The Christmas Boot

Gently told and exquisitely illustrated, this holiday jewel centers on Hannah Greyweather, a poor woman who lives in a “ramshackle cabin” and finds a boot in the snow. Her wishes—for the boot’s mate, mittens, and a fancy house—are magically granted. After answering a knock at the door of her sprawling new mansion, Hannah finds a bearded man wearing a red suit and one black boot, whose mate she readily returns. When he asks if there is anything she wants, Hannah’s request for “someone to talk to” (as well as replacement mittens and boots) leads to a resolution that will warm the hearts of readers of all ages. Pinkney’s (The Lion & the Mouse) meticulously detailed art exudes old-world charm and is a splendid match for Wheeler’s (the Dino series) tender tale about taking only what one needs. Ages 4–8. [em]Author’s agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. Illustrator’s agent: Sheldon Fogelman, Sheldon Fogelman Agency. (Oct.) [/em]