On a snowy Christmas Eve, a young man named Thomas on his way home for a family celebration realizes that the candle in his lantern is about to expire. He stops in a chandler's shop filled with fantastic wax creations, but instead of admiring them Thomas scorns the chandler for wasting his time on sculptures that will only melt. The mysterious old chandler sells him a special Christmas candle. Back on the bitterly cold street, the young man is accosted by an old beggar woman. When he lifts his lantern to get a better look, the candlelight reveals that she is his mother. He gives her his cloak and only then sees the truth: She is not his mother after all, but a stranger. The candle tricks him again before he reaches home, cold and penniless, but richer for his newfound realization that we are all part of one family.

This intriguing original fable about charity is accompanied by lavish, mood-filled oil paintings by artist Jacob Collins.

This captivating story is about a man who begins to understand the truth and meaning of christmas and giving. It takes a "magical" lantern for him to understand this message, and do go in the world. ( )

On Christmas Eve, Thomas buys a magical candle that changes the way he views his fellow human beings and helps him feel charity for those less fortunate than he. This magical story has a great life lesson the all young children should know, be kind to your fellow man. I really enjoyed this book. ( )