FICTION

The Christmas Boot

illus. by Jerry Pinkney. 32p. Dial. Oct. 2016. Tr $17.99. ISBN 9780803741348.
COPY ISBN
K-Gr 3—Hannah is an old woman living simply in her mountain cabin. One day while gathering wood in her stocking feet, she finds a boot. Hannah is delighted and wishes for a second boot and then for warm mittens and finally for a big fancy house. The boots and the mittens suit her well, but the big house doesn't feel as comfortable. When Santa Claus arrives—missing his boots—Hannah gives hers back, and all of the other gifts disappear as well. Santa leaves the old woman with new boots and mittens and a little dog to keep her company. This retelling of the folktale of the "Fisherman's Wife" who greedily wishes for too much has a kinder ending, and Pinkney's paintings are appropriate to the folkloric quality of this entry.
VERDICT A worthy holiday reimagining, best enjoyed as an independent read or as a read-aloud in a small group setting.

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