[.ca] The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey with Other and ... (ISBN 0849976820)

This one is a keeper:
Tender story, exquisitely illustrated. I recommend this book in hardcover because it is classic and definitely a "keeper". Jonathan is a somber man who is touched by deep tragedy. He lost his interest in life until a young widow and her son ease their way into his heart. Very touching story. Children are enthralled with both the story and the illustrations.

The whole family loved it:
It was hard reading this book to my kids, because it made me cry, but we all loved it. The book explores the importance of human relationships in giving meaning to life. It also deals with how people recover from loss and overcome adversity. Despite it's being a children's picture book, it's definitely meaty material. It deals with a world that is not at all like a fairy tale, where people are struggling with real problems. I like that. I like letting kids see that happiness doesn't necessarily come from being a rich person or having everything go right. Happiness comes from working hard and reaching out to others. I recommend this book most heartily.

My favorite Christmas story:
As the others have reviewed, this story is heartwarming and special. It is a book to be shared with anyone who has a heart, or who needs one. I have encouraged many people to purchase, or at least read this book. No one has been disappointed. This year it will be a gift for my grandson.

It's Delovely.:
THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY is a charming book about the nature of patience and grace. Jonathan Toomey is a very sad and gloomy man. His wife and child died very young and he has never gotten over his grief. Children call him Mr. Gloomy, for they fail to see the beauty beneath. One day a young widow and her son show up, asking Toomey to make a nativity scence for them, replacing one they lost when they recently moved to town. Mr. Toomey agrees. His life is forever changed by the act. The book is beautifully illustrated and has become a modern Christmas classic.

A Heartwarming Story of the Magic of the Christmas Story:
THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TWOMEY is a simple and heartwarming story. The plot is simple enough. Jonathan is lonely and still mourning the loss of his wife and child. The pain of this loss makes it difficult for Jonathan to open up to others. Though many respect his talent as a wood carver, he is mistakenly judged as a miserable and mean spirited person. His life begins to change when a local widow orders a new manger scene and requests that her son watch Jonathan at work since the child hopes to be a woodcarver one day. The boyï¿1/2s simple goodness as well as the magic of the Christmas story begin to have an effect on Jonathan and he is eventually able to accept the love that the mother and her son wish to offer him. The transformation is gradual and therefore rings as authentic. Ms. Wojciechowski tells a beautiful story. She weaves her words in a masterful way that will certainly engage a childï¿1/2s imagination. An as is the case in many stories labeled for children, the book holds universal truths that will touch an adult heart as well.