Christmas morning is no different than any other for Hannah Greyweather. As she gathers wood and talks to the mountain, she spots a large black boot in the snow. She slips her tiny rag-wrapped foot deep inside and it takes the size of her own. She wonders whose boot it is as she lays in bed that night, adding, "I only wish I had your mate." In the morning, she discovers another boot. The next night she wishes for mittens... and once again, her wish comes true. Realizing the boot is magic, she wishes for a feather bed, a feast, and a fancy house... and her wishes come true again, though the house doesn't really seem to fit Hannah. When a man in a white beard knocks on the door, she notices he's wearing only one black boot. After the man slips on his missing boot, Hannah's house returns to a ramshackle cabin, her boots and mittens disappear along with the feather bed and feast. The man apologizes and asks Hannah if there's anything he can give her. She replies that someone to talk to would be nice, but warm boots and mittens would be mighty fine. After he leaves, Hannah climbs into bed and says goodnight to her new boots and mittens and then hears, "Arf!" From one of the boots, a puppy peers out. She holds the puppy close and says thank you to the night sky, which answers back, "Merry Christmas, Hannah!"

Preschool and up

This isn't a Christmas story about materialist gifts, but of basic needs being met and appreciation of the simplest of things... warmth and friendship.

Lisa Wheeler has written a slightly different kind of story in comparison to her others, and has proven her talent for writing exceeds expectations. She lives in Trenton, Michigan with her husband.

Michael Glen Monroe is a self-taught artist, known for his wildlife. He has illustrated several children's books including "M is for Mitten: A Michigan Alphabet."

The illustrations are amazing! And the story is beautiful. A perfect combination.

Interested in buying this? Support Writing.Com by making your purchase of The Christmas Boot   from Amazon.Com!

Created Oct 24, 2015 at 7:40am • Submit your own review...