The Elves and the Shoemaker Summary and Reviews

The Elves and the Shoemaker
by Jacob Grimm, Jim Lamarche

The Elves and the Shoemaker
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Book Summary Information

Author: Jacob Grimm, Jim Lamarche
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Published)
Format: Bargain Price
Published: 2003-09-30
ISBN: N/A
Number of pages: 32
Publisher: Chronicle Books

Book Reviews of The Elves and the Shoemaker

Book Review: "No Longer Cobblers Will We Be!"
Summary: 4 Stars

Everyone knows the story of the elves and the shoemaker - the poor cobbler who is visited by a pair of elves who (for reasons that are purposefully never revealed) help him out by crafting exquisite pairs of shoes. After the shoemaker is made wealthy, he and his wife stake out the workshop and discover their secret benefactors. Seeing how poorly they are dressed, they make for them tiny clothes and shoes, and delighted with their gifts, the elves leave forever as mysteriously as they came.

It is an unforgettable story of anonymous charity and giving, and children all across the world love it for its simplicity and mystery. Jim LaMarche is utterly faithful to the old Grimm's version of the tale and using vibrant colour throughout his illustrations.

Jim LaMarche's illustrations are lovely when depicting the old shoemaker and his wife, as an old and loving couple in the warmth and cleanliness of their little shop. However, the elves themselves were not quite to my taste, though I have no doubt they'll appeal to most parents reading to their children. Rather than show them as miniscule adults, they are portrayed as small children with pixie-features. However, to my eyes they looked very modern, especially the girl who actually reminded me of a Jan McLean doll.

However, this is a personal gripe due to memories of my childhood version of the tale in which the elves looked adult, mischievous and vaguely wicked, making it all the more interesting that they were helping an elderly couple in need. Anyone else who picks up this book will be certain that they've found the definitive version of the famous Grimm's fairytale.

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