The Man Who Walked the Earth - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0888995458 ISBN 13: 9780888995452

Publisher: Groundwood Books, 2003

Synopsis

Blowing dust is about all you can see from a farm on the prairies in the 1930s. Even worse, André and Elise’s father has gone in search of work and he may not be home for Christmas.

The day he left their mother set an extra place at the table in case a stranger should come by looking for a meal. "Wherever your father is, I hope someone will set a place for him," she says. Eight months later no one has come to their door.

Then on Christmas night, they hear knocking. A mysterious stranger enters. André and Elise first realize that he is extraordinary when he does a magic trick with the salt shaker. After he finishes a huge meal, Mr. Balzini shows the family just how extraordinary he is. Silk scarves, a sunflower and a magic book are just the prelude to a spectacular trick, which conjures up the northern lights.Is it the magician who brings their father home just in time for Christmas?

In a story that evokes the myth of the prophet Elijah, and other folktales about the rewards of performing acts of kindness for strangers, Ian Wallace gives us a magical, beautiful book.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 3-5-Refined, realistic paintings in muted tones of brown, gray, deep blue, and black evoke the mood of a magical time in a harsh environment. On a prairie farm in the far north during the 1930s, a mother, her daughter, and her son set an extra place at the table during the long months that the father is away seeking work, with the hope that others will do the same for him. On Christmas, a mysterious stranger arrives, and in exchange for their kindness he amazes them with magic tricks and grants the children a wish. After he leaves, the children receive both the greatest gift and the fulfillment of their wish: their father returns. A heartwarming read-aloud about the true magic of kindness.-M. W.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Groundwood Books
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0888995458
• ISBN 13: 9780888995452
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 32
• Illustrator: Wallace Ian