Books

THere are three books that I love this season.

The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes, written by Deborah Pace Rowley, illustrated by Dan Burr. Deseret Book.

With Christmas coming soon, young Walter would normally be excited to put out his wooden shoes for St. Nicholas to fill with toys and candy. This year, however, he knows there won’t be any Christmas treasures for his shoes. Times are hard and his father is very ill and has lost his job. Even so, his mother reminds him to put out his shoes and the next morning he is surprised to find his shoes filled with candles and a scroll with the scripture, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12)

For several nights after, his shoes are filled with other meaningful gifts and scriptures, messages that help the family know that they are loved and that haven’t been forgotten.

Then one morning he finds his shoes empty. Later that day the family receives the most wonderful gift of all. Two LDS missionaries knock on their door, with one final scroll bearing the message, “I am the resurrection, and the life; he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26)

Walter assumes that the missionaries are the ones who had been filling his shoes, but they tell him the scripture scroll had been left in their shoes, with a note to visit Walter’s family. Sensing the two missionaries have something important to say, Walter’s mother invites them in to share their message. Not only do the missionaries give them the message of the restoration of the gospel, they also exercise their priesthood by giving Walter’s father a blessing.

The family is forever changed by the gift of the gospel and the wonderful spirit that has entered their home and blessed their lives, truly a Christmas miracle.

The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes is a beautifully illustrated book with a powerful message that focuses on the Savior and the true meaning of Christmas; a wonderful story to be shared with families and friends, a story to help begin new traditions of service and love.

Christmas Rose, by Robyn Buttars, Shadow Mountain.115 pages.

Little Rosie loves spending time at the Pleasant Manor, a care center for the elderly. After her father left, her mother, who was crippled from the waist down, took a job at the care center. Rose and her mother moved to the little stone farmhouse behind the center, but most of their time is spent with the wonderful people who stay at the center.

One of Rosie’s favorite residents is Bessie, who came to live there after a stroke left her temporarily paralyzed on the left side. Bessie was ready to give up and die, but Rosie’s friendship gave Bessie a sense of purpose and hope. They become inseparable and grow very close.

Many people come and go at the care center, and Rosie’s life is touched by them, she in turn, touches their lives. There is Cleston, who carves toys for her out of wood and teaches her how to milk a cow and there is Helen, who helps turn Pleasant Manor into a memorable Halloween Haunt for all the residents. These, and many others, fill Rosie’s life with joy and happiness.

Rosie learns many things from the residents about life and living. One woman in particular, named Ina, comes to live there, a friend of Bessie’s for many years. Ina was hurt in a fire and barely survived, her face scarred and changed forever. At first, Ina’s appearance frightens Rosie and she wonders how Bessie can even stand to look at her. Bessie tells Rosie, “I guess I don’t see Ina’s ugly scars because inside she’s so beautiful.”

Together, in the spring Rosie and Bessie plant Christmas roses, waiting anxiously until winter to see if they will really bloom. As the holidays draw closer, to their delight, the roses bloom, and Rosie learns that even though loved ones pass on, their love and life can still live on forever in our hearts.

Christmas Rose is a sweet and special story that will warm hearts and remind us about the joy that comes from serving, loving and caring for others.

Sharing Christmas, Stories for the Season, Deseret Book, 119 pages.

Sharing Christmas is a wonderful collection of stories and poems by beloved LDS authors and church leaders as well as classic favorites.

Filled with stories of the Savior’s birth, stories of love and kindness shown through the Christmas season, and stories told through the ages, this heartwarming collection will help you feel the spirit of the season and remind you of the true meaning of Christmas.

Vintage illustrations enhance each story, inviting the reader into a cozy, nostalgic reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the busy Christmas season.

I absolutely loved this book and consider it a true classic. It’s perfect to read together as a family, alone, or to give as a gift. Add Sharing Christmas to your holiday book collection.