This take on the legend of the Christmas spider takes place in Chicago. When a shoemaker and his wife leave German, the only thing they bring to remind them of their homeland is a box of beautiful glass Christmas ornaments. Business is going well for the cobbler when a fire breaks out and destroys the cobbler's shop and home. The family escapes with just their lives and the precious box of ornaments.

With nowhere else to go, the family moves into an abandoned shack filled with cobwebs. In order to start over, the shoemaker must make a decision to sell the ornaments. On Christmas Even when the family cuts down a fir tree, the children are saddened to learn about the fate of the ornaments. That night the spiders come out and work their magic transforming the tree into a Christmas miracle. The family wakes up to discover the true meaning of Christmas.

The Bottom Line: Each retelling of the legend of the Christmas spider is unique in its own way. Bodkin's story is charming with a focus on family and love. Together this gentle story and the beautiful illustrations reveal the true meaning of Christmas. Enthusiastically recommended holiday reading for kids ages 3 - 7.

This review also appears at the Mini Book Bytes Book Review Blog. ( )

I bought this at the Crocker Art Museum's bookstore. Though the story is like many other Christmas stories, it is still enjoyable to read. the story is about an immigrant family who has to sell family keepsakes after a fire destroys their home and business. Because of the father's comapassion, a Christmas morning miracle restores their hope. The illustrations are expressive but not very detailed. ( )

A sweet stroy about family, the holidays, and love. ( )