The Legend of Saint Nicholas

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.)