Sam's Christmas Wish by Dan Burr, George Durrant
Published by Shadow Mountain on September 30, 2014
Genres: Children's, Picture book
Pages: 36
Format: Hardcover
Source: Shadow Mountain
Buy the Book • Goodreads

Sam Edwards isn't looking forward to Christmas, at least not this year. Since losing his job six months before, he hasn't had any luck in finding a new one. He isn't sure how he can give his family a merry Christmas, and the last thing he wants is charity from his neighbors. But when he falls asleep in his living room with his shotgun across his lap just to make sure no one attempts to visit him he wakes up to find out who left the presents, the freshly fallen snow reveals no footprints.
Years later, Sam's wife has passed away and his children are grown. Old and sick, Sam remembers the kindness of the anonymous stranger from long ago and wishes for an opportunity to bless another's life. So on Christmas Eve, when he sees his neighbor's house on fire, he hopes that he can be the means for another anonymous miracle.

Sam's Christmas Wish is a story of love, service, and sacrifice. It is one man's realization that Christmas is not just an event, but a spirit that can transform the lives of many.

We’ve received a lot of Christmas books over the past few weeks and this was the one my nine year old picked up first. She read all the way though and loved the story. “Sam got his Christmas wish!” With beautiful life like illustrations and a tender story of selfless service, Sam’s Christmas Wish is also a tear jerker.  Sam is a grumpy dad and gruff neighbor who will call the Sheriff if you try to serve him with “charity.” But his heart softens over the years and he is given an opportunity to extend a hand of love. We loved Sam’s Christmas Wish and will read it year after year!

 

About the Authors

GEORGE D. DURRANT was born and raised in American Fork, Utah. He graduated from Brigham Young University and became a full-time educator. He is a master storyteller and loves telling stories to his eight children, thirty-four grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. He and his wife, Susan Easton Black Durrant, live in the Rocky Mountains.

DAN BURR, an award-winning illustrator, earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Utah State University and a master’s degree in illustration from Syracuse University. He and his wife, Patti, are the parents of two children and live in Tetonia, Idaho. Dan has illustrated many children’s books, including The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, The Mansion, and The Christmas Train.