Title: The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
Author: Susan Wojciechowski
First published January 1, 1995
40 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780849976827 (ISBN10: 0849976820)
Rating: 4.45
Overview
The heartwarming story of The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey has captured the hearts of readers, reviewers, and booksellers alike with its timeless message of kindness and generosity. Now, with this beautiful gift set, families and friends can come together and experience the magic of holiday storytelling at its finest.
Get ready to be swept away by the touching tale of Jonathan Toomey and the unexpected miracles that can happen during the most wonderful time of the year.
About the Author
For years, Susan Wojciechowski served as a children’s librarian. Every year during December, she would read the same handful of classic Christmas stories to the children, but she searched for a new one to add to her list with no luck.
So she decided to create her own story, which became known as THE CHRISTMAS MIRACLE OF JONATHAN TOOMEY. To her surprise, the story came to her in a sudden wave of inspiration and was finished within an hour.
The book was an instant hit, selling out during its first printing and earning numerous accolades, including the Christopher Award and the Kate Greenaway Medal.
Following the success of her first book, Susan wrote the popular middle-grade novel BEANY (NOT BEANHEAD)! The inspiration for this story came to her while she was recuperating from a cold in bed. Beany had such a strong presence in her mind that Susan was able to write the entire book by the time she recovered.
Beany went on to have further adventures in BEANY AND THE MAGIC CRYSTAL and BEANY AND THE DREADED WEDDING, which both received the Parents’ Choice Gold Award. Recently, Beany appeared in BEANY GOES TO CAMP and BEANY AND THE MEANY.
When Susan isn’t writing, she spends time visiting schools to give talks about her life and books. She enjoys sharing the fact that she had no interest in writing as a child and that she likes to create realistic kid role models, such as Beany, who isn’t perfect but always tries her best.
Susan grew up in Rochester, New York, but now resides in Pennsylvania with her husband.
Editoral Review
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski is a heartwarming tale that is perfect for the holiday season. First published on January 1, 1995, this book quickly became a beloved classic and has since been adapted into a film and a theatrical production.
Wojciechowski’s writing style is simple yet effective, making this book accessible to readers of all ages. The themes of loss, grief, and redemption are explored in a way that is both poignant and uplifting, and the book’s historical setting—which takes place in 19th-century rural Vermont—adds to its charm.
The plot follows Jonathan Toomey, a woodcarver who has been deeply scarred by the loss of his wife and child. When a young boy named Thomas asks him to carve a nativity scene, Jonathan reluctantly agrees.
As they work together, Jonathan begins to open up about his past and, in the process, begins to heal from his emotional wounds. The book’s characters are well-developed and relatable, particularly Jonathan and Thomas.
Their relationship is at the heart of the story, and their interactions are both heartwarming and emotionally resonant. The setting, too, is beautifully depicted, with descriptions of the snowy Vermont landscape and the cozy cabin where much of the book takes place.
One of the book’s main strengths is its exploration of the healing power of art. Jonathan’s woodcarving is not just a craft, but a way for him to process his grief and find meaning in his life again.
This theme is particularly powerful in today’s world, where many people are struggling with their own emotional traumas. In terms of weaknesses, some readers may find the book’s pacing slow at times.
Additionally, some of the secondary characters are fairly one-dimensional and could have benefited from more development. Overall, The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is a wonderful book that will leave readers feeling both uplifted and reflective.
It is a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, healing, and human connection, especially during difficult times. For these reasons, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a meaningful and heartwarming read this holiday season.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
