Available:*
Library | Call Number | Status |
|---|---|---|
Searching... Monmouth Public Library | J 270.2 GRUN 2012 | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Mount Angel Public Library | + 270.2 GRUN | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Salem Main Library | J 921 Nicholas, Saint 2014 | Searching... Unknown |
Searching... Silver Falls Library | JNF 270.2 GRUN | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
A beautiful retelling of the life of Saint Nicholas
Many stories are told about Saint Nicholas -- stories about his generosity and his miracles, stories about the concern he showed for those in poverty. This warm, inviting books tells many of these stories, both familiar and lesser-known. It recounts how he ended a famine by multiplying grain from a merchant ship and how he walked on water to rescue sailors from a terrible storm. And, of course, it tells the story of how Nicholas gave his inheritance to prevent a desperate man from selling his daughters into slavery.
Anselm Grun's simple, graceful text and Giuliano Ferri's beautiful paintings combine to provide the perfect way to introduce young readers to the rich life of this beloved saint.
Author Notes
Anselm Grun is a Benedictine monk who has written approximately 300 books that have been translated into 30 different languages. He is considered around the world to be an important spiritual writer. He lives in Germany.
Giuliano Ferri has illustrated over thirty-five children's books, published both internationally and in the U.S. His most recent titles include Peace on Earth: Poems and Prayers for Peace (Lion Hudson) and Ant and Grasshopper (Margaret K. McElderry). Giuliano lives in Italy.
Reviews (5)
School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 2-This picture book recounts the life and miracles of Bishop Nicholas of Myra, born of wealthy parents and who became a priest and ultimately a saint. Known for his generous spirit, especially toward children in need, he was loved throughout his lifetime for his piousness and many acts of kindness. In Germany and many other countries, he is celebrated with a feast on December 6, when children receive gifts and sing a joyous song. No mention of Santa Claus or Christmas is made. Illustrations are soft pastels, warm and pleasant but somewhat static. Similarly, the text is simple and lacking in depth. A similar biography with better explanatory text and more eye-catching artwork is Ann Tompert's Saint Nicholas (Boyds Mills, 2000).-Madeline J. Bryant, Los Angeles Public Library (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
Grün, a Benedictine monk, employs a gentle, confident voice to narrate the biography and stories of several miracles performed by this well-known saint. With a vast inheritance from his family, Nicholas was able to offer assistance-first as a priest, then as a bishop-to those in need (largely in anonymity, as he preferred). His dramatic rescue of a storm-tossed ship, performed by walking on water to the vessel, earned him the designation of patron saint to sailors. Though the global tradition of celebrating St. Nicholas Day is mentioned, readers are left to make their own inferences about how Nicholas has become so closely linked with Christmas. Ferri's (Jonah's Whale) paintings provide evocative vistas of an ancient seaside village, and a closing scene of a snow-covered cottage and Nicholas in a red robe adds a dash of holiday flavor. Ages 4-8. (Aug.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Horn Book Review
This beautifully illustrated picture book, imported from Germany, tells of the kindness and generosity of the fourth-century Christian saint who became the model for the modern Santa Claus. The clear, engaging text highlights some of the better-known legends surrounding Nicholas of Myra -- from throwing purses of gold through the window of a household whose daughters would otherwise have been sold into slavery to performing miracles in aid of sailors and starving people. Luminous paintings on full-bleed double-page spreads capture the saint's humanity as well as the Greek-Turkish Mediterranean setting. martha v. parravano (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
An introduction to the life of an early saint historically revered by both Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian traditions. The early life of Nicholas and his time as a priest and bishop are recounted, along with several miracles and stories attributed to him. Although the towns where Nicholas lived are mentioned, the corresponding countries and the time period are not specified. The tradition of European children leaving shoes outside their doors to be filled by St. Nicholas is presented, but there is no connection drawn to our modern-day Santa Claus or explanation of how the cultural transformation of traditions occurred. This book was originally published in Germany, and the text concludes with a rhyme still sung by German children on the feast day of St. Nicholas. A map and an author's note explaining these concepts as well some of the religious terminology would have been helpful. Ferri's appealing illustrations offer expressive characters and sweeping, panoramic views of the scenes from the life of the saint, with glowing light illuminating each painting. Demi's The Legend of Saint Nicholas (2003) covers similar biographical territory but includes the connection between St. Nicholas and Santa Claus. Visually attractive but unlikely to appeal broadly. (Picture book/religion. 5-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
This handsome picture book introduces the life and legends of Saint Nicholas. Translated from the German, the narrative presents Nicholas as a priest and a bishop who was beloved because he helped those in need. Grun retells several traditional stories related to Nicholas' faith, his miracles, and his actions to save his people, such as women about to be sold into slavery and sailors calling out to him during a storm at sea. In one miracle story, he asks a ship's captain for grain to feed his starving people. The captain reluctantly agrees and later finds that although he gave a portion away, his store of grain was not diminished. The simply written, effective text ends with the enduring European tradition of celebrating Saint Nicholas Day with gifts for children. Similar in format to Grun and Ferri's Jesus (2014), the book features large, luminous pictures with harmonious colors, textures, and compositions. A fine introduction to the patron saint of children.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2010 Booklist