The Man Who Walked the Earth

Sylvia Pantaleo is an associate professor of education, specializing in
children’s literature, at the University of Victoria. She is the
co-author of Learning with Literature in the Canadian Elementary
Classroom.

Winds blow dust across the flat, dry earth. Every day since André’s
father left home in search of work, an extra place has been set at the
table in case someone needing a meal comes to the door. André’s
mother hopes that others might offer the same kindness to her husband.
Eight months later, on Christmas Day, a mysterious man in a bearskin
coat knocks at their door. His name is Mr. Balzini. The family shares
their meal with him, and André riddles him with questions. André and
his sister, Elise, quickly learn that Mr. Balzini is a magician. Mr.
Balzini uses his magical talents to create gifts as a way of thanking
the family for their hospitality. Shortly after his departure, there is
another knock at the door, and the family receives the best gift of all.
Father has returned home. But they wonder: is his homecoming connected
to the visit by Mr. Balzini, or is it merely a coincidence?

Although the time period is not stated explicitly, the story seems to
take place during the Depression on the dust-blown prairies. The book
has a folk tale quality that recalls the myth of the prophet Elijah and
other literature about the rewards of performing acts of kindness for
strangers.

Wallace’s striking cover artwork showing Mr. Balzini looking upward
into a vibrant red sky exemplifies his extraordinary artistic talent.
Inside the book, his realistic paintings depict the sparse surroundings
of the family’s situation, and quietly convey the changing mood from
sadness to joy as the plot unfolds. Highly recommended.