A review of a book adaptation by Paul Galdone, part of the Folk Tale Classics series, says it is a “faithful retelling” of the Grimm Brothers tale, with “the art of master storyteller” Paul Galdone, that captures the kindness of the shoemaker and the magic of the elves. ( )

A luminous, lushly illustrated retelling of the classic tale. Needle and thread form a border around the text; the full-bleed art is predominantly warm-toned, even the scenes that take place at night. Of all the Grimm tales, this is one of the cheeriest.

Acrylic washes and colored pencil on watercolor paper. ( )

I really enjoyed this book. The story is about a poor family who makes shoes for a living, but they only have once piece of leather left. The shoemaker ends up cutting the last piece of leather and goes to bed. When he woke up, the shoes were made. Night after night, the same thing kept happening and they became rich. However, they did not know who was helping them. One night, they stayed up late and discovered it was elves helping them. To thank them, they made the elves new clothes and shoes and then the elves left. This is a sweet story to read teach the purpose of giving back without wanting something in return. The elves had no idea they would make them clothes, but they helped them anyway. Every story I read that includes elves makes the story that much more magical! ( )

This is a great story to read aloud to students during the holidays. ( )

The family is a poor shoe making family. They had only one pair left to make, but over night the shoes were finished they couldn't figure out how. Every time they leave the leather out for the shoes someone finishes them over night. They become rich, but they want to find out who is helping them. They eventually find elves making their shoes. The shoemakers wanted to pay them back so they made them clothes and shoes. They never did see them again. But the book gave a great message the message was about getting things and then giving back. ( )