The Legend of St. Nicholas: A Story of Christmas Giving

by Dandi Daley Mackall

A new addition to the bestselling Legend Series, by award-winning author Dandi Daley mackall. This gentle Christmas book introduces the original St. Nicholas and tells why we give gifts in remembrance of the greatest gift of all. Nick is much more interested in contemplating his presents under the tree than he is in being dragged along for last-minute shopping with his dad. But while his father’s off shopping, Nick hears someone say his name―it’s a mall Santa, telling a group of children a story about the original St. Nick. In the long-ago story, a wealthy boy named Nicholas is moved by the sight of poor children and decides to use his family’s wealth to help the needy, starting anonymously with his less-fortunate friends. Young Nick is inspired as at last he―and young readers―understand the joy of giving. A note at the end explains how the story of this early Nicholas might have grown into the Santa Claus of legend. Bright, festive artwork accompanies the text of master storyteller Dandi Mackall, who reminds children that God gave us the greatest gift ever given. DANDI DALEY MACKALL won her first writing contest when she was ten years old with fifty words on why she wanted to be a batboy. She won, but they wouldn’t let a girl be a batboy. It was her first taste of rejection. She bounced back and has since published 400 books. Dandi lives in rural West Salem, OH, and enjoys her husband and kids, who will still, on occasion, be up for a game of family softball. GUY PORFIRIO, a native of Chicago, graduated from the American Academy of Art in Chicago and continued his training at New York’s School of Visual Arts. Guy’s passion for painting and telling a good story has inspired him to illustrate numerous books for children. Guy lives in Tucson, AZ, with his family.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, Holiday, Historical Fiction, Christian

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 18, 2007

About the author

A professional writer for over 20 years, Dandi Daley Mackall has written dozens of articles for popular magazines and published around 500 books for children and adults alike, with sales of over 4 million.

A frequent guest on radio and television talk shows, she lives in rural Ohio with her husband, three children, horses, dogs, & cats. Awards include the Edgar Award for Best YA Mystery, the Helen Keating Ott Award for Contributions to Children's Literature; Distinguished Alumni Award from Mizzou; ALA Best Book; Christian Children's Book of the Year, Amelia Bloom, Mom's Choice Awards. Her YA novel, My Boyfriends' Dogs, is now a Hallmark movie.

Reviews

[Jess the Shelf-Declared Bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of how St. Nicholas came to be, very well written for both adults and kids.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 1 out of 5]

I think this book was intended to be a complement to Lori Walburg's The Legend of the Candy Cane and The Legend of the Easter Egg. Mackall has written other holiday legend books (though some of them don't appear to be preexisting legends). The dust jacket tells me Richard Cawdrey has, for some reason, been commissioned to re-illustrate those books that had already been illustrated by James Bernardin. Bernardin's style might be Kinkade-esque, but Cawdrey's cartoonish style feels awkward to those familiar with the originals.

The Legend of St Nicholas itself is just...not good. The title promises the legend of St Nicholas and provides some pseudo-Victorian pastiche of a little rich boy traveling the world, seeing poverty, and then lavishing gifts on his own friends, having done nothing for the "Far Eastern" children he's seen without coats or begging for food. There is no connection between this paternalistic, self-satisfied "generosity" and the self-sacrificial giving of St Nicholas. The legend-Nicholas gives gifts on "Jesus' birthday," which is another departure from the real St Nicholas, whose feast day is on December 6. (That's when observant children set out their shoes to be filled with goodies.) The vaguely Christmas Story feel of the present narrative and the pitiful attempt at Victoriana in the "legend" portion make the story feel disjointed, too. The contemporary-Nicholas learns that he should, in fact, purchase those gifts for his brothers and plunk his change in the Salvation Army bucket, which reinforces this "give to yourselves first and give your leftovers to the needy" which is Not What St Nicholas is All About . At least the legend-Nicholas's gifts tried to evoke a bit of the real legend, but in the end it was a thin attempt at realism. I felt like the story of legend-Nicholas was an attempt at a hagiography of Clement Clarke Moore's St Nicholas. Why do that when you have a real, beautiful story? I simply don't see the point.

[Ruth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sorry, but St. Nicholas was not a Victorian era rich white kid. No.

[Emmaline · Rating 5 out of 5]

James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

A good book doesn't have to be a chapter book.
Children's books like these still touch my heart and make me smile all these years later.
This is my favorite version of the Saint Nick legend, and I just found out recently that the author is Dandi Daley Mackall!! I read her chapter books in middle school!! WTHG got me into and through my horsy phase!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very short but it has a great message!

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

12/19/18 Read with Julia.
3/23/19 Read with Julia

[Melissa (Always Behind) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Young Nick isn't thrilled about doing last minute Christmas shopping for his little brothers. It's so much easier to get gifts than to give them. He's hoping that he will have enough money left over to buy himself a CD.

While shopping, Nick hears the department store Santa Claus tell a group of children the story of Saint Nicholas, a wealthy boy whose parents died when he was young. In searching for God's plan for his life, he gave gifts to others in secret in order to help them. The present-day Nick decides that buying gifts and giving to others can actually be a fun and rewarding thing to do.

This well-balanced story acknowledges the history of Santa Claus without refuting the tradition. So this book is appropriate for all children, no matter their background or belief in the jolly holiday figure. The gorgeous illustrations enhance the story and give a beautiful depth of detail.

In a season of the year where kids are often focused on what they want rather than what they can give, The Legend of St. Nicholas will inject a bit of the spirit of giving into their lives and help them to focus on others and the true meaning of giving at Christmas time.

[Rebecca Ainscow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like many parents, I pondered the Santa question for a while before my son was born. On the one hand, I don't want to take away a bit of harmless fun and mystery, and have my son be the only kid in the neighborhood who doesn't believe in the Santa magic. Plus, I am heavily influenced by the "Yes, Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus" editorial, and G.K. Chesterton's writing on this subject. I actually think there is great value in fantasy stories, legends, and metaphor. HOWEVER, the commercialization can seem quite crass, even to the point of ruining any redeeming qualities of the tradition.

I think that the story of St. Nicholas, who was a real, historical figure who was said to love children, can effectively marry the religious and the secular. This book is a nice segue to that. Now, it is not actually historically accurate (St. Nicholas was bishop of Myra, not a...white Victorian kid?), but that didn't bother me much. I think this book is a good part of a bigger conversation about Santa families should have.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lesson in selflessness and the true spirit of the season! While shopping for his younger brothers, Nick overhears the department store Santa talking to some kids about the legend of St. Nicholas and how his story began. The story describes how after the tragic loss of his parents, Nicholas began his quest (through prayer and God's help) to be a beacon of giving and hope for the season. He uses his money to help his friends with their needs. Meanwhile, back in the department store, Nick is reminded about the true meaning of giving, and decides to buy toys for those less fortunate with his leftover money rather than himself.
This was a beautiful story to share with my family this Christmas season. Merry Christmas everyone!

[Jillian]

No Rating

Read as an ebook

If I got anything out of this reading experience, it's to not read e-books on Everand/Scribd...it's not the best. But I really wanted to read The Legend of St. Nicholas after I found it on Hoopla but I had already went over the monthly limit. That said, it was still a good story. It incorporated elements typical of the Santa Claus myth, as well as elements from the story of Baby Jesus and the Three Kings. It all wraps up in a story rife with the lesson of giving is as good, if not better, than receiving gifts during Christmas. Plus, the artwork was really beautiful.

[Rosa S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like reading this story to my kids to help them understand that St. Nicholas was a real person and is the inspiration behind the legend of Santa Claus. The illustrations are beautiful and I like how the book shows the story of St. Nicholas. The beginning is a little cheesy and outdated because a child is looking for a CD, lol. My kids had no idea what that was when I read it to them, but they still enjoyed it.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the story helps our present-day Nick change his approach to gift buying for others, the "facts" and pictures don't correspond with the legends I know of this man. Pictures appear to place Nicholas' family in the 1700-1800's, not the 300's. His dress in a Santa suit as a young boy delivering gifts to his friends doesn't come close to the time line of him becoming a priest and then giving to others.

[Mikyla Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story about the joy of giving instead of just receiving. The story describes Saint Nicholas’s journey in discovering the true meaning of Christmas, and how he spreads that joy by giving gifts to his friends in need. I highly recommend this book for families at Christmas or Advent. It is great for children, but it is enjoyable to the adults too. The illustrations are quite beautiful too!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2-4. A wonderful explanation of how Santa and the tradition of gift giving at Christmas began, all tying back to the Savior. I enjoyed the story of St. Nicholas more than the story of the modern boy that introduces it. The book would have been better as just the legend, without the unnecessary setup.

[Talea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, this book. It’s the classic legend of St. Nicholas told and made more relatable to young children today. The illustrations are excellent and reminds me of the typical 40’s and 50’s styles.

[Leanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming

A charming story about St Nicholas with beautiful illustrations. A perfect read for the Advent and Christmas season as well as a reminder of the importance of giving and the joy to be found in it.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love every thing about this story!

The illustrations are also lovely, but the historical inaccuracy of the people who lived in 300 AD was difficult. They did not wear silk too hats in 300 AD. So silly.

[MaryAnn · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a disappointment. The story attempts a relatable telling of the historic St. Nicholas and the words themselves have potential. But the images turn the historic Bishop of Myna into a white Victorian boy. NO.

[Rose Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tells the origin of St. Nicholas celebrating the joy of giving and encouraging helping those in needs. Beautiful illustrations.

Perfect for ages 4 to 8 and those desiring to know the origin of Santa Claus.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet reminder of the true meaning of Christmas along with a fitting tribute to an ancient church figure who gave his wealth away to those who needed it the most and did so without any recognition.

[Lillie rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little story

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfectly narrated audiobook for a brief cozy quiet listen, in or out of the Christmas season.

I want to get a physical copy of this to see the art.

[TJE · Rating 3 out of 5]

too young for it but would try again when older.

[Rebecca Tabish · Rating 3 out of 5]

For how short this book was it had a great message and the illustrations are quite detailed and beautiful for a children's book.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

book we needed

❤️ kindle version text is too small for my iPad. Needs reformatted so words are larger. Books so good and important. Much appreciated

[Sarah Brooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Changing the story of Santa to be religious instead of him fighting to being happiness to all children. Instead it’s just three of his friends.

[Pinky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nick learns about St. Nicholas and how he changed the Christmas season.

[Kate (The Shelf Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas stories are a delight to me....as y'all might know by now. I love stories that weave the traditions of Christmas with their original sources to make things click with kids.

I was familiar with the story of St. Nicholas...yes it was through the shows of Santa Clause is Coming to Town and Veggies Tales St. Nicholas: A Story of Joyful Giving. What can I say, I love the classics and humor!

The illustrations of The Legend of St. Nicholas were beautiful. The colors were bright and captivating. I loved how it started out the story in the 40's/50's era with a little boy in a store listening to the Santa telling a story. There is just something about that time and Christmas together that just seem perfect. As we travel through the tale, the characters are drawn to fit the era of the story.

The story itself was nice to see. A boy who has grown up seeing people around him needing help, not knowing what to do, then when his friends are in need of help, he wants to with all of his heart. I enjoyed the story, the only small qualm I had with it, was the choppiness of the story in a few parts. It started off talking about Nicholas as one age then the next paragraph he is a new age with something else he is seeing. It confused me for a second in reading, but it smoothed out and had a wonderful lesson in it.

Christmas can be a time where it can be easy to be sucked up into the "I" and "Me" of everything. The rush of the Black Friday sales after Thanksgiving dinner is a prime example. If that is all that spoken of, it's not fun. Christmas is much more then that, and this book is good to point out that fact. Giving is the best gift of all and much more fulfilling then getting what you want.

Thank you to Zonderkidz, I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

This review was originally posted @ http://wordsfromabookaholic.blogspot....

[Jalynn Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

About the Book:

In The Legend of St. Nicholas, the new artwork, created by Marley and Me illustrator, Richard Cowdrey, captivates audiences and tells the story of a young man named Nicholas, who was moved by the plight of the poor and needy. Nicholas spent his life secretly helping the poor all over the world, giving gifts on Christmas Eve to remind people of the greatest Gift of all, Jesus Christ. This gentle Christmas book introduces the original St. Nicholas and offers inspiration for readers to become cheerful givers themselves. The final pages in the book include fun Father Christmas traditions in other lands.

About the Author:

Dandi Daley Mackall is the author of over 450 books. She still can’t believe she gets to write for a living, helping children of all ages grow spiritually. Dandi and her husband, Joe, both write from rural Ohio, where they’re blessed with three children and a variety of horses, dogs, and cats.

My Review:

The Legend of St. Nicholas, is a delightful children's book about the joy of Christmas giving. As other books in this series, this book is telling of the actual legend of the big guy as well as a story about this young boy, Nick. Nick has trouble with the whole idea of giving without expecting anything in return. Trouble, that is until he overhears a story being told about Saint Nicholas. After hearing this story, it changes Nick's heart and provides him with a giving heart for others just like that of Saint Nicholas.

Christmas is a good time to remind us of others that don't have the things that we do and showing them love at this time of the year is a very rewarding notion that springs forth many benefits. We should do this year around but not everyone sees it that way. But as long as they remember at least once a year, not all is lost. A beautiful written book with gorgeous illustrations!

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from the Z Blog Squad.

[Lindsey Silvestrini · Rating 5 out of 5]

For every Christian parent who has struggled with teaching their kids the true meaning of Christmas and how Santa works into the picture, this is the book for you!

My kids are five and six and starting to ask WAY too many questions! Last year the questions of Santa began. I always said I wouldn't tell them about Santa but then I got caught up in the magic. Santa is after all, magical! But he isn't what the season is really about. Finding the balance between the magic and the reality can be a challenge.

The Legend of St. Nicholas just easily and beautifully wrapped it all up for me in one perfect package! It might as well have had a bow on it, so wonderful was the answer! Mackall masterfully blends the Christmas story of Jesus's birth with the legend of the real St. Nicholas in a way that it all just makes sense. Some Christians are offended by Santa and I have heard "Santa never died for anyone." But as a parent of three children, I do love the magic of Santa.

St. Nicholas was a real man and his spirit of giving and generosity is something that should be taught and honored. However, people just get caught up in the getting and forget about the giving. This book is a great reminder of that and who St. Nick really was.

I loved the ending and how the little boy wanted to become more generous because that made MY kids want to do for others! My daughter immediately turned to me and said she wanted to use all her money to buy gifts for her friends! Now "all her money" doesn't amount to anything but it's definitely the thought that counts and the lesson learned.

There is no reason Christmas has to be about Jesus OR Santa. The Legend of St. Nicholas beautifully weaves the two together in a way that makes sense, honors Jesus and reminds us of the man that St. Nicholas really was. What a beautiful gift to give this Christmas!