Shoemaker Martin

by Brigitte Hanhart, Bernadette Watts (Illustrator), Leo Tolstoy

After showing kindness towards three strangers, a Russian shoemaker learns that Jesus visited him three times.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Russia, Classics

32 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1978

About the author

See Also: Brigitte Sidjanski

Reviews

[Mary Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I keep this with the Christmas books, a great story of the power of kindness.

[Lev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked that it was about helping people and that Martin was a nice guy and that it showed that we should be nice to everyone and welcome them in and try to help them as much as we can.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked how Martin helped poor people and that his dream came true. I hope my dream will come true and I will meet Jesus.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Martin is a shoemaker who likes to read the Bible after his work is done. One night after putting his Bible away and going to bed, he hears a voice but sees no one. The next day he helps Stefan the street cleaner, a young woman and her baby, and a boy accused of stealing. That night as he reads his Bible, he hears the voice again. Who is it? What did Martin do that made the voice and himself happy?

I liked this story. It is based on the Bible story of Matthew 25:35-46, which are my most favorite verses. Martin is kind to those in need. He helps them in small ways but to the Lord they are big. The story takes place in winter but can be read any time. It is a beautiful story with beautiful illustrations. This is a keeper.

[Lex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tolstoy’s precious parable is brought to life with art that is less than stellar for my tastes, but I suppose intended to be as humble as the characters portrayed in the story. This children’s book is a must-have for “woke” religious folks; it teaches that “the Lord” is found in the poor people that you serve/give to. A crucial message to teach our little ones, especially in a world where powerful men teach them that deity can only be accessed via multimillion dollar temples/cathedrals, and is only accessible to those who jump through certain hoops or pay a certain amount of tithes to already-wealthy church leaders. Tolstoy’s humble, simple message is just what the world needs.

[Irina H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shoemaker Martin works on shoes during the day, & devotedly reads his Bible by night. One day, he meets Jesus in everyone he encounters. A beautiful adaptation of a story by Leo Tolstoy, & a nifty way to teach children that in serving others in small ways, they are serving Jesus.

[Betsy Gant · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books for children. I want to be a Christian like Martin. When you serve others, you serve Jesus.

[Adel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is so wholesome and heartwarming. 🥰

[Lmichelleb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Added this excellent story to our advent lineup in 2021.

[Happy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very quick read and an inspiration to welcome Jesus into our homes.

[Jaclyn]

Basically the Papa Panov story

[alexija · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really gotta get around to reading the Bible probably would've had a greater impact

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

My children were supposed to be in bed, but they saw me reading Shoemaker Martin by Bernadette Watts and begged for one more story. Strictly speaking, this isn’t a Christmas story, but this tale of a man seeking Christ captures the spirit of the season. This book is based on a short story by Leo Tolstoy called “Where Love is, God is". Martin the cobbler reads the Bible each night and wonders how he would receive a visit from Jesus. He is woken from his sleep that night by a voice saying, “Martin, be sure you watch the street tomorrow, for I shall come.” The next day Martin is ready. He receives many visitors and is filled with joy!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a story that gives kids a way to understand the scripture, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Beautiful! The pictures are amazing as well!

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it!

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A pitch-perfect children's adaptation of Tolstoy's "Where Love Is, God is There Also." An amazing story of finding God in the most unexpected places.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this audio again for Christmas. Wonderful story that all should listen to. Reminds us to see Jesus in everyone...krb 12/23/15