Saint Nicholas

by Ann Tompert, Michael Garland (Illustrator)

Santa Claus, Father Christmas, Kris Kringle . . . Some historians trace these figures back to a man who lived in Asia Minor more than one thousand years ago. His name was Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra. Over time, the facts of his life merged with legend. But behind the legend lies a remarkable life. Ann Tompert's dramatic and simply told biography presents the life of Nicholas through a skillful blending of fact and legend, while Michael Garland's mosaic art beautifully reflects the Mediterranean world of the fourth century. Whenever we remember the needy at Christmas or give a gift to a loved one, we are living in the spirit of Saint Nicholas, who lives on in the spirit of Christmas.

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Religion, School, Biography, Christian, History

Paperback

First published October 1, 2000

About the author

Ann Tompert is an award-winning children's book author who has written more than 20 books, including Harry's Hats, Just a Little Bit, and Little Fox Goes to the End of the World.

Reviews

[Ashley Jacobson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much more kid friendly than the other book I read with the same stories. The pictures are fun and the stories are short and more kid-appropriate. There is one worth mentioning, though. An inn keeping kills 3 boys, chops them up, and put their prices into barrels. St Nicholas brings them back to life, but it’s still disturbing. The way the stories are told is more universal too, less Catholic specific and mystical. A good intro to the man who inspired Santa.

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated children's book (illustrations are made to look like Byzantine mosaics) presenting some of the legends of Saint Nicholas, and drawing some of the connections between the myths of this saint and the myth of Santa Claus. My children (6 & 8) seemed to enjoy the story!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring story about Saint Nicholas for kids to learn valuable and virtuous lessons from along with beautiful illustrations.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may not be a 4 stars worthy for a bedtime story, but for learning about Saint Nicholas in our unit about the Byzantine Empire, it was VERY good! I liked the author's statement in the preface that legends themselves are generally based on historical facts, which are frequently dorned with fanicful, even miraculous details. . . I also liked the mosaic illustrations, since mosaics were a very popular artform of the time--perfect for making our own mosaics.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

In conjunction with Story of the World, Vol II
and read with The Legend of St. Nicholas by Demi

Nice to read both and the see the similarities and differences to underline the fuzzy boundaries between historical facts and legends.

(Even after reading these books B. does not seem to show any doubts about Santa...)

[Molly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mosaic style illustrations accompany the legend of St. Nick.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

great pictures and facts about the original saint and a mention of all areas that concider him a patron saint

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

pretty mosaic pictures. has several versions of what Saint Nicholas was known for as well as an historical author's note in the end.

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story, loved the mosaics as the illustrations.