If you are new to my ramblings here on the Cutoff, you may not yet realize that I love children’s literature as much as I love any other genre. Those of you who have been visiting my neck of the woods for a while would not be surprised to know that I have a collection of children’s literature that I bring out come December and savor until January or that my family and friends know that I will always purr with delight if gifted with a child centered book.
I’m purring right now, dear reader, for Antler Man, aka Tom, gift wrapped ( in children’s wrapping paper) a book I’ve been wanting. He placed it beneath our Christmas tree where it awaited my childlike glee as I unwrapped it on Christmas morn.
“Favor Johnson: A Christmas Story” is written by Willem Lange, a short story writer and radio commentator from Vermont The book is illustrated by Bert Dodson with nostalgic scenes of Favor Johnson, his farm, his beloved dog, Hercules, and the nearby town.
This is a simple story of how a quiet farmer who keeps to himself, Favor Johnson, comes to make fruitcake in tin cans and delivers them to his neighbors on Christmas Eve after a neighbor, Dr. Jenkins, saves his dog’s life. Is is about neighborliness and how one act of kindness can lead to others, in the most remarkable ways.
Like all good children’s books, “Favor Johnson: A Christmas Story” is really a story for all ages and would make a lovely gift to an adult, including yourself, my friend. It is a stunningly simple reminder of giving to others in the simplest of ways as we read of Favor “A man in overalls and an old red-and-black checked jacket” trudging up stairs and knocking on doors, driving from house to house on Christmas Eve and leaving his packages wrapped in aluminum foil.
It is a timely book, not just for Christmas, but as a call to action as we embrace the New Year. A call to give a bit of oneself to others in whatever way we can, like Favor Johnson and his tin cans of fruitcake.
I will be offline for several days, but wanted to tell you about Favor Johnson – and to wish you the best in the new year ahead!
The bookcover above is from Willem Lange’s website. It can be found here.
How wonderful to still be a child at heart, and to receive such a present. It sounds like a wonderful book, and I’m struck by the quality of the illustration – so beautifully painted, and the faces (man & dog) so full of character and story. I’m still unable to post as I don’t have my photos loaded yet. Another night of data loading and maybe I’ll be there.
It is, Juliet. I’m as likely to be found in the children’s section of a book store or library as any other section. The illustrations in this book are phenomenal and capture the essence of the story beautifully. It is a book I will treasure.
A notice tells me you were able to post. Yea! I’ll be by to read you soon as I start to catch up.
I know that I would love the book. I will look for it. Favor looks like many of our local characters..bib overalls with the cuffs rolled up, a heavy flannel shirt for a jacket and of course a loyal hound always at his side. These are the men who show up to plow you out on a snowy day or stop to help a neighbor get his cow back in. I had one show up with a load of wood right when I needed it years ago. Those guys are the ones who are still offering shelter on the East Coast, and the policemen who covered the town of Newtown on Christmas Day so the local police could spend the day with their families. Indeed, there is a call for action all over our country.
You will, Janet. I thought of you out there on the prairie and the stories you have told about all the kind folks there as I turned the pages. It is a call met with the police and others, as well as those who keep shops open in a snowstorm or bring chicken soup to an ailing neighbor. My goal this year is to do more good! Favor will help remind me.
i’m not at all familiar with Willem Lange, but I’d love to make his acquaintance! I do know that you love children’s literature, and I wonder how it is that you stay familiar with titles and make your choices. Do you scour the bookstores, or just hear titles mentioned or find book reviews? I hope you’ll enjoy your time off-line…so I’ll leave a little “happy new year” message and it can sit here and wait for you!
You must make Mr. Lange’s acquaintance, Debra. He has a few children’s books plus several books of his essays that I think you would enjoy. Short reads full of long meanings. Gosh, my choices of books are many, starting with my own childhood, a few years of teaching, and a love of children’s literature. I tend to gravitate to the children’s section wherever books are and have several friends who suggest books to me (such as Janet, above). Family and friends have always, for as long as I can remember, given me children’s literature. I do read reviews and pick up some ideas on blogs as well. What can I say? I’m a kid at heart. Happy new year – I’m glad you left such a note waiting for me. I’ll be ’round, catching up on your news soon.
Sounds lovely: I am always on the lookout for stories like this to add to my library. Stories make the world go round…
Oh, this is, Kate, and is a great visual and literary view into Americana with a simple message about the gift of giving as well.
Not a book I know, Penny, but from your description I would love it. A very happy New Year to you and Tom.
Perpetua, I think you would like the illustrations and the touching message this story delivers, as well as a peek into the smaller farming communities of our east coast and Vermont. Happy New Year to you and DH as well. I’ll be catching up soon.
I agree that the best children’s stories are written for all ages! This sounds like a great book. And I am in awe of your sort-of throwaway line that Tom not only gave it to you, but also wrapped it in child’s gift paper. What a guy! Wow.
It is a wonderful book, adapted from the author’s story about Favor Johnson and is appealing to both males and females, Sallie. Tom is a great guy and he knows me well. It is nice of you to notice the mention of child’s gift paper. Thank you.