Aaron Shepard (1) (1950–)

There are those stories, which can be told over and over again year after year. This is one of those.

Van Amsterdam baked the most delicious things, and everyone loved to visit his shop, especially when it came time to bake the Nikolaus cookies. He wasn't only great a baking. He was very fair as well and made sure that customers received exactly what they paid for. No more and no less. When an old woman entered his shop and excitedly announced she wanted a dozen cookies, she delight turned to anger as he gave her twelve. She claimed thirteen complete the dozen, and he wouldn't budge. What happened next turned his ideals upside down.

This story takes its inspiration from a legend during colonial New York, and the story telling lets that time period shine. It carries a traditional flair, flows wonderfully, and allows listeners to sink into the world. It makes for a lovely read-aloud and reminds of a fairy tale. There's a dusting of magic, an important lesson to be learned, and the importance of generosity beams bright. While it does center around the Saint Nikolaus celebration of December 6th, it does work very well for Christmas, too.

The illustrations are very well done and bring the historic scenes across with authentic atmosphere. There are tons of details worked in, which invite listeners to explore each image again and again on their own. The emotions and situations come across clearly as it balances right with the text.

This is one of those reads to put on the Christmas bookshelf and enjoy whenever the Holidays roll around.… (altro)