Saint Ciaran: The Tale of a Saint of Ireland

by Gary D. Schmidt, Todd Doney (Illustrator)

Retells some of the legends of Saint Ciaran, or Kieran, an early Irish saint who loved nature and God before Christianity came to Ireland, journeyed to Rome to become a Christian, and returned to Ireland to live as a hermit, surrounded by animals.

Genres: Ireland, Picture Books, Childrens, Religion

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2000

About the author

Gary D. Schmidt is an American children's writer of nonfiction books and young adult novels, including two Newbery Honor books. He lives on a farm in Alto, Michigan,with his wife and six children, where he splits wood, plants gardens, writes, feeds the wild cats that drop by and wishes that sometimes the sea breeze came that far inland. He is a Professor of English at Calvin College.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

I understand that there are no less than twenty-five St. Ciarans in the Irish tradition, although previous to this book, the only one with which I was familiar was the Saint Ciaran who founded the abbey at Clonmacnoise. This lovely picture book however, presents a legend related to the first Saint Ciaran, Ciarán of Saighir.

Little is known of the historical Ciaran, other than that he was born on Cape Clear Island in the sixth century, and that he is believed to be the first Christian bishop to reach Ireland (sent by St. Patrick, who was to follow him). Schmidt's book is less of a picture-biography than a folk-legend, particularly as it concerns Ciaran's relationship with the animals who flocked to his hermitage.

The writing is competent, with an occasional turn of phrase that is worthy of remembrance. I did spot a few anachronisms, as when the narrative refers to Ciaran's hermitage crumbling, as "stones fell from their mortared places." Hard to imagine, when all the early monastic buildings were dry-stone construction, something that is accurately depicted in the illustrations. Still, these are minor flaws in an otherwise engaging story.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

Legend of Saint Ciaran from what has been passed down through the ages. We don't know much about this Saint except that he was the first Catholic Bishop of Ireland. In this book, we see how close he was to nature, the creatures of the earth and the unknown God; he reminds me of St. Francis of Assisi and he even has a loyal wolf. The illustrations are exceptional; they transports me to greenery of Ireland.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

SORT OF AN OOPSIE . . . 'cause it didn't fill the nonfiction category, after all
Tells the story of Ciaran's finding of God but having no name by which to call Him, his journey to Rome, his learning in the church, and his return to Ireland and subsequent life.
I really enjoyed this book; it is well-written and beautifully illustrated.

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd never heard of this Irish saint until I read this book.

[Karen Witzler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and an overtly religious/ Sunday School type re-telling of many of the stories associated with Saint Ciaran of Ireland. Good for Catholic parents, educators, homeschoolers.

[Siobhain · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had never heard of St. Ciaran before reading this. I have mixed thoughts about this book. On the one hand, I think it is unfortunate that the substance of i is moslty made up of miraculous legends related to animals as I would have much preferred some historical substance. There is a site in Ireland which is supposedly the location of his monastery. On the other hand, even my Dictionary of Saints states that "his legend is replete with extravagant miracles and tall tales." Perhaps it is best to emphasize the fantastical rather than to report the story of St. Ciaran's life in a way that would hint at historical accuracy where there is not much really known. That said the book retells the extravagant miracles and tall tales well with beautiful illustrations. I think a child who is an animal lover would really like this story. I have a son who would certainly have loved to have had experiences similar to the ones
St. Ciaran had with the animals.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Retells the stories about St. Ciaran of Saighir who is considered to be the first saint born in Ireland. Very little is known about his life, but there are numerous legends about him that incorporate Irish Christian mysticism with folklore. The descriptive language and beautiful oil paintings work well to tell his quiet story of faith. A truly beautiful picture book!

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

it is a lovely story to read to your children or grandchildren when it is a time for remembering St. Patrick.

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Own this book (purchased at Festival of Faith & Writing )

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a picture book biography (probably mostly fictional) of one of Ireland's earliest monks and saints. He was born in Ireland and as a young child began praying to a God whose name he didn't know. When he was an adult, he traveled to Rome, where he was educated and became a bishop. Saint Patrick sent him back to Ireland, where he eventually built a church and shared the faith with others. Todd Doney contributes lush and lovely oil paintings. Schmidt offers an author's note at the end, but no source for the biography, and no bibliography.

[Savanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Summary: This book is about an Irish Saint called Saint Ciaran. It tells of his conception, his life growing up, a little of his journey to Rome, and of his life after he returns back to Ireland. Mainly this book is about the many miracles he is supposed to have done.

I thought that this book was ok. It is interesting to me because it has to do with Ireland, but it is very unrealistic and I'm pretty sure that Ciaran is Catholic.

Religious Mythology

This book is controversial because of its religious implications and because of the miracles that were supposed to have happened.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

From the author's note:

"Of all of green Ireland's saints, Ciaran of Saighir was the first. Born on Cape Clear Island at the very beginning of the sixth century, his first years were spent in prayer and worship to a God whose name he did not know."

Although clearly Catholic, this little book expresses without relying on dogma the idea that God exists in all living things.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The gorgeous illustrations in this book are worth the price of admission all on their own. The story itself is decent enough, though it could have been written in a little more engaging tone. I think I like it better than the kids do, but that may change.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cool little book. Takes about 10 minutes to read. Gary D. Schmidt is a very versatile author--one of those guys who writes what interests HIM and isn't necessarily concerned with whether it will sell or not. This makes for some pretty cool stuff.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

We really enjoyed this book, as we do all most all of the suggestions in Catholic Mosaic. The pictures were beautiful and it was so fun to learn more about St. Ciaran.

[Gemma]

I really want to read this book.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was well written, and i had never heard of Saint Ciaran. I did not particularly enjoy the pictures, they were a very realistic painted style. It was short enough for a bedtime story.

[Veronica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and a deeply folkloric tale.

[GraceAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

one of the loveliest of picture books, and a powerful tale.

[Theresa · Rating 3 out of 5]

the history and legend assoicate with the first of irish saints