The Elves and the Shoemaker: Retold from the Brothers Grimm

The Elves and the Shoemaker, illustrated by Jim LaMarche

The classic fairytale from the Brothers Grimm - in the original German, it is one third of a selection entitled Die Wichtelmänner - is presented here with lovely acrylic and colored pencil illustrations by Jim LaMarche, whose work can also be seen in such titles as The Rainbabies and The Raft. The result is simply enchanting: a picture-book with an engaging story of a poor but goodhearted shoemaker, whose fortunes take a turn for the better when mysterious night-time helpers begin to craft beautiful shoes for him, and appealing artwork that greatly enhances the mystery and magic of the tale.

Tales of this sort, in which magical little helpers look after the welfare of poor but show more deserving humans, working in secret (and sometimes leaving, if offered rewards), can be found in many folk traditions, and are described as tale-type 503, "Helpful Elves," in the Aarne–Thompson folklore classification system. From sensitive Scottish brownies (see: The Runaway Brownie) to watchful Swedish tomtens (The Tomten, Christmas at the Tomten's Farm), there are many variants on this basic idea. Some even identify it as an influence on J.K. Rowling's House Elves. This presentation of the German variant (one of them, in any case) is just delightful - a real narrative and visual treat for fairy-tale lovers! show less

I really enjoyed this book. The story is about a poor family who makes shoes for a living, but they only have once piece of leather left. The shoemaker ends up cutting the last piece of leather and goes to bed. When he woke up, the shoes were made. Night after night, the same thing kept happening and they became rich. However, they did not know who was helping them. One night, they stayed up late and discovered it was elves helping them. To thank them, they made the elves new clothes and shoes and then the elves left. This is a sweet story to read teach the purpose of giving back without wanting something in return. The elves had no idea they would make them clothes, but they helped them anyway. Every story I read that includes elves show more makes the story that much more magical! show less

The illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful. The loveliness pulls the reader into the story, and one cannot help but smile at the ageless tale of a poor shoemaker who has only enough leather for one pair of shoes.

One night, leaving the leather out, he is surprised to find a lovely pair of hand-made shoes. The unique shoes are sold and he now can afford enough leather for two pairs. Again, at night the leather is placed on the work bench, and he awakes to find two unique pairs of shoes.

Eventually, the shoemaker and his wife stay awake and see two little elves shimmying down the window, working diligently at the task of shoemaker, with the knowledge that their work is appreciated.

In return for their assistance, the shoemaker's wife show more makes lovely clothes for the elves. They are surprised and happy.

Finally, a Grimm's fairytale that is not filled with violence, and has a happy ending. The shoemaker and his wife are rich. The elves are elated to receive something in return for their work. show less

This particular book is my favorite out of all the fairy-tales I've read this week. I enjoyed this book because it has an amazing story! It talks a bout a man who was once very good shoe make that was now struggling financially. I loved how although the man was having bad luck he was still optimistic and smiling in the pictures. The man buys leather and leaves it out on his table. When waked up he find shoes already made. The shoes that are magically made become a big hit. The man then becomes rich because everyone loved the shoes' style. One day he and his wife stay awake to see who has been making the shoes and discover that it was elves. Then the man and his wife make them clothes and shoes as a thank you present. The elves become show more very happy with their gifts and they leave. I feel like this book has a very good story because it teaches its readers to always be kind and remain optimistic when times get tough. I loved how even though the shoe maker became rich he didn't become mean or stuck up. I also loved the pictures in the book because they were very detailed. They almost looked like photographs taken with a camera rather than pictures that were drawn. I would definitely read this to my class. show less

"The Elves and the Shoemaker" is a heart-warming story about how sometimes help comes from the most unlikely places. It is written in such a way that it reminds me of hearing stories from my grandparents as a little girl. The combination of the lively language and the charming story itself make this tale a great read for all. The "sometimes hope comes just when you've given up looking for it" theme can touch readers of all ages because the message is one that you are never too you, or too old, to receive.

This adaption of the Brothers Grimm's The Elves and the Shoemaker is beautifully retold and illustrated. A shoemaker and his wife are left destitute, with no business and only one piece of leather remaining. The shoemaker leaves the leather out overnight where it is found by a pair of elves who make a beautiful, one of a kind pair of shoes. The shoes are sold quickly, and more orders for the shoes come in. They use the money to purchase more supplies which are used by the elves to create more shoes. The couple become rich and want to find and thank the people who have been helping them. They discover the elves and make them clothes and shoes of their own. The elves accept the clothes and afterward leave the shoemaker and his wife, who show more no longer need their help. This story has a great lesson of helping others without expecting payment or reward in return. show less

This version of The Elves and the Shoemaker is a retelling of the Brothers Grimm story retold and illustrated by Jim LaMarche. Jim LaMarche decided to keep the original setting of the tale which was set in Germany. In the story, a very poor shoemaker and his wife only had enough leather for one pair of shoes. After cutting out the leather the shoemaker and his wife went to bed. When they woke the next morning the leather from the night before had been sewn into shoes. A customer loves the shoes so much he pays double the price. This allows the shoemaker to purchase more leather and the same thing happens over and over again. Soon the shoemaker and his wife are no longer rich and they decide to find out who has been making the wonderful show more shoes for them. they discover that two little elves are making the shoes for them. In return for their hard work and kindness, the shoemaker and his wife make the elves clothes. The elves are excited about their clothes and they skip away from the shop singing.

This magical fairy tale is all about kindness. Unlike most fairy tales that depict a battle between good and evil, this fairy tale has no evil deeds. Two people in need are helped by elves who expect nothing in return. This is a great lesson about how kind acts can make a difference in someone's life and it isn't necessary for the person to know who performed the kind act. It's a lesson that children easily pick up. My ten-year-old said, "the book teaches you to help other people even if you need help yourself." This is something I didn't think of when I read it. If the elves know how to sew shoes they could have easily stolen the first pieces of leather and made their own clothes. show less