Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland

Customer Reviews:

A Charming Tale!.......2006-08-01

This is a very lovely presentation of the life of St. Patrick. I used it for a vacation bible school group of 2nd and 3rd graders. They easily understood the story and really loved the pictures.

A wonderful introduction to the real St. Patrick for children!.......2005-10-31

I have always enjoyed the picture books of Tomie dePaola. His unique illustration style is immediately recognizable and is reminiscent of religious icons found in Catholic and Orthodox churches.

Not surprisingly, dePaola often tackles Christian themes, making them accessible for younger readers and their parents. Among my all-time favorite children's book is his "The Clown of God," which I have enjoyed reading to children prior to Christmas.

"Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland" is another such book. The simple narrative mainly addresses Patrick's early years as a British boy, captured by the Irish to become a slave shepherd in Ireland. After many years alone in prayer, he escapes, but eventually is called in a dream to return to Ireland to spread the love of God. After religious studies, becoming a missionary and then a bishop, he finally returns to Ireland, setting up churches, but not without opposition from some of the local rulers.

What I appreciate about this version of St. Patrick's story is the dependency on historical fact in the main narrative. The book concludes with six one-page summaries of the better-known legends of Ireland's patron saint, such as driving out the snakes, and his use of the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity. Refreshingly, these legends are briefly, but affectionately, told without judgment. It is left to the reader (or the parent) to decide what to make of them.

The author concludes with a one-page epilogue, lovingly explaining how he was introduced as a young child to St. Patrick by his Irish Catholic grandparents.

for catholics only.......2005-01-30

This book is fine if you are Catholic, but I was hoping for something more accessible for non-Catholics. For example, the legend of the shamrock is not very meaningful if you are not already acquainted with the trinity or Jesus or the Holy Spirit, etc. This would definitely not be a book to use to teach anything about the Catholic faith to non-Catholic, non-Christian children, which is what I was hoping to use it for.

I like how dePaola has a section at the end for the legends of St. Patrick, separating these from the biography. I was raised an Irish Catholic and I was hoping to be able to share some of that heritage with my own children through this book, but in the end, all of the miracles and mumbo jumbo are too hard to swallow. My daughter was confused about which parts of the story were "real" and which were "for pretend." I think it was a little too much for her to choke down. I had to try to explain to her what baptism is, but she just stared at me blankly.

The illustrations are quite lovely, and I would recommend this book highly for all Catholic school libraries.

Informative & Fun!.......2003-01-13

Growing up in an Irish Catholic family myself, I had heard a great deal about St. Patrick. When we received this book as a gift I started reading it to my children, and they loved it. There were stories even I hadn't heard about St. Pat! As with his St. Francis book, Tomie DePaola's book holds children's interest throughout the many stories while other books of this length lose children. Kids remember the stories and repeat them because they are told so lovingly and in such a fun way! I now bring this book to their school and read it to all their classrooms every St. Patrick's Day to let children know that there is more to Patrick than green beer!

Learn more about the Patron Saint of Ireland.......2002-10-30

A wonderful book by Tomie dePaola filled with helpful information about the true story of St. Patrick's life, as well as fun legends attributed to the patron Saint of Ireland. dePaola's bold illustrations lend to the attraction of the book. He mentions at the end of the book his reasons for writing it and his attraction to Saint Patrick. My own eight year old son has a strong devotion to Saint Patrick and this book is among his favorites. I appreciate the clear differentiation between fact and legend in this book and would highly recommend it for any family.

Let Me Die in Ireland, the True Story of Patrick

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I never knew...
Tough to wade through
Cuts To The Chase
part true- part intepritation
Convicting to the core!

Let Me Die in Ireland, the True Story of Patrick
David W. Bercot
Manufacturer: Scroll Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0924722088

Book Description

This work cuts through all of the myths about St. Patrick and presents the authentic, stirring account of one of the greatest missionaries who ever lived. Patrick gave up a comfortable life as an upper-class citizen of Roman Britain to live in poverty, suffering, and constant danger in Ireland. Although ridiculed and rejected by his own people in Britain, Patrick changed the course of an entire nation.

Customer Reviews:

I never knew..........2007-05-14

There is a lot in this book that I never knew about St. Patrick. Here in America the person is never considered, mostly just the country of Ireland around St. Patrick's Day. It was an easy read, which I finished in just a few days. It definately helped strengthen my realationship with God to see one person's conviction so strong.

Tough to wade through.......2007-01-10

Despite my opinion that David Bercot is one of the best writers around, interesting and captivating, this book is not. I couldn't get through it, though I eventually will. A good friend did get through it, and he told me that it gets interesting around the last quarter of the book. I'm interested in Patrick, but the story format just isn't captivating. Even my friend, who finished it, said he debated putting it down several times, but he really wanted to get to the end.

The history's accurate, I'm sure, because Bercot's careful to use original sources and interpret them reasonably, but as a story, it's just dull. Again, that's amazing, because Bercot is an gifted and captivating writer. My thought is that he should have approached it as a history rather than writing it as a story, because his history books can't be put down.

I'm only giving it 3 stars, because I know the history can be trusted.

Cuts To The Chase.......2006-07-25

A sixteen year old boy - Patric - from a prosperous family belonging to the autonomous Celtic church is taken captive, along with some of his family's servants. Patric is portrayed as whiny and snobbish, which provides more depth and drama as he learns to survive in a strange, savage land where he is kept as a slave. The only thing that turned me off was the way people spoke in modern English. Bercot didn't need to make them use "thees" and "thous" - but he fubbed up in using "Don't kid yourself". Through the help of an elderly slave, Cedd, who is also a British captive, Patric finds faith, and purpose, and meaning in life. After God has decided his time of trial in Ireland is over, He helps Patric escape. This suspensful journey is the a real heart-throbber. Then comes the tear-jerker, as Patric, who is now a grown man, is finally reunited with his parents. When it looks as though his life was about normal, Patric has a dream where God tells him to return to Ireland. Oh no! Patric doesn't really want to go back, but knows he must, and faces ridicule and rejection as those around him respond with either condecension, or with jeers. A wise man advises him to wait until the church leaders send him, rather than going on his own, and years pass without them doing more than elevating him to the office of a deacon. Finally, after another church sends a missionary to Ireland, people realize that Patric's bright idea was more than an idea: It was a calling. Journey with Patric as he shares the light of the Gospel with those he has come to love, and receives the answer to his prayer, "Let me die in Ireland."

part true- part intepritation .......2006-03-02

We do have Patrick's autobiography, and little else. This book adds to this some commentary and extra which show a particular point of view. It is an interesting point of view but not entirely doucmented.

Convicting to the core!.......2005-10-03

I just grabbed this book for something to read on the bus and didn't have high expectations for it. Although I'm starting to get into the writings of early Christians, I didn't thnk Patrick would be that important. Was I wrong! His story is very interesting, but more important I was extremely inspired by his message and convictions. A couple of examples in particular are how he prayed like "the persistant widow" to get out of Ireland where he was taken to to be sold as a slave, and how when he did escape, God called him back to spread the good news. The seriousness of his commitment inspired me deeply. He did not hesitate to excommunicate anyone who wasn't living according to the Word and he preached that the decision to become a Christian is not something to be taken lightly. "...there is no turning back. It would be far better to never become a Christian than to become one and revert to your former ways." Also, just how he totally devoted himself to Christ, was willing to put up with hardship and make any sacrifice, had utmost integrity and forgave his betrayors. You can sense the struggles reading this book, but he persevered.
The book is a quick read, and while the author admits using artistic license to recreate the dialogue, his main sources of information for the book are Patrick's "Testimony" and his letter of excommunication sent to the British king.
I highly recommend this very inspiring book.

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Captivating and Timeless Story

The Story of Saint Patrick
James A. Janda
Manufacturer: Paulist Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0809166232

Book Description

Prisoner, slave and saint! Even though a lot of people celebrate the day of the 'wearing of the green!,' few know the actual story of this remarkable and exciting man. Ages 5-8.

Customer Reviews:

Captivating and Timeless Story.......2007-04-18

Perfect for children aged 4-9. The story is told beautifully and concentrates on the character of a true saint.

I'm glad saints as role models are coming back into fashion with the surge in interest in Waldorf education.

The Violins of Saint Jacques (Twentieth-Century Classics)

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Small and perfectly formed
Inaccuracy of The Violins of Saint-Jacques
Perfect "Book Vacation"

The Violins of Saint Jacques (Twentieth-Century Classics)
Patrick Leigh Fermor , and Simon Winchester
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0192818775

Book Description

Originally published in 1953, this novel was immediately hailed as a rare sweep of color across the drab post-war years. Fermor's writing about this tropical island is as beautiful and haunting as the sound of the violins rising from the water, which is all that remains of the island and its
inhabitants.

Customer Reviews:

Small and perfectly formed.......2006-01-17

This gorgeous book, so dense in description and evocation of another land in another time, is nearly perfect. It describes the richness and mystical turbulence of creole life in bygone colonial days under French rule. Years later, a narrator listens to the tales of a woman who, while young, spent six explosive years on the island of Saint-Jacques. She is wistful and intense and full of memory for detail.
Gorgeous

Inaccuracy of The Violins of Saint-Jacques.......2005-04-24

I am taking a volcanology class in my university and I had to develop a research paper determining the accuracy of this novel to the eruption of Mount Pelee in 1902 (the eruption which the book portrays). Though the story may be interesting to a certain degree, the accuracy in relation to historical events is way off. I also found the book to be a little drawn out at certain parts, but overall an quick and capturing read.

Perfect "Book Vacation".......2000-05-09

Patrick Leigh Fermor is better known for his Travel Non-Fiction works, all of which are wonderful, but this book is one of the few I know that I would describe as perfect. It is the kind of fiction that magically transports you to another place and time. The delicacy and evocative power of Fermor's narrative voice is perfect for a story that occupies (like Dunsany's Elfland)the gray and luminous region between the world we know and folk tale... Rarely are flashback stories emotionally satisfying, but this device makes the loss of St Jacques all the more poignant. The character of the Governess is one of my favorite "book-people". If you can find a copy of this little book, snap it up!

God's Little Flower : The Story of St. Therese of Lisieux

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Beautifully written and illustrated

God's Little Flower : The Story of St. Therese of Lisieux
Chris Driscoll
Manufacturer: Ambassador Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1929039050

Book Description

The story of St. Therese is for children, but it is not just for children. In a clear and compelling way, Chris Driscoll recounts the life of St. Therese of Lisieux-a woman whose powerful love has touched the world. In a lively and engaging narrative form, Mr. Driscoll brings out the essence of St. Therese's spirituality and her "Little Way."

God's Little Flower is the second book in ABI's Children and Saints Series. The first book, And God Blessed the Irish-The Story of Patrick was also written by Chris Driscoll.

Customer Reviews:

Beautifully written and illustrated.......2002-11-24

I bought this book for my 7 year old daughter who needed it for a school report. She absolutely loves it. It is written simply so that a child can understand and relate to this dearly loved saint. Also,the illustrations are beautiful. I am so happy I found this book.

Shamrocks, Harps, and Shillelaghs: The Story of the St. Patrick's Day Symbols

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Irish Traditions and Legends Simplified

Shamrocks, Harps, and Shillelaghs: The Story of the St. Patrick's Day Symbols
Edna Barth
Manufacturer: Clarion Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0618096515

Amazon.com

Edna Barth has made a name for herself creating engaging nonfiction books about the origins of holidays from Easter to Halloween. This may sound like a simple enough task, but books like hers are few and far between, making her concise and well-researched titles all the more valuable to parents, educators, and students alike. For Barth, it seems, the calendar year swims with holiday colors. "Sometime in February," her St. Patrick's Day book begins, "the hearts and cupids of Valentine's Day give way to shamrocks and leprechauns, Irish harps, flags and shillelaghs, clay pipes and top hats. The color green floods the windows of card shops, candy stores, and departments that sell gifts, souvenirs, and decorations for holidays. St. Patrick's Day is coming." Barth goes on to explain the origins of this ancient Irish holiday, including a 15-page chapter on St. Patrick himself; the history of this partly religious, partly festive holiday through the centuries; and a lively discussion of the symbols we associate with the greenest of green days--leprechauns, Irish music, top hats, shamrocks, shillelaghs, and more. A list of stories appropriate to read around March 17, a bibliography of sources, and an index round out this solid, simply illustrated exploration of the ins and outs of St. Patrick's Day. (Ages 9 and older)

Book Description

Shamrocks, shillelaghs, reed pipes, and leprechaunsthese are some of the many symbols that remind us of St. Patrick's Day. Who was St. Patrick? And what is this early spring holiday all about? With warmth and vitality, Edna Barth tells the colorful stories, legends, and historical facts behind St. Patrick's Day and shows how the spirit of this ancient Irish holiday is still alive in many countries. Illustrated with black and white drawings by Ursula Arndt, this is a book to be discovered and read with pleasure by young readers. All of Edna Barth's classic holiday books are now being reissued with fresh, new jacket designs and fun activities inside the paperback covers.

Customer Reviews:

Irish Traditions and Legends Simplified.......2000-03-27

What a wonderful book for adults and children alike. I found this book to be a terrific help in understanding some of the legends and history of Ireland and St. Patrick's Day. It was also invaluable in explaining these to my younger children, both at home and in Sunday School classes.

Book Description

The story begins with the traditional symbols of the day that are often found in schoolrooms, such as shamrocks, harps, and leprechauns. Then the narrative moves to a short biography of Saint Patrick himself: as a shepherd, as a missionary, and as a teacher. This colorfull boardbook ties together the live of Patrick with the traditional images of Ireland.

Customer Reviews:

somewhat disappointing.......2004-03-18

We have several of the books in this series and have enjoyed them all, until now. The Story of St. Patrick is choppy and does not give a final thought about God's love. I highly recommend The Story of ... Jesus, Noah, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Easter, but the St. Patrick's day book is more of a novelty.

Hooray for St. Patrick's Day! (Lift-the-Flap, Puffin)

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Horray for St Patricks Day

Hooray for St. Patrick's Day! (Lift-the-Flap, Puffin)
Joan Holub
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0142300616

Book Description

It's Saint Patrick's Day, and time to join in the celebration. Children can lift the flaps for interactive fun as they see the children in this book make holiday crafts, taste traditional Irish food, perform a play about Saint Patrick, and even march in a Saint Patrick's Day parade. As an added bonus, they can search for the hidden leprechaun on each spread. A great way for young readers to learn about and enjoy the holiday.

Customer Reviews:

Horray for St Patricks Day.......2003-05-17

My children ages 6 and 3 really enjoyed this book. they really got a kick out of the flaps that you lift up and see whats under it.

Bailey School Kids Holiday Special: Leprechauns Don't Play Fetch

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Bailey School Kids Holiday Special: Leprechauns Don't Play Fetch
Debbie Dadey , and Marcia T. Jones
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0439408334

Book Description

There are some pretty weird grown-ups in Bailey City, but is the owner of the new pet store really a Leprechaun? And is he using the Blarney Stone to take over the town? The Bailey School Kids are going to find out!

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Snooooozzzeee...
A fabulous book about St. Patrick's Day
Thorough book about St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day
Gail Gibbons
Manufacturer: Holiday House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0823411192

Book Description

The story of Patrick's life and how the day is celebrated.

Customer Reviews:

Snooooozzzeee..........2007-03-09

I'm always a five star kind of reviewer, figuring if it wasn't great why say anything. Actually that applies to how I approach people and situations too. Except it can get to a point where...it's not fair to me. I have a right now and again to notice and speak to situations as they are... This has to be written up review-wise as something that just went stale. And I'd much rather pretend otherwise. Basic honesty however precludes delusions.

Today I read this to my 1st graders watching them for reaction and it's just not there. This was nothing more than beautiful green illustrations and a few facts. I am sorry but I lost 'em. And lately that's hard to do, they love stories. Go get Tomie De Poala, really. Not to be mean, I love other Gail Gibbons, but I think pages that say some people wear green or have parties is scraping for material. Yeah, we knew that, thanks. Wow, green huh? Why not teach twenty Irish expressions, or show some native dress, or discuss the crafts of Ireland, or the cities or perhaps get some facts on major contributions of the Isle to our fair land, or discuss the potato famine, or even tell about St. Patty parades. But maybe I'm being a bit picky. But still. Some "decorate with shamrocks". Okay even moon people know this. My second language kids were rolling upside down in sheer boredom. Not even recounting specifics about what foods....Irish foods? Why not list some and put in a nice soda bread recipe or corned beef recipe. Come on if we are going to try it let's get inspired. Rip out some content. Sheer a sheep if you have too. Speaking of which I really recommend Charlie's Cloak, De Poala. What a winner.

Teachers can get stuck in those content poor zones now and again, disappointed with this or that, maybe it's all in striving for excellence.. Or maybe my grumpy-ness...maybe it's getting the third wave of fevers having been terribly ill this month or the news of the passing of a loved one...ah well for whatever reason the cover is actually delightful and certainly the pictures sound, the text slimmer. My biggest dread in U Pick It Read Aloud Time is the students asking to go get drinks. Today was a record, they all went.It's not easy to put together a solid holiday book. This one fell flat today leaving me hanging there like a limp rag.Albeit a wet one.I really think it's one I'll put in the home book bags.Sorry.

A fabulous book about St. Patrick's Day.......2006-03-22

This is a beautifully illustrated, well written, story about the life of St. Patrick and descriptions of how and why we celebrate this holiday. My daughter is very interested in her Irish heritage and read it to her Kindergarten class this year. It was a hit!

Thorough book about St. Patrick's Day.......2006-03-10

This book gives a thorough, yet simple explanation about St. Patrick's Day. Each page has beautiful illustrations and one to three sentences. It gives a simple 2 page intro, then spends 7 pages about who Saint Patrick was, then 14 pages of all the ways people celebrate/symbols (church, leprechauns, shillelagh, harp, cards, sweets, flowers, plays, meal, parties, and parardes), then two pages on celebrating it in the US, and then 3 pages of legends about Saint Patrick. A great introduction for young children.

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