Once Upon a Time Saints (Volume 1)

Once Upon a Time Saints

by Ethel Pochocki, Tom Matt (Illustrator)

“These stories,” the author explains, “are meant to show human and lovable people whose mysterious passion for God led them into preposterous escapades.” With an eye on the taste of a child for concrete detail and no apologies for “the embroidery of legend,” each tale, in a style akin to fairy-tale, sets forth the unique qualities of a Genevieve, a Felix, a Dorothy, or Comgall—16 real saints brought unforgettably to our attention and admiration.

RL6.2
Of read-aloud interest ages 5-up

Genres: Religion, Catholic, Childrens, Biography, Christian, Nonfiction, History

83 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

About the author

Ethel Frances Pochocki was a children's book author living in Brooks, Maine.

She developed a passion for books and writing working at the New York City Public Library. While raising eight children, she turned to writing in the early morning hours. Her writing career began when she won an essay writing contest about her experience taking in inner city kids with the Fresh Air Project in New York City. Through the 1960s and 1970s, she contributed numerous essays and poems to the leading Catholic publications of the time. Her award winning books include her collaborations with Maine illustrator Mary Beth Owens, such as The Gazebo, Penny for a Hundred and Rosebud and Red Flannel. She also collaborated with award winning illustrator Barry Moser on Blessing of the Beasts and The Mushroom Man.

Her contributions to children's literature were recognized by the Maine Library Association with the 2008 Katahdin Award for Lifetime Achievement and the 1991 Lupine Award for outstanding childrens literature. Her classic, Penny for a Hundred, was designated a notable book of 1996 by the Smithsonian Magazine.

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this book sporadically throughout the course of this past semester at school, and every time I finished a story, I felt cheered and hopeful. With simple prose and a lovely voice, Pochocki gives us the most fanciful stories from the lives of these holy people. Highly recommend for any sad Catholics who need a kind light to help keep the faith.

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a much older version of this book, but I believe the only thing different are the pictures. I love books that explain who the saints were and what made them special. A great read. I suggest looking up the feast days of the saints in this book and reading them on their specific day.

[Dominique Liongson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got my 1980's edition of this book as a gift to celebrate my First Communion. It's heartfelt to read the difficult times of these saints. And the best part is how each saint's life turned around into a happy ending.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once Upon a Time Saints tells saint stories in a fairy tale-esque way. Overall I find it quite effective, especially for the younger set, but I don't like when Pochocki inserts modernisms (particularly foods) into the stories. It's a bit less immersive for me that way, but the general thrust of the stories remains strong. The illustrations would copy well for a coloring page. Looking forward to reading more by Pochocki.

[Bonnie Way · Rating 5 out of 5]

We've used this book in our Catholic history program. It's a great way to learn about new saints! Each chapter is short and easy to read, yet also interesting and engaging.

[Abigail Whitcomb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Morning time read aloud, but I didn't love it.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found these stories of the saints, written in a fairy tale format, to be delightful. A fun way to introduce some lesser known folks from history to young people, even if you are not a person of faith, they are fun stories. Of course, Felix the saint being hidden behind a spider's web was my favourite! I loved what she wrote in the introduction, "These stories were written to disarm rather than alarm. They are meant to show that the saints were not marshmallows - pale, sticky-sweet goops of goo that could be interesting only when toasted."

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like the tone of thess short stories of the lives of saints and holy persons set in both their time and ours thus containing current vernacular which was confusing and jarring.
Disappointing; fortunately there are great picture books about saints.

[Meredith Henning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read on appropriate Saint's feast days and throughout for fun!