About This Book
Reach for this book when you want to nurture a sense of quiet wonder or when your child is starting to notice that people can support one another without needing a spotlight. It is a gentle tool for discussing how small acts of service and anonymous kindness can transform a difficult situation into one of hope and plenty. This Scholastic edition of the classic Grimm tale follows a struggling shoemaker and his wife who discover their work is being finished overnight by mysterious visitors. The story explores themes of empathy, hard work, and the profound joy found in mutual gratitude. It is perfectly paced for children aged 4 to 6, offering a comforting narrative structure where characters face a financial worry and find a magical, compassionate solution that feels both grounded and enchanting.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book touches on financial hardship and poverty. The approach is secular and metaphorical: the lack of resources is resolved through external magic and internal kindness. The resolution is hopeful and stable.
