Author(s): Ian Wallace
Format: Hardback
No. of Pages: 32
Publisher: GROUNDWOOD BOOKS
Language: English
Date Published: 2003-09-01
Dimensions: 214.9 x 279.9 x 10.4mm
Publication City/Country: Toronto, Canada, Canada
Edition:
Illustrations: Illustrations, unspecified

Blowing dust is about all you can see from a farm on the prairies in the 1930s. Even worse, Andre and Elise s father has gone in search of work and he may not be home for Christmas.
The day he left their mother set an extra place at the table in case a stranger should come by looking for a meal. "Wherever your father is, I hope someone will set a place for him," she says. Eight months later no one has come to their door.
Then on Christmas night, they hear knocking. A mysterious stranger enters. Andre and Elise first realize that he is extraordinary when he does a magic trick with the salt shaker. After he finishes a huge meal, Mr. Balzini shows the family just how extraordinary he is. Silk scarves, a sunflower and a magic book are just the prelude to a spectacular trick, which conjures up the northern lights.Is it the magician who brings their father home just in time for Christmas?
In a story that evokes the myth of the prophet Elijah, and other folktales about the rewards of performing acts of kindness for strangers, Ian Wallace gives us a magical, beautiful book.
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