The Elves and the Shoemaker

10 pages · 3 min · ages 5+

Based on: German (Brothers Grimm)

Sam was a very kind shoemaker. He lived in a tiny cottage. Sam was poor but very happy. His workshop smelled like old wood. He had one piece of leather. The brown leather was very soft. He hoped to make fine shoes.

Sam cuts the leather with care. He is too tired to sew. He puts his silver tools away. Tomorrow he will finish the shoes. He smiles at his dear wife. They go to their warm bed. The moon shines in the window.

Sam wakes up early the next day. He goes to his big workbench. A pair of shoes sits there. They are perfect and very shiny. The stitches are tiny and neat. Sam is very surprised and glad. Martha looks at the beautiful shoes.

A customer buys the shoes quickly. He pays Sam with gold coins. Now Sam buys more blue leather. He leaves it out at night. Every morning, new shoes appear. Sam and Martha are not poor. They have plenty of yummy food.

Christmas is coming very soon. Sam and Martha have a plan. They want to see their helpers. They hide behind a tall curtain. The room is dark and quiet. They wait for the clock's chime. The fire glowed in the hearth.

Two tiny elves jump on the table. They have no shirts or shoes. They look very cold and thin. But they work very, very fast. They hammer and sew with glee. They whistle a happy little song. Sam and Martha watch in wonder.

Martha feels bad for the elves. Their little feet are quite bare. She wants to help them too. She takes out her sewing needle. Martha makes tiny green wool coats. Sam makes two pairs of boots. They leave gifts on the table.

The elves return the next night. They see the tiny new clothes. They put them on very fast. They look in the shiny mirror. The elves look like little kings. They dance and spin in circles. They laugh with a bright sound.

The elves skip out the door. Their work in this shop is done. Sam and Martha wave goodbye now. They will always remember their friends. The house feels warm and peaceful. The shoemaker is a happy man. He still works with a smile.

Sam helps other people every day. He gives shoes to poor children. He shares his food with neighbors. Kindness makes the whole world bright. Martha bakes bread for the hungry. They are happy and very kind. Love is the best gift of all.