O Night Divine

The Shy Little Angel

This morning I had to make a quick stop into our local library to drop off some toys for the Toys for Tots drive (a nice charity to support at this time of year) and I found myself wandering over to the display of Christmas books. Most of them were pretty awful but I did find a little gem amongst the rubble.

The Shy Little Angel is the story of a little angel who is refusing to go with the other angels to greet the new baby Jesus. She is very afraid of everyone seeing her wings and halo and laughing at her.  She argues that she can look down and see just fine from where she is and no one will ever know but they insist that Gabriel will know she is missing.

The story is short and sweet with a very cute little twist at the end. I highly recommend your checking it out of the library or permanently adding it to your storybook collection. It's OOP but available through that link on Amazon.

 

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A few days ago Mary posted the link to Paper Dali, the site of free paper doll saints for you to print as well as very reasonably priced  feast day sets.  We printed the Juan Diego doll and made a nifty stand out of cardboard for him to hang out on our Mary table during his feast day.

Sorry about the poor quality of this photo but you can see St. Juan Diego there with hat in hand.  We made the stand by simply slitting the cardstock between the saint's feet and inserting a piece of stiff cardboard crossways.

Since St. Juan Diego's feast comes 3 days before that of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we decided to add the colored and decorated tilma at that time.

Now imagine how thrilled I am today to find that Paper Dali has added Our Lady of Guadalupe and Uncle Bernardino!!   There is not a new doll for Bishop Zumarraga but Vee has a link to St. Nicholas, who can easily become another bishop.  
                                                                         
Later this afternoon our 5 and 9 year old will  color our new figures while we watch Juan Diego: Messenger of Guadalupe.   We will add Our Lady, then Uncle Bernardino and the Bishop over the next couple of days, then the tilma along with some more roses on the 12th.  Thank you Paper Dali!!

                                                    

Alphabet Advent

Updated list for 2010 can be found here, or a Short Summary List

This is my final planning post for Advent. My previous posts on our plans for Advent 2009:

• Overall view – general themes
• Advent Music Plan – what we’ll sing and hear
• Advent Catechesis – religion plan for Advent, daily reading from books by Inos Biffi

We're incorporating from past years:

• Advent Wreath with key figures of our Salvation History: Isaiah, John the Baptist, St. Joseph and Mary
• Preparing the Manger – straws in the manger representing our good deeds to make a soft bed for Jesus

Although some of these are long posts, we are trying to keep things simple, focusing on Advent instead of celebrating Christmas before it happens. And most of what we are “doing” is reading and listening, with Sundays being the anchor of each week and a daily reading plan for some of books by Inos Biffi.

I wanted to find a more organized but no-pressure way to include our many Christmas books. My favorite times with our boys are snuggle times together with our books. Our favorites are the ones with beautiful illustrations that just require quiet gazing. We also really like the books that are the lyrics of a Christmas carol, with the illustrations “text painting,” as it were. But we have many more varieties, and I like to include a smattering. What’s the use of a lovely home library if the books are just gathering dust?

I noticed that this Advent 2009 will be 26 days long, just as many days as letters in the alphabet. So how about an Alphabet Advent 2009? Inspired by the letter of the day, we’ll have some little discussions and read some books. This would be a natural way to talk about Advent and Christmas with my boys. I’m so used to things that I forget so much is new to them.

We’ll make a paper chain with each link having a letter. Inside the link will be will be word or words for that letter (Download Alphabet Advent Strips). I was going to put a purple bookmark with the letter of alphabet in the appropriate book, but my younger son loves to take them out (and give them to me). So I’ll be using purple Post-It notes marked with the letter of the alphabet, one as a bookmark, but also put one on the inside of the cover of the book, to be secure. I’ll gather them by week and put them in a basket. My son can remove the link of the chain, we can talk about the words, and then read the books on his own, or we save for a read-aloud either during the day or at night.

Not all the words are Advent related, but are about preparing and discussing Christmas. We’re not celebrating, but I’m trying to give him a taste and appreciate what is to come. There is a deeper appreciation when we have discussions and reading before the event. Some letters of the alphabet were harder to find a match than others, and there was not always a book to fit the theme. Of course not everyone will agree with my choices and you may have many other kinds of books. This is what we’re doing here, as my sons are 6 and 2. Feel free to adapt.

I have included a variety of books, sometimes duplicate on a subject. We like to compare the illustrations and presentations. I have used books we have on our shelf and those at the library. Some are common, some are rare, some in-print, some out-of-print. I’m not advocating buying loads of books, but being creative with what you have around you.

I am not suggesting, nor will I be even reading every book for every day. These are merely to help me categorize and organize our books for this Advent. Since there are multiple choices, there is more room for freedom of choice by my sons. Minimally I’d like to pull one book for each letter. But I also know how life happens and there are some days where we will not do reading. There will also be books that will be repeated and not fit in any category, but just read because they are loved.

The Discussion text is just talking points, quick notes to myself, but not necessarily to be read aloud. In no way does it provide complete information.

The Activities listed are just reminders of possibilities of extensions depending on interest and time.

The whole purpose is to rotate our favorite Christmas books and introduce or reintroduce them to my sons to deepen their enjoyment of Advent and build their anticipation for the Christmas season. I’m happy if you find any of this useful for you own family’s celebration.

May you and yours be blessed this Advent and Christmas seasons.

Jennifer Gregory Miller

Download Alphabet Advent 2009

Download Alphabet Advent Strips

Book Review: Lucia, Saint of Light

Lucia, Saint of Light 

by Katherine Bolger Hyde, illustrated by Daria Fisher.
• Reading level: Ages 4-8
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Conciliar Press; 1st edition (October 1, 2009)

What is my criteria for a good saint biography?

1. The story should be captivating and well-written.
2. The illustrations should be appealing and beautiful.
3. The saint is depicted accurately as a true historical figure canonized by the Catholic Church.
4. The humanity of the saint is depicted.
5. The saint’s love for Jesus Christ and His teachings is shown through the story with examples of prayer, virtue, and love for his/her neighbor. There is also an evidence of cooperation with God’s grace.
6. The story should inspire my child to imitation. It should help him see what is meant by the term "saint", and instill a desire to become a saint.

When a story depicts or explains some historical legends, symbols, patronage, and/or cultural customs still with a focus on the Christian roots of them all, I find this an extra bonus.

This doesn’t mean I limit myself to only those books that fit my criteria. I just find that if we read stories about customs or traditions that are derived from saints, but if they are written for children it takes a little more discussion to bring the point that this is a fictionalized story and not really about the saint.

Lately, it is getting harder to find picture books on saints that fill my wish list. That's why I was so excited when I read Lucia, Saint of Light by Katherine Bolger Hyde, illustrated by Daria Fisher. This book fulfills all my desires in a saint biography and is the perfect book to read for the Memorial of St. Lucy.

I was drawn immediately by the title, as Lucia is referred to as a "saint". After reading the first sentence, "Today is my nameday!" I knew this book was a keeper.

The story revolves around Lucy and her family, an American family of Swedish descent. The family celebrates the Swedish customs of the Lucia Bride and all the baked treats on the feast of St. Lucia on December 13, also sharing their customs with other families. Lucy's mother discusses with Lucy the true St. Lucia and her life and martyrdom, and also ties in the explanation and connection of the Swedish customs with the saint.

The illustrations and story really paint a living picture of St. Lucia (or St. Lucy), helping a child understand how heroic she was, and that she was an actual historical figure. While this book was written by an Orthodox writer, Catholics and Orthodox both honor St. Lucia and this book bears that commonality. The main item a Catholic reader might notice missing is the connection of St. Lucia and her eyes. The Catholic tradition invokes St. Lucia's intercession against eye afflictions, but this is not the same in the Orthodox tradition. The author presents St. Lucia's heroic death for love of Christ, but also does spare gory details, like her eye removal.

The recipe for Lussekatter (Lucia Cat Buns) is included. I had never noticed before that the buns were in a shape of cross!

Also included is the sheet music to Santa Lucia, with original lyrics based on the traditional Swedish lyrics. I really like the author's interpretation, which has more of a Christian view of St. Lucia. There are also quite a few web links provided as resources. For more information, see the author's website.

Lucia, Saint of Light (alternative source for the book is Conciliar Press) by Katherine Bolger Hyde is a wonderful book, and I highly recommend it. If you're looking for a book for a nameday celebration, or just need to decide on one title for the Feast of St. Lucy on December 13, this would be my pick.

Disclaimer: I received a copy to review, and the links to Amazon will provide me a few cents to apply to another book to review if you decide to buy this book.

Our 2009 Advent Catechesis

2010 Updated reading list can be found here.

I mentioned in my previous Advent pondering post that our main Advent catechesis will be using three key books by Inos Biffi and illustrated by Franco Vignazia. They are available for sale at Family-Centered Press. The Advent Book Package is an excellent deal!

 These books explain so clearly the Liturgical Year and the liturgical seasons of Advent and Christmas; they are the perfect catechesis for both children and adults. The text is wonderfully supported by the rich flowing illustrations.

I'm crazy about the illustrations by Franco Vignazia. The images themselves are catechetical in nature -- just like the old illuminated manuscripts and stained glass windows that even young children and illiterate faithful could learn and contemplate great mysteries of the faith. Vignazia's is reminiscent of various methods, like religious icons and illuminated maniscripts. My sons have loved just to gaze at the beautiful illustrations for long periods.

  Download Advent Reading 2009 This is a Word document, so you can tweak to what works for you.

I decided to break the books down so that they would last through Advent. I know there will be days we'll add and subtract. The sections are short, but meaty. I'd like to keep them smaller for the most part to leave time to soak in the richness. We'll begin on the First Sunday of Advent, November 29. The readings are small chunks, skipping Saturdays, but including Sundays. Looking ahead to the Christmas season, I know we won't be doing much formal studying, so I'm going to include reading about the Christmas season in Advent.

We will begin with An Introduction to the Liturgical Year by Inos Biffi, as this is the beginning of the new Liturgical Year. We will read the Part One: Advent and Christmas Seaons during the first two weeks of Advent.

For a few years now we have hung a round liturgical calendar in our kitchen, discussed, and tried living the liturgical year in various ways. Every liturgical year cycle we are called to go in deeper into the Paschal Mystery, to understand more so that we can love and serve God even more. An Introduction to the Liturgical Year is the next step in understanding the symbolism and meaning of the various liturgical seasons and feasts.

On the Third Sunday of Advent we will begin The Way to Bethlehem by Inos Biffi which covers similar items as the first book, but a little more detailed at the Nativity story. Both these books cover the coming of the Messiah, with the prophecies, the prophets, the forerunners of Christ, the key Advent figures that lead to His birth in Bethlehem, and also the saints of the season.

On December 8, we take a break to view The Life of Mary. I'm finishing up the school year on the 23rd.

I've added a few readings from Ethel Marbach Pochocki’s Saints of the Season for Children (or Saints in Waiting, both out of print) and her Around the Year Once Upon a Time Saints. These will be used as extra reading on the saints' days in Advent, and reading for the key Advent figures (Isaiah, John the Baptist, and St. Joseph).

 If there's interest for fun reading, we'll read along daily Destination Bethlehem by Sharon Altman and Christine Winkelman.

That's a peek at our Advent reading plans, although I know how things can change even if they are carved in stone. Come Thou, O Long Awaited Messiah!

Prepare the Way of the Lord!

  I have an internal struggle as I see all the posts and reminders of Advent and making Advent plans. I rebel interiorly, as I don’t like to overplan, especially for Advent. But as I’m thinking through what our family will do for Advent, I realize I need to solidify my goals, streamline my vision, and make plans. I have to plan a little so I can keep it simple. It seems a little contradictory, but it does make sense to me. If I don’t have some goals and plan in mind, we can be hit willy-nilly with all sorts of attractive activities, busyness of preparation, and then I will lose sight and control and be in the situation I always dread – over my head and just barely treading water. This is a pondering post, not one with lots of crafts and ideas.

My thought process: What will be my focus or main meditation during Advent? And what will our family’s main focus be during Advent? What are the main points to be then be interiorized?

Advent comes from the Latin word Adventus, meaning coming. This is a two-fold coming, as the Catechism of the Catholic Church explains:

When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for His second coming (No. 524).

Advent is a separate season from the Christmas season in the Church's liturgy. Advent is a time of hope, a time of preparing, a time for patiently and prayerfully waiting. It is not technically a fully penitential season, but purple as the seasonal color indicates celebration has not begun. The Advent Masses omit the Gloria, but retain the Alleluia. Christmas carols aren’t sung until Christmas. Christmas has an octave – eight days each one being another Christmas, and then the season lasts until January 10, the Baptism of our Lord. That is 17 days to celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation. The 26 days of Advent is the time to prepare.

I want to convey that contrast in my home. Christmas doesn’t happen until December 25. Will we be “Christmased” out when it does arrive? It’s an uphill battle, because we are faced with the secularism of Christmas, or “Happy Holidays” before Halloween is over. We will have outside invitations and activities that mark Christmas celebration before the 25th. We will be hearing Christmas carols and seeing Christmas decorations and all those delicious-but-fattening Christmas goodies all through Advent. We aren’t trying to become hermits, living an austere life with no celebration. No, what we’re aiming to do is simplify and pace our family so that we will have energy for the true celebration of Christmas and the Christmas season.

Our family needs to imitate Mary, in her preparation for Christ’s coming. Can we turn off the mindless hustle and bustle and replace it with Mary's active contemplation? She visited and helped Elizabeth, and then went home to prepare for Christ’s birth. At that time there weren’t gift registries or a baby’s bedroom to decorate, or a long list of items needed for an infant layette. Mary would have been weaving the cloth and sewing the swaddling clothes and diapers and blankets – all activities that are active work, but allow for contemplation. Can we imitate Mary’s spirit, even though we might have busier preparations happening? Can we imitate her humilty -- staying quiet and hidden, keeping all thoughts towards Him while Jesus grew in her womb? And how about imitating her spouse's humility? What messages to convey during this Advent to my family?

1. Gifts – Giving, not about receiving. Charity for neighbor; practicing corporal and spiritual works of mercy for others.
2. Humility – Who was Jesus? Humility is the basis of all virtue, and we can observe and contemplate it from the moment of Incarnation, also imitating Mary and St. Joseph. (Humility is the area that I will be personally meditating on especially this Advent. I need a lot of it.)
3. Advent, not Christmas – It is not Christmas yet. Christmas is celebration of Christ’s birth, Advent is preparation.

The main thrust of our Advent traditions will include a new liturgical calendar, an Advent countdown calendar, preparing the manger, the Advent wreath with the four key figures of Advent with a little tweaking for this year. All these are simple and traditional, but always enjoyed.

I have a few child friendly Nativity sets that I put out during Advent. Except for the Fisher Price Nativity, Baby Jesus will be absent until Christmas Eve. An activity we will add this year will be some of our crèche figures (Jesus and Mary and the Three Kings) traveling throughout Advent. We normally don’t decorate the house for Christmas until the 3rd or 4th Sunday of Advent, and we keep the Christmas carols and shows at a minimum until that point.

The anchor will be the Liturgy from the four Sundays of Advent. Each Sunday in Advent will have a theme that we will try to keep throughout the week, incorporating it with our Advent wreath. The Liturgical Year pivots on the Paschal Mystery, which is commemorated every Sunday. Sunday “is the foundation and kernel of the whole liturgical year.” (Sacrosanctum Concilium, no 106). This is my main motivation, to reiterate that message that Sundays take priority.

The fixed dates for the Optional Memorial of St. Nicholas and Memorial of St. Lucy fall on Sunday this year, so they are superseded by the Sunday Advent liturgy. I’ve already had questions from my son as to why St. Nicholas isn’t on the calendar this year. I do find this a teachable moment to explain the order of precedence for feastdays in the liturgical year. But since we do love these saints and the customs are part of our family tradition, I’m moving some of our reading and celebration of these two saints earlier in the week, so they don’t override our Sunday activities.

We’ll continue doing school days, as we’ve fallen behind a bit with sickness and traveling. The main thing we’re adding to our lessons for Advent is reading, and some of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd presentations (Advent prophecies, the Annunciation, the Visitation, etc.), and Advent hymns, especially chant. I hope to post separately on both of those.

Our main read-alouds throughout Advent will be books by Inos Biffi:

We will begin with An Introduction to the Liturgical Yearby Inos Biffi, as this is the beginning of the new Liturgical Year. We will read the section on Advent in Part One during the first two weeks of Advent.

The Way to Bethlehemby Inos Biffi will be for the second half of Advent, as we get closer to the actual feast of Christmas. Both books cover the richness of the season reflected in the Advent liturgy.

I also will include The Life of Mary for the feasts of Mary, particularly December 8, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, and during the Fourth Week of Advent, when we're contemplating Mary.

These books explain so clearly the Liturgical Year and the liturgical seasons of Advent and Christmas; they are the perfect catechesis for both children and adults. The text is wonderfully supported by the rich flowing illustrations by Franco Vignazia. I am so excited that these books are back in print. Michele shares my enthusiasm for these treasures, and is offering these books for sale at Family-Centered Press, which is extremely helpful since Way to Bethlehem is not available in the US. Having bought my copies piece-meal from different suppliers, paying shipping for each book, the Advent Book Package is an excellent deal!

We will read a bit For some of the Old and New Testament saints, I’ll be using Ethel Marbach Pochock’s Saints of the Season for Children (or Saints in Waiting, both out of print) and her Around the Year Once Upon a Time Saints. These will be used as extra reading on the saints' days in Advent, and reading for the key Advent figures (Isaiah, John the Baptist, etc.).

I did purchase Destination Bethlehemby Sharon Altman and Christine Winkelman and really love it. It’s a wonderful read-aloud for each December day of Advent. It's a story based around a central fictional character Isaac, as he walks through the historical events surrounding Christ's birth. The book presents a good example of beginning discursive meditation, as the reader can be the main character. This approach was encouraged by St. Josemaria Escriva, "Have you...every contemplated these mysteries? Become little. Come with me and -- this is essence of what I want to tell you -- we shall live the life of Jesus, Mary and Joseph." And elsewhere he said:

Do you want to accompany Jesus closely, very closely?... Open the Holy Gospel and read the Passion of Our Lord. But don't just read it: live it. There is a big difference. To read is to recall something that happened in the past; to live is to find oneself present at an event that is happening here and now, to be someone taking part in those scenes. Then, allow your heart to open wide; let it place itself next to Our Lord. And when you notice it trying to slip away —when you see that you are a coward, like the others — ask forgiveness for your cowardice and mine.

I also like the historical/cultural information given at the end of each chapter. Depending on interest and time, we'll read this daily, but we might save it for next year.

I'll post more on my plans and my reading plan for our picture books. This is already so long!

Jotham's Journey

With the beginning of Advent just a few days away it is time to gather your materials and make your preparations.  Get out the Advent wreath or Advent Log, fire up the CD player and take out the Advent music (more on that to follow) and assemble your reading material for the season. 

Jotham's Journey is a book I used last year and the children were delighted when they saw it in the book basket I assembled this weekend.  Ten-year old Jotham, in trying to teach his family a lesson by running away from home for a spell, has his plan back fire when he gets separated from them. The compelling tale of his journey to find his family is full of the kind of "edge of your seat adventure" that most children love. While searching for his family Jotham finds a great deal he did not expect including Child in Bethlehem that changes everything.  The concluding chapter is beautiful.

The book is set up to be read as a bedtime story every night beginning on the first Sunday of Advent.  After each story there is a meditation or explanation that corresponds to the theme of that night's installment.  The stories can be a little intense and if you have a child who is easily disturbed then it might be as well to read these during the day.

Jotham's Journey does a wonderful job of bringing to life the time period of Jesus' birth.  There is a great deal of detail and the story is well written and intricately woven.

Unfortunately Jotham's Journey is currently out of print, however it will be re-issued in time for next year's Advent season.  Click on that link for more details from the author's site.  It is available used on Amazon and it pops up on Ebay but I warn you it is expensive.  See if your library carries it and if not make a request that they do so.

Christmas Stories

You can find a wonderful list of Christmas short works at LibriVox to download and listen to at your leisure.

Thank you to Amy Caroline for sharing.

Christmas Mosaic

She did it again.  My friend Cay that is.  She took her wonderful creation of Catholic Mosaic and customized it for Advent and Christmas.  Christmas Mosaic is a must-have to enhance your liturgical celebration this season. 

Christmas Mosaic includes a study guide for 30 different children's picture books about Christmas, including Advent and Ephinany.  The study guide includes vocabulary words, discussion questions, copy work, and a parents help page.  There is also a plethora of poetry, recipes (yes, yes, food!!), crafts and a beautiful coloring page section.

My favorite part of the book has to be the reflections. Maybe because they are written by friends and acquaintances of mine, many of whom you have met on this blog. They all write beautifully and poignantly of their experiences in celebrating the birth of Christ.

I highly recommend purchasing this book. It will be a valued and beloved part of your celebration for years to come.

Saint Nicholas, Part One: Reading Materials

I want to thank Mary Ellen for asking me to guest write on this wonderful Christmas blog. I'm very honored to share the same webspace with these other talented special moms.

The Optional Memorial of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra is celebrated on December 6. It's hard to piece together what is the real story of St. Nicholas and what is legend, as his stories have grown and expanded over time. What we do know is that he was born in Lycia in Asia Minor and became a bishop and died in Myra, modern day Turkey, in 345 A.D. And during that lifespan he was a holy man, converted many people, was generous to the poor, and many miracles were performed through him, both when he was living and after his death. And because of those miracles, his patronage grew. Patron Saints Index provides a long list, but for most of us we know and love St. Nicholas because he is the patron of children, students, and the poor and known as the Christmas saint.

For me, the first stop in celebrating a beloved saint is gathering images and books about the saint. Having a few of these helps me make sure that I will be teaching my son something about St. Nicholas. It's almost like clockwork that something happens during the Advent season that means less or no time or energy to do all my planned Advent and Christmas family traditions, new and old. But no matter how crazy life can get, I can always find time to read a book. And displaying a holycard or statue or ornament can start discussions about the saint at any time of the day.

I have several books to mention, organized by age level for comprehension, but within that category anyone older would also be pleased with the book. I have included the books from Cay Gibson's Catholic Mosaic. For me, I can never have enough of St. Nicholas--he's one of the biggest highlights of Advent, and his presence is felt all the way through Christmas. These books are held in a place of honor with our other Advent and Christmas books and loved throughout both liturgical seasons.

For Younger Children:

 Saint Nicholas: The Real Story of the Christmas Legend by Julie Stiegmeyer, illustrated by Chris Ellison. (Included in Catholic Mosaic.) The illustrations show St. Nicholas resembling our modern Santa Claus. The story is short and sweet, focusing only on how the story of St. Nicholas and the dowry for the three daughters, which is the origin of why we hang out our stockings or place out our shoes on the eve of his feast.

The Baker's Dozen: A Saint Nicholas Tale retold by Aaron Shepard, illustrated by Wendy Edelson. Unfortunately, this book is out-of-print. Check your library to see if this title is available, as I'm not encouraging you to pay exorbitant amounts to own this book. As our family's celebration of St. Nicholas centers on making the Dutch spice cookies, speculaas, this book with the delightful illustrations of the decorated cookies is very appealing. The illustrations are a wonderful guide to decorating a lovely design of this saintly bishop. You can also read the story here and other goodies shared by the author, including a play and pictures to print.

Don't be confused by this book with the same title by Heather Forest. It's a nice story, but it doesn't incorporate St. Nicholas for this feast day, just the cookies. It is interesting to compare the books..

 Country Angel Christmas by Tomie dePaola. St. Nicholas is portrayed as the rotund and jolly image of Santa Claus. I love how Elizabeth Foss explains how she uses this book for discussions about St. Nicholas. The way dePaola incorporate the busy angels in preparing for Christmas is a little reflection of our own homes and hearts.

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For Older Children:

Saint Nicholas

The Legend of Saint Nicholas by Demi (also included in Catholic Mosaic). This book has become my favorite picture book on St. Nicholas. The gilded illustrations are just gorgeous. Demi really takes the time to present the true whole, accurate picture of St. Nicholas, from birth until death, includes some legends and miracles and then introduces some customs stemming about this saint. Unlike some other picture books, it really shows Nicholas working through God's grace in his life. The author shows Nicholas to be a holy bishop, a historical figure, a man who truly loved God, and how he showed his love by helping those on earth, both while living and then in heaven. It's not a legend nor a feel-good Santa story, but a witness, that is both inspiring and beautiful for children.

Some stories presented in this book are legends, such as standing in the tub as a newborn, and refusing to nurse as a toddler on fast days, preferring to pray. There is one miracle where St. Nicholas restores to life three schoolboys who were cut up and brined. It is usually included in the picture books because this is why he is the patron saint of children and schoolchildren. I think the image can be scary. Demi treats it lightly, so this makes it easier to present to the younger children.

 The Real Santa Claus: Legends of Saint Nicholas by Marianna Mayer. This is also included in Catholic Mosaic. Marianna Mayer combines classical depictions of St. Nicholas in art and provides the legends around this saint. The pictures are wonderful. The text is lengthy and a bit wordy, probably too much for one sitting, especially if you have some wiggly children. I recommend this being read in small chunks. A picture IS worth a thousand words, and the younger children will enjoy looking at this lovely book.

The Miracle of Saint Nicholas by Gloria Whelan, illustrated by Judith Brown is one other book recommended in Catholic Mosaic. is one other book recommended in Catholic Mosaic. This book gives a glimpse of the devotion to St. Nicholas and use of icons by the Russians. It's a beautiful story of family and villagers coming together restoring their church and icon of St. Nicholas after having to live their faith in the underground.

 Saint Nicholasby Regine Schindler and Bro. Kenneth, illustrated by Carola Schaade is an English book (out of print) that explains Father Christmas as St. Nicholas. It's written as if a family member, Uncle Rex, is telling the story to his nieces and nephews. Very thorough in relating infomration about St. Nicholas, but a bit wordy for younger ones.

Two other picture books I'll briefly mention. These illustrate Saint Nicholas as the gift giver, especially in European traditions. These are perfect books if you are trying to illustrate St. Nicholas and Santa Claus as one and the same. Both are out of print, but not hard to find used copies. A Gift from Saint Nicholas, adapted by Carole Kismaric, Illustrated by Charles Mikolaycak. This one has one of the best illustrations of Nicholas as bishop, but also as gift-giver. The second has a similar title The Gift from Saint Nicholasby Dorothea Lachner.

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Chapter Books:

 St. Nicholas the Wonder Workerby Anne E. Neuberger I've been eyeing this book for so long, it was out of print when I finally bought it. It is divided into two parts. Part I covers the life of St. Nicholas the Bishop, and each chapter an episode from his life. Part II is the Life of Nicholas the Spirit, touching on different tales from all over the world.

The Twenty Miracles of Saint Nicholasby Bernarda Bryson is an older book, printed in 1960. I found a copy in my library and just found the book delightful. These are all the old legends, not watered down. There's even one entitled "Saint Nicolas and the Prophet Mohammed". Older children and adults will find this book quite interesting.

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Coffee Table and Resource Books:

The Real St. Nicholas: Tales of Generosity and Hope from Around the Worldby Louise Carus. This contains a wonderful collection of folktales from around the world, legends, recipes and stories for breads and cookies related to his feast, with wonderful glossy pages and pictures. A unique and delightful book.

St. Nicholas: A Closer Look at Christmasby Joe Wheeler and Jim Rosenthal. The is a large, thick and heavy book, full of glossy pages and full color images of St. Nicholas and retells the story of Nicholas in word from his life to his influence all over the world, and his transformation over the years. This would probably be THE reference book on St. Nicholas.

Just a little addendum: This list of books is by no way complete. St. Nicholas Center has tried to include all books written on St. Nicholas, for all ages, in and out of print. Reserve a large chunk of time to check them all out.

Posted by Jennifer G. Miller