The Candymaker’s Gift

Haidle, David and Helen. The Candymaker’s Gift. Tulsa, OK: Honor Books, 1996.

There is more than one version of the Candy Cane legend, which helps to teach students what a legend is. In The Candymaker’s Gift a grandpa, who happens to be the town’s candymaker, is looking for a gift for his granddaughter.  As he prepares his candy, he prays for some inspiration. He uses peppermint because is reminds him of the gifts of the magi. He makes it in the shape of the shepherd’s staff which, when turned over, is in the shape of a J for Jesus. He chooses red for the strips because it reminds his granddaughter of hearts and love. Red also stands for the blood Jesus shed. The Haidles have written a delightful story and the realistic illustrations complement the text. This is another good book to add to your Christmas collection.

The Candymaker’s Gift: The Legend of the Candy Cane by Helen Haidle (1996-10-25) is available from Amazon.