The Shine Man

Author: Mary Quattlebaum
Illistrated by:Tim Ladwig
Publisher: Eurdmans Books
Copyright Date: 2001
Number of Pages: 32
Reading Level: Ages 8-10




Summary
In this Christmas story Larry, whom people call shine man because he shines peoples shoes. Stops at a town. He never stays in the same town, always traveling because times were hard. It is in the winter just a few days before Christmas. He stands on the side of the road and calls to people to come get their shoes shined but nobody will stop because they are too busy getting ready for Christmas and they don't have any money to spare. Then Larry notices some trash on the sidewalk and he makes a spoolie angel out of it. After it is finished a young boy comes over and proclaims that he'd love to have one. The old man notices how tattered the boy's shoes are and then he sees how weathered the boy's hair is. He gives the boy a hat proclaiming that the boy would put to better use a good hat. The next day the boy comes back with no laces. He had given them away. Then Larry gives the boy some sock gloves proclaiming how the boy causes such trouble. The next day the boy comes back and he has no socks. Larry asks what the boy wants from Santa for Christmas. The boy says that he wants some socks. Larry proclaims that the boy should get something more special for Christmas. So he shines the boys shoes until light shines off of them. Larry gives the boy the little angel. When Larry looks up the boy is shining. Larry asks who the boy is. He is the Heavenly Child. Then the boy holds Larry's hand and they fly through the sky giving off light for the rest of the night.

Personal Response:
This was a beautifully written story with wonderful illustrations. Each picture was like a beautiful portrait worthy of a picture frame. This story portrays beautiful selflessness from Larry as he sacrifices for the child again and again. The use of color is very wonderful. The artist uses purples to portray the cold winter weather. Purple is a color that is seen throughout the book. The words were very well written. In the end the Heavenly Child is referred to as the shine man. This shows the connection between Larry and the child. This book was beautifully written.

Potential problems:
Some people may not approve of the way that Christ is depicted in this book.

Recommended to...
I recommend this book to anyone and everyone to read around Christmas time. It is a beautifully written story.