathers kindling in the forest. A poor woman, she doesn't have proper shoes on her cold feet. oGlory be! I only wish I had your mate,o she says to the boot, and the next morning, to her great surprise, there is not just one boot but two sitting by her bed! And then more wishes bring even better comforts-even a glorious new house. But the best is still to come- A visitor arrives at her door - a man with a big white beard, wearing a red suit and only one boot. Hannah realizes that she needs to return this man's boot to him, and when she does all of her magical comforts disappear. But the man grants her a wish in return. oWhat I truly desire is someone to talk to,o she says, obut warm boots and a pair of mittens would be mighty fine.o The man winks, and the boots and mittens appear. It isn't until bedtime, after Hannah has said goodbye to Santa, that she discovers the most important gift-a new friend! For inside one of the boots is her very own puppy. Praise for The Christmas Boot