The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey

Written by Susan Wojciechowski · Illustrated by P.J. Lynch

A woodcarver is commissioned to create a set of Christmas figures for a widow and her son, leading to a transformation in his life.

6.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.5/5 Goodreads · 12,345 ratings

40 pages· 2,836 words· Est. 22 min read-aloud· 820L

$17.99Save 6%

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Bookroo's summary

Jonathan Toomey, the valley's finest woodcarver, lives in solitude, burdened by memories of his lost family. When a widow and her son ask for his help, their gentle request sparks a miraculous change. As the spirit of Christmas weaves its magic, Jonathan's heart begins to heal, revealing a story of hope and renewal. What miracle will unfold from this unexpected encounter?

From the publisher

The spirit of Christmas heals a sorrowing woodcarver’s heart in this splendid reissue of a Candlewick holiday classic, dressed in a radiant new cover. The spirit of Christmas heals a sorrowing woodcarver’s heart in this splendid edition of a holiday classic, complete with a CD masterfully narrated by James Earl Jones.

Awards

Kate Greenaway Medal (1995)

At a glance

Format
Pages: 40
Words: 2,836
Reading age: 6–9
Audience: Picture
Lexile: 820L

Themes & topics

Books about Christmas Books about holidays Books about friendship Books about family Books about Christmas and advent

What readers & critics say

Reviews

6.4

out of 7

6.5

“This story of a solemn and sullen widower who comes alive through the friendship of a widow and her son through the process of creating them a nativity is absolutely beautiful. The illustrations are gorgeous and lend additional emotion to this story, already filled with memories, longing and eventually peace.”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

5.8

“This story was beautiful and I loved that it showed you the carvings at the bottom of the pages as they were being made. It was so sweet to learn about the nativity scene through the eyes of the young boy and see how it softened Jonathan Toomy's heart.”

B is for Bookworm

Trusted reviewer

The author