Now that most everyone has wrapped up their Christmas celebrations (As I sit here looking at our real, cut-down tree~ which has had a couple of new ornaments added to it the past couple of days...), I have a book for the 4-8 year-old crowd that you may wish to pick up for your Christmas book basket for NEXT year, The Legend of St. Nicholas: A Story of Christmas Giving.
There are many legends of the Bishop of Myra, the original St. Nicholas. This particular version is a sweet story using the dual characters of Nick (to whom the story is told) and Nicholas (about whom we hear). Nick is erring on the side of hoping to have money left to purchase something for himself from his "Gift-giving" funds when he hears a story about a generous and kind young man who uses his wealth to ease the plight of his poor friends, and later other needy folk all around the world, on Christmas Eve. Through the story, young Nick learns the joy of giving that supersedes the desires of greed, and illustrates the reasons why we give gifts at Christmas~ to acknowledge the gifts given to our Lord by the wise men, and to celebrate the greatest gift of all to mankind, God's only Son.
Over the course of the past few weeks this book has become a "Requested" title by my 7 year old more than once or twice. It has earned a spot on our "Classic Christmas Stories" shelf, due to his appreciation of the book, which includes both the story and the lovely illustrations. I particularly appreciated the little details in the photos that don't really have to do with the story, but add to the richness of the illustrations, including a snowy owl who grows right along with the boy, Nicholas. Sweet! Richard Cowdrey is known for his illustrations of Legend of the Candy Cane, Bad Dog, Marley and A Very Marley Christmas. See the Trailer below for examples...
You can find The Legend of St. Nicholas: A Story of Christmas Giving at most book retailers including Zondervan, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Christian Book.
Happy day after Epiphany (AKA the 12 Day of Christmas... )
Blessings~
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That looks like a great book! I have met this author and she is a wonderful, giving and caring person. I appreciate her refreshing attitude about Christmas. It's so commercial and uninspiring. kristiedonelson(at)gmail(dot)com Thank you.
ReplyDeleteOh, how fun Kristie! It always makes it even more special when you have personal experience with the author.
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