The Christmas Porringer

Set in Belgium, here is the story of Karen, an imaginative and generous child, her grandmother, a lacemaker, and the thief, Robber Hans.

On Christmas Eve, Karen buys a humble earthenware porringer as a gift for the Christ child. Stolen by Robber Hans, it sparks memories of his happy childhood in Brittany, then anger and bitterness at his wasted and unhappy life.

Hans tries to rid himself of the porringer but is unable to part with the bowl since it recalls time spent with his little sister, Emschen. Gradually, the porringer ignites nobler feelings in Hans, leading him to seek an honest living with a very satisfying ending for all. 

A wonderful family read-aloud for Christmastime, which pairs beautifully with Gabriel and the Hour Book by the same author.

Heartwarming illustrations by Adelaide Everhart.