The Man Who Walked the Earth
Blowing dust is about all you can see from a farm on the prairies in the 1930s. Even worse, Andr and Elise's father has gone in search of work and he may not be home for Christmas. The day he left their mother set an extra place at the table in case a stranger should come by looking for a meal. "Wherever your father is, I hope someone will set a place for him," she says. Eight months later no one has come to their door. Then on Christmas night, they hear knocking. A mysterious stranger enters. Andr and Elise first realize that he is extraordinary when he does a magic trick with the salt shaker. After he finishes a huge meal, Mr. Balzini shows the family just how extraordinary he is. Silk scarves, a sunflower and a magic book are just the prelude to a spectacular trick, which conjures up the northern lights.Is it the magician who brings their father home just in time for Christmas? In a story that evokes the myth of the prophet Elijah, and other folktales about the rewards of performing acts of kindness for strangers, Ian Wallace gives us a magical, beautiful book.
Format:Hardcover
Language:English
ISBN:0888995458
ISBN13:9780888995452
Release Date:August 2003
Publisher:Groundwood Books
Length:32 Pages
Weight:0.95 lbs.
Dimensions:0.4" x 11.0" x 8.5"
Age Range:4 to 7 years
Grade Range:Grades 3 to 2
Customer Reviews
1 rating
a wonderful Christmas fable
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
Another simply told tale from Ian Wallace. His text is spare, straightforward, and compelling. The illustrations, like so many of his, are evocative of place and time, with enough detail to make us feel the homeliness of the house and its inhabitants. The warmth of lamplight spills into each scene, guarding us and the characters of brother and sister and mother against the harsh cold of the out of doors, really of the world. The arrival of the stranger out of the cold, his magic tricks, his presentation of gifts, and his departure happen so fluidly that we, too, are caught up in the surprise and delight of his visit. The best of his gifts brings this story to its close, and we want to read it again to recapture the magic.
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
