An Invisible Thread Christmas Story

by Laura Schroff, Alex Tresniowski, Barry Root (Illustrations)

From the #1 New York Times bestselling authors of An Invisible Thread comes the true, heartfelt, and extraordinary story of how one woman’s decision to help a boy on the street changed both of their lives forever.

In this sweet picture book, Laura retells the first Christmas that she and Maurice spent together. She shares how Maurice gave her a small white bear—as she later learns, the only thing he had that he could truly call his own—to show her how grateful he was for their friendship.

This heartwarming tale captures the true meaning of the holidays and will be one you’ll want to share with your family year after year as a reminder that a gift from the heart is always the best present under the tree.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Nonfiction, Holiday, Poverty, Friendship

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 22, 2015

About the author

Laura Schroff, a former advertising sales executive for over 30 years worked with several major media companies, including Time Inc. and Condé Nast. Schroff was part of the advertising team that helped make USA Today a successful national newspaper; and worked on the launch of three of the most successful start-ups in Time Inc. history—In Style, Teen People and People StyleWatch. Laura also worked at People, Brides and Ms. In 1997 an article appeared in Good Housekeeping about her unlikely friendship with Maurice and that’s when Schroff started to think about writing her book.
An Invisible Thread was released in November 2011. It became an instant New York Times bestselling book (39x) and later became a #1 New York Times and international bestseller.

Laura has fully committed herself to advocate and inspire others through her books, An Invisible Thread, An Invisible Thread Christmas Story, Angels on Earth and An Invisible Thread Adapted for Young Readers, to be released May 2019. As a keynote speaker at over 300 events, including schools, charity organizations, libraries, organizations and bookstores, Laura encourages her audience to look for their own invisible thread connections and highlights the importance of opening up their eyes and hearts to the opportunities where they can make a difference in the lives of others. Schools continue to adopt An Invisible Thread as a required read and Simon & Schuster Education Team developed An Invisible Thread ELA Common Core Standards Curriculum Guide. She lives in Westchester with her feisty poodle, Emma.

Reviews

[Stephanie Anze]

When Laura Schroff meet 11-year-old Maurice on the street asking for money, she initially walked away. Yet something about Maurice beckoned her to turn around. She offered to buy him a meal and the two of them began to know each other better. Laura would meet Maurice for dinner every monday night henceforth. Upon learning that Maurice had not experienced a memorable Christmas, she invited him to join her and her family in their celebration. It would be a fond experience for both of them.

Recently I read 'An Invisible Thread' (also written by Laura Schroff) which tells the story of the unlikely friendship between Laura and Maurice. I was happy to learn about the existance of this book for its the perfect companion piece and an apt read for the Christmas season. The narrative was heartwarming and the illustrations beautifully rendered. The message of spreading kindness said loud and proud. While Laura and Maurice's story is simplified for the children, the essence is just as strong as the book that prededed it. I just love this friendship and how it has endured for over thirty years. A inspiring story for sure.

[Karen]

Knowing this was a true story really interested the kids. The perfect book to read to illustrate to them more about what our family has decided to do this Christmas season to "RACK" others..krb 12/7/16

[Jillian]

A whole lot of unanswered questions and uncomfortable feelings.
Maybe if I read the grown-up version, I'd feel better, but after reading just the picture book...

Where is Maurice's family? They're okay with this lady taking him to her home, and to holidays with her family, and giving him all this stuff...and *only* him? He has two sisters at home, too - aren't they special?
I also don't really like the "white lady saves poor black boy" story as presented, especially at the expense of the aforementioned sisters.
Again, maybe if I had read the adult version, I wouldn't feel like this was another white savior story.

[Donna Mork]

Sweet story about a boy who is hungry asking a stranger for money. She doesn't give him money but takes him to eat instead. Then they form a friendship. Eventually, she invites him for his first real Christmas. It sets the tone of his life and he has a goal of having a happy family around a table for Christmas someday. Paying it forward. Based on a true story.

[Peggy Tibbetts]

“An Invisible Thread Christmas Story” is the picture book version of Laura Schroff’s bestselling memoir, “An Invisible Thread: The True Story of an 11-Year Old Panhandler, a Busy Sales Executive, and an Unlikely Meeting with Destiny.” As the title alludes to, this is the true story of an unlikely friendship between Laura, a young professional woman, and Maurice, a hungry little boy, that began one day on a busy New York street. In this version, narrated from Maurice’s point-of-view, he not only tells the story of his first Christmas with Laura but he also shares with readers his true feelings about their friendship when he was a young child. Kindness and generosity are appropriate holiday themes and reading about the joy Maurice felt sharing Christmas with Laura’s family shows readers how the invisible thread of kindness can change people’s lives, without being heavy-handed or preachy. Root’s city life and Christmas scenes in rich, colorful pencil and watercolor are reminiscent of classic Christmas stories. “An Invisible Thread Christmas Story” is the perfect story to invite a heart-warming feeling into your holiday season.

[Yvonne]

I LOVED this book and totally was touched and inspired by it. I think it has been my favorite children's book for this year (read to grandchildren all the time).

[Rebekah Morris]

This story always makes me tear up a bit because it is so sweet. A lovely Christmas story about the importance of friendship. I love how Laura saw the "invisible" child in need and while she couldn't change his living situation, she made a huge difference by just being a friend at Christmas.

[Lynn]

I've not read the NYT bestseller adult version, so I can't compare or comment on that aspect. In itself, the story of a life-long friendship developed over a chance meeting of a hungry youngster and woman will tug at one's heartstrings. I do wonder about Maurice's family - while he is eating and enjoying Laura's family, where are they? Are they at home, hungry and without presents?
Inclusion of notes by Laura and Maurice add info, and several pages about helping others may prompt readers to do a 'small act of kindness.'

[Erika]

I read this book aloud to my son. I had to stop several times because It brought me to tears. It reminds me so much of when I met my adopted brother, a homeless young man at the time. He was 15 and didn't have parents to care for him. My brother invited him home and he was only supposed to stay for one or two nights. My mother decided he could stay longer and soon he was living with us. He too, like Maurice, has a wonderful family.

This story is wonderful to share with young ones to remind them that we can all make a huge difference in this world.

[Annie]

A young woman that befriends a homeless child and shares her family's Christmas with him is a very inspiring story. This is autobiographical, and there is a nice note from the author and the boy "in real life" at the end. There is a good message here that I like about how small acts of kindness or action can make a difference. There are a lot of themes unexplored in the book-- homelessness, race, wealth, etc. But this book could spark a conversation about any of these things.

[Michelle Kelley]

Powerful picture book based on the true story of a homeless inner city African American boy and a white woman with whom he forms an important friendship. The story is engaging and uplifting and would serve as a fantastic readaloud for Christmas or to launch a discussion about kindness. A really wonderful and special book.

[Maria Caplin]

I am so thankful I saw this title on twitter (wish I could give credit to who ever suggested it) and I am thankful I had to order in from Search Ohio and it just came today. Perfect first read aloud for 2018. Such important conversations as we discuss our vacations. Can't wait to see how my learners hang on every word. #powerfulmessage #kindnessmatters

[Angie Beshears]

This is an uplifting story and it helps children have a broader perspective of what Christmas is like for different people. Our kids (ages 5-9) all loved it!

[Anne Swick]

Great lesson for all

Children and adults need to be reminded that acts of kindness cost little and reap great rewards for both the giver and the recipient. I look forward to reading the adult book.

[Laura Schroff]

Hi friends and followers - I'm so excited to announce that there will be a young readers edition of An Invisible Thread on May 7! I hope you will consider adding it to your bookshelf and sharing it with the young people in your life.

[Lisa D]

What a great holiday book about giving back to those less fortunate ! That is what the holidays should be about! That and family, not selling things!!

[Marianne Mackie]

A beautiful story about making a difference

[Debby Baumgartner]

Laura befriends a small African American boy she meets on the street. She ends up taking him to dinner very Monday night and inviting for his first Christmas with her family. Based on a true story.

[Stacia]

I love that this is a true story and based on kindness. It seems weird to me, however, that just Maurice would be invited and not the rest of his family...??

[Heather]

A little too long for the babies' ages right now, but a beautiful and powerful story.
2017

[Steven Adkison]

The book shows a heartwarming relationship between a lady and young boy. She shares how the boy is included at Christmas with her family and the meaning of Christmas for each one. The book. The Invisible Thread, includes more of their first meeting until adulthood. Both are very good reads. My book club will discuss The Invisible Thread at our next meeting where I will bring this one.

[Jo Ann]

Loved the beautiful illustrations in this children's Christmas book!

[Launna]

A great reminder of the power of kindness. Also made me feel gratitude for my life and my family. I will own this book when we have a library.

[Nanny B]

Love this storybook! 💜💜💜

[Megan Benson]

I love reading this story to the kids the last couple years, I just realized there's an adult book by the same title that I just purchased and plan to read in early 2025

[Cynthia]

Beautiful book words and illustrations.

[Holly]

I liked this book, but I think it's a bit too long for a picture book.

[CC]

A short and simple read, but cute holiday spirit and looking forward to reading the "real book."

[Danielle Root]

This is such a sweet book and it's based on a true story! I love those!