The Remarkable Christmas of the Cobbler's Sons

Laurin, king of the goblins, ensures three boys a Christmas Eve they'll never forget in Sawyer's well-paced story. After their father, a poor widower cobbler travels into the village on Christmas Eve, the boys are visited by an odd, gruff little man. Although he's less than polite to his hesitant hosts, the stranger provides plenty of Christmas goodies for the family before he magically disappears. Cooney's paintings are steeped in old-world charm and her sandy, tow-headed boys are strong portraits of childlike innocence and wonder. Ages 3-8. (Oct.)