A Small Miracle Paperback – Picture Book, September 13, 2011

Preface: Peter Collington's sensitive, emotive pictorial story is everything its proponents say it is: beautifully drawn, wry and heartbreaking and hopeful all at once, the way such a story should be. Leave the cynicism for other seasons. This is a five-star little book which must and should be reprinted in hardcover; the softcover is too flimsy and will make its year-after-year survival precarious as it passes through many hands. At its most basic level, this is a narrative about intervention. The sequence of images narrates the consequences of either ignoring or heeding the plight of others. The elderly woman's solitary, frozen-field existence in her rickety little unhitched traveler's wagon on the outskirts of town leads to her attempts to get the bustling, pitiless passers-by to notice her on the city street corner as, a pitifully thin, ragged form, she plays her accordion and sings in hope of a few coins to buy food. The heartless mugger who snatches the handful of money from the pawning of her beloved instrument gets away with it because no one will step in; her subsequent bravery is all the more noble when she confronts the same villain, now desecrating the church. By then she has nothing--is facing starvation and cold--but sets the small figures in the creche scene to rights before, faint with lack of food, she stumbles back out into the snow. The miracle of the come-to-life figures and their ministrations, implausible as it is, speaks to the very nature of a miracle: divine beings intervene because humanity refuses to do so. A few reviewers complain that the book is "creepy." I admit to feeling troubled when I look at it; this made me search for the why. I conclude that my discomfort comes from watching this frail old woman, shivering in the cold, grateful for whatever scraps of kindness she might receive, struggling to uphold what is good in a merciless world where no human creature extends a hand to help her. Everyone is too busy, too important, too "other," and even her death would likely go unnoticed. And I reflect on the times when a simple act of kindness might have been all the difference to another living being, but I did nothing. It bothers me. It should.Whether it makes people laugh (the whole miniature Holy Family and entourage pattering their sandaled feet down the aisles of the market, pushing an outsized cart, and collecting the accordion at the pawn shop are meant to add a little comedy to the pathos, in my opinion) or cry, or both, have a look at this small miracle of a book. If it touches you, wonderful. If it urges you toward acts of kindness to those in need, so much the better.

Very touching Christmas spirit story. The finely detailed illustrations that make you want to look again and again.. No words. Any age. Children who grew up with it, ask to see it in the annual Holiday decorations. Nice gift for young children who are learning to think of others rather than themselves.

I wish this book had been reprinted in a hardback version also! I was given this book by my mom many years ago and my son has always loved it. Once I saw it was back in print I wanted to order one for his annual Christmas Eve gift (new jammies and a Christmas book every Eve) but was so disappointed that it was only offered in paperback. The tradition has always included a beautiful hardback book to keep forever and eventually read to his own children someday. Needless to say, I bought it and he was glad to have his own copy but I wish I had been given the choice to decide between paperback and hardcover.The story itself it an absolutely beautiful reminder that those who give of themselves will be blessed in more ways that one. And, that wordless picture books can be enjoyed by people of all ages-including a 15 year old young man and his mom!

I gift this book to so many! Christmas holiday themed, but this wordless story makes you aware of others and how yourActions make a difference. Joyful! One of my all time favorites.

I first came across this book when working as a nanny for two little girls. They received this book from their grandma for the holidays and I looked through it. This book literally took my breath away.This book is the essence of "a picture is worth a thousand words". The story is told in pictures only, no words whatsoever, and I continue to find something new in the details every time I look at the pictures.The story of a poor gypsy woman who uses her last bits of strength in a bid to stay alive on Christmas Eve. Destitute, no help in sight, she saves a Nativity set in a church when it is knocked over by a vandal, and comes to have her own life saved in return.The artwork is superb, I shared the book with people at work, all of whom said they would be going out to get copies of the book for their own families. This book is ageless, appeals to all, and will remind you and yours of the true spirit of the holiday season.This book is no "Small Miracle."

This beautiful little story was without words. I hadn't realized that when I bought it. But I was pleasantly surprised at allI got from the telling illustrations. I "read," it over and over as I seemed to see something I had missed the time before. Toenjoy "reading," a story without words but having so many emotions involved was so different. Now I want to order moreof Peter Collington's wordless stories.I felt deeply for the poor old woman. It made me cry. But, the ending was so brilliant I finished the book with a smile. Thiswill definitely be one of my favorite Christmas stories. I try to find more and more beautiful stories /books to add to my col-lection of Christmas stories/books. This year this story was my favorite one. In fact, I love it so much I can't pack in with myother Christmas books.I hope to share this magnificient story with my grandson soon.Barbara

I don't remember where I first saw the recommendation for this book, but I am so glad I found out about this wonderful story! I've had my hard copy for years. Now I ordered this paper copy to give to my granddaughter for Christmas. I show this book to everyone who may be visiting to "read" (no words, just wonderful pictures). This is one of my favorite Christmas books ever and I read it myself every Christmas. And always read it to any kids visiting, who seem to love it too. I cannot recommend this book highly enough!!! I'd love to tell everyone to read it! I love the very sweet Christmas story. I won't describe the plot, that would spoil it, you really need to read it for yourself.

A wonderful wordless book of the real meaning of the Christmas

I don't understand why this beautiful book and the dvd hasn't yet become established as a classic. The summary is that an old lady, poor, hungry, cold and marginalised, stops to rescue the crib-scene figures who have been scattered around a church by a robber. She then collapses in the snow on her way home. Who comes to help her: the little figures from the crib-scene. They take her home, repair her wooden caravan, go to the supermarket (yes) to buy her food. She wakes up to a warm, cosy caravan, a full cupboard, and a big Christmas dinner, with no idea of how it all happened. This is the best Christmas book I know.

As a teacher I use this book with a variety of age groups as the messages can be accessed at different levels. Makes for a good contemporary treatment of the Nativity but also addresses social issues sensitively leading to some wonderful PSHCE lessons and questions the real meaning of Christmas and the reason for Jesus' birth.

Beautiful book Used in Christmas RE lesson PROVOKED LOTS OF INTERESTING DISCUSSION

Very moving story. My boys, 3 and 6 yrs, were very touched by it.

Not great story