The Elves and the Shoemaker

Adapted from the perennially popular folktale, first published by the Brothers’ Grimm in 1812, this engaging version of “The Elves and the Shoemaker” features uniquely compelling and otherworldly illustrations by Kirill Chelushkin. What will the poor cobbler and his wife do: they have just enough leather to make one last pair of shoes. Then, good fortune suddenly smiles upon them. While the shoemaker sleeps, someone fashions the most perfect pair of shoes imaginable—and a delighted customer pays twice the asking price. Who could have done such marvelous work? And will the magic continue? A captivating story that children are sure to enjoy.

The Washington Post - Elizabeth Ward

Cech offers a smooth, transparent retelling of the Grimm brothers' The Elves and the Shoemaker, lit by touches of lyricism…But Russian illustrator Kirill Chelushkin depicts a much murkier world, all blood-red and shadow-gray, whose topsy-turviness reflects the disorienting effect of these supernatural visits on the down-on-his luck tradesman and his wife.

John Cech writes plays, poetry, and fiction for both children and adults, and is a Professor of English at the University of Florida in Gainesville. He is also the Director of the Center for Children’s Literature and Culture and has served as a judge for The New York Times Best Illustrated Books of the Year, as well as the Boston Globe/Horn Book Awards; was President of the Children’s Literature Association; and won the Chandler Award of Merit for his work in Children’s Literature.