Fifteen years after the first edition of the Christmas book, The Legend of the Candy Cane, became a holiday favorite, the classic story has a fresh update with vibrant new artwork – THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE: Newly Illustrated Edition (Zonderkidz; $15.99; September 2012).
In this new iteration, New York Times #1 best-selling illustrator Richard Cowdrey teams up with best-selling author Lori Walburg to renew the wonder and charm of Walburg’s original timeless tale.
The candy cane may be the most well-known holiday treat, but how did it come to be? In this telling, a mysterious man rides into a small prairie village and settles down in an old abandoned storefront, setting the townspeople abuzz with questions: Who is this man? Why has he come?
Hoping for a doctor, a dressmaker, or a trader, the citizens are not prepared for the sugary surprise the man has in store. Soon, though, a childhood fantasy comes true for many when one inquisitive young girl named Lucy confronts the man about his identity and learns he is Mr. Sonneman, who has come to open Sonneman’s Candy Store – a first for this town!
Offering gumdrops, taffy, lollipops, and peppermint sticks, Mr. Sonneman shares with Lucy the rich history behind Sonneman’s most unique and treasured treat – the candy cane. Together, the young girl and Mr. Sonneman spread the legend of the candy cane, bringing the whole town together in a joyful celebration.
Festive and nostalgic, Cowdrey’s illustrations breathe new life into this beloved story, as Walburg recaptures the essence of the season with eloquent prose and powerful Christian symbolism.
A perfect addition to any family’s Christmas library, THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE will continue to be a precious holiday tradition for generations to come.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lori Walburg is the author of the 1997 bestseller The Legend of the Candy Cane (illustrated by James Bernadin) and The Legend of the Easter Egg. She lives with her husband and two children in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Richard Cowdrey has illustrated numerous children’s books, including the New York Times #1 bestsellers Bad Dog, Marley! and A Very Marley Christmas. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Cowdrey is a graduate of The Columbus College of Art and Design. He has since been a freelance illustrator working with many distinguished clients, including Chase Manhattan Bank, National Football League, National Hockey League, World Wildlife Federation, Honda Inc., Ducks Unlimited, American Kennel Club, Kimberley Clark, Longaberger, Mead Papers, Wendy’s International, Weyerhaeuser, and Focus on the Family. Cowdrey lives in Ohio with his wife and has four grown children and five grandchildren.