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Spyridon's Shoes
Young Spyros spends his days fishing, octopus hunting, and dreaming of attending school like his best friend, Niko. When he encounters an elderly man on the beach after an accident, his whole life begins to shift and change. But who is this mysterious, saintly man, and why is his friendship so important? Take a short trip back in time to the Greek island of Corfu and discover the real reason for the mystery surrounding Spyridon's shoes.
61 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 14, 2019
I sat down on couch the other day and was transported to the Greece of yesteryear. To earn enough money to join his best friend in the local school, Spyro catches octopuses and sells them. After hurting his foot in the surf, he is aided by a kind monk. Their interactions are told in a well written and engaging way, and Spyro grows in faith and wisdom in a satisfying way that does not feel didactic. A delightful read.
In exchange for an honest review, I received a copy from Ancient Faith Publishing.
In exchange for an honest review, I received a copy from Ancient Faith Publishing.
March 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this story of St Spyridon. Not knowing much about him as a Saint before this, I was glad the author included the biographical information in the back. A wonderful story for early elementary age to get to know this Saint. Highly Recommended.
May 2, 2019
What a fantastic book. I really enjoyed getting to know young Spyros. God is wonderful in His saints!
January 4, 2024
Excellent read! I just finished reading to my 8 year old and I enjoyed the story as much as she did!
January 10, 2024
Adeline’s (10) Review
Spyridon’s Shoes is about a boy names Spyros whose family is very poor. He wants to raise money to go to school, so he raises money by hunting octopi and selling them. One day he is on the beach and hurts his foot and an old man, Abba, helps him by wrapping his foot and putting it in one of his own shoes.
Spyros’ struggle to earn money made me sad, because I couldn’t imagine how hard that would be. Spyros was very determined to get what he wanted. Abba helped Spyros go from being a boy who only prays once a week at church to being a very prayerful young man.
I think kids should read this book because even thought it is a fictional story it is a more fun way to learn about St. Spyridon than just reading a biography. The end was a surprise, but very happy. This book is very beautiful and I think you should read it.
Mom's Review
Hunkered down in the ER while my daughter rested and we waited to be admitted, I picked up the book she brought along to keep her entertained. It had been a long, emotional day full of worry. Though she had finally been diagnosed with pneumonia, my mama-nerves were shot. My brain was not up to the task of the book I’d brought along with me. As I opened Spyridon’s Shoes by Christine Rogers, I anticipated a sweet story. I certainly found that, but discovered also a reminder of the God who is wonderous in His saints.
Spyros wants an education, and he is willing to work for it. He spends his days octopus hunting off the shores of Corfu to earn money to go to school. One day while on the beach with his friend, Niko, Spyro injures his foot. While Niko runs for help, Spyros is aided by an elderly, Abba, who lends Spyros his slipper. As quickly as he appeared, Abba is gone.
As adults, we know the end of the story, but as my children read it, they were utterly astounded at who Abba turned out to be. I was utterly astounded at the lessons packed into this 96 page story. Rogers crafts a piece of fiction which serves as a character sketch of St. Spyridon. I’ve very often read about the lives of the saints to my kids, and I thank God for those who make them readable for children. After discussing the book with my ten-year-old daughter, I realized that not only did she learn facts about St. Spyridon, but also really got to know the saint through the story. Spyridon’s Shoes served as a beautiful tool discuss Christian character and the ways we can be Christ to others. Abba stayed by Spyros’ side and attended to his needs emotionally and physically, quietly leading Spyros towards Christ and His Church. Spyridon’s Shoes points children in the same direction.
Spyridon’s Shoes is about a boy names Spyros whose family is very poor. He wants to raise money to go to school, so he raises money by hunting octopi and selling them. One day he is on the beach and hurts his foot and an old man, Abba, helps him by wrapping his foot and putting it in one of his own shoes.
Spyros’ struggle to earn money made me sad, because I couldn’t imagine how hard that would be. Spyros was very determined to get what he wanted. Abba helped Spyros go from being a boy who only prays once a week at church to being a very prayerful young man.
I think kids should read this book because even thought it is a fictional story it is a more fun way to learn about St. Spyridon than just reading a biography. The end was a surprise, but very happy. This book is very beautiful and I think you should read it.
Mom's Review
Hunkered down in the ER while my daughter rested and we waited to be admitted, I picked up the book she brought along to keep her entertained. It had been a long, emotional day full of worry. Though she had finally been diagnosed with pneumonia, my mama-nerves were shot. My brain was not up to the task of the book I’d brought along with me. As I opened Spyridon’s Shoes by Christine Rogers, I anticipated a sweet story. I certainly found that, but discovered also a reminder of the God who is wonderous in His saints.
Spyros wants an education, and he is willing to work for it. He spends his days octopus hunting off the shores of Corfu to earn money to go to school. One day while on the beach with his friend, Niko, Spyro injures his foot. While Niko runs for help, Spyros is aided by an elderly, Abba, who lends Spyros his slipper. As quickly as he appeared, Abba is gone.
As adults, we know the end of the story, but as my children read it, they were utterly astounded at who Abba turned out to be. I was utterly astounded at the lessons packed into this 96 page story. Rogers crafts a piece of fiction which serves as a character sketch of St. Spyridon. I’ve very often read about the lives of the saints to my kids, and I thank God for those who make them readable for children. After discussing the book with my ten-year-old daughter, I realized that not only did she learn facts about St. Spyridon, but also really got to know the saint through the story. Spyridon’s Shoes served as a beautiful tool discuss Christian character and the ways we can be Christ to others. Abba stayed by Spyros’ side and attended to his needs emotionally and physically, quietly leading Spyros towards Christ and His Church. Spyridon’s Shoes points children in the same direction.
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April 15, 2020In general, this is not the kind of tale that I appreciate. I'm not a fan of fictional stories about saints or miracles. While Spyridon's Shoes does pull from actual stories about Corfu and St. Spyridon, it is nonetheless a fabricated story of a fictional character who encounters the saint. However, I have to admit that it is beautifully told with rich descriptions of setting and character, making it an extremely endearing read. Despite my reservations, I thoroughly enjoyed the little novella, and the last chapter brought me to tears. My 6 and 8 year old sons were also completely charmed by it and cannot stop discussing it. I'm quite glad it was written.
April 24, 2019
Spyridon's Shoes is my new favorite children's book!
From the very beginning, I was pulled into this sweet book by the succinct yet descriptive writing style. I truly felt like I had stepped back in time to octopus hunt in Corfu with the main character, a young boy named Spyros! The short chapters leave nothing to be desired. The way Khouria Christine Rogers composed this story left me wanting to read “just one more chapter” each time. We read the book aloud, one chapter per day, to our whole family (which includes a 5.5 year old, a 3 year old, and a baby), and it was a struggle not to zip through the whole book in one go.
A child who is an established reader would find this book a great read. The language is simple enough to be readable to a child, yet contains enough “exotic” language (as in, Greek names, places, and so on), that it will spark interested discussion about the words they will encounter.
The story is quite endearing, and teaches the reader (young and old alike) about the Jesus prayer (Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner — or shortened, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me), and the benefit of praying in all things. I think sometimes that we, as lay people, may feel like the call to “pray without ceasing,” (1 Thess. 5:17) must be for monastics alone. Who has time or ability to ceaselessly pray, when there are dishes to be washed, meals to be cooked, places to drive? Not so. Khouria Christine makes it obvious and so accessible to us; prayer in all things is not just necessary, but truly easy. The Savior tells us Himself that His burden is easy and His yoke is light. He does not lay heavy burdens upon us, and Spyridon’s Shoes shows us how simple it is to pray in all things, and the magnitude of the effect it truly has.
I won’t lie; I teared up at the end of the book. Though this story is intended to be juvenile fiction, I was deeply touched by the story line, and the characters who came to be so alive and relatable to me. This is absolutely a treasure of a book, and I would not hesitate to give this book as a gift to anyone for any occasion. Further, it has strengthened our family’s bond with Saint Spyridon. May we have his Holy prayers!
From the very beginning, I was pulled into this sweet book by the succinct yet descriptive writing style. I truly felt like I had stepped back in time to octopus hunt in Corfu with the main character, a young boy named Spyros! The short chapters leave nothing to be desired. The way Khouria Christine Rogers composed this story left me wanting to read “just one more chapter” each time. We read the book aloud, one chapter per day, to our whole family (which includes a 5.5 year old, a 3 year old, and a baby), and it was a struggle not to zip through the whole book in one go.
A child who is an established reader would find this book a great read. The language is simple enough to be readable to a child, yet contains enough “exotic” language (as in, Greek names, places, and so on), that it will spark interested discussion about the words they will encounter.
The story is quite endearing, and teaches the reader (young and old alike) about the Jesus prayer (Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner — or shortened, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me), and the benefit of praying in all things. I think sometimes that we, as lay people, may feel like the call to “pray without ceasing,” (1 Thess. 5:17) must be for monastics alone. Who has time or ability to ceaselessly pray, when there are dishes to be washed, meals to be cooked, places to drive? Not so. Khouria Christine makes it obvious and so accessible to us; prayer in all things is not just necessary, but truly easy. The Savior tells us Himself that His burden is easy and His yoke is light. He does not lay heavy burdens upon us, and Spyridon’s Shoes shows us how simple it is to pray in all things, and the magnitude of the effect it truly has.
I won’t lie; I teared up at the end of the book. Though this story is intended to be juvenile fiction, I was deeply touched by the story line, and the characters who came to be so alive and relatable to me. This is absolutely a treasure of a book, and I would not hesitate to give this book as a gift to anyone for any occasion. Further, it has strengthened our family’s bond with Saint Spyridon. May we have his Holy prayers!
October 20, 2019
Set on the Greek Island of Corfu, the audiobook Spyridon’s Shoes by Christine Rogers, is written for the seven year old to the pre-teen, but can be appreciated by any age. The historic fictional child Spiro and his environs are described in colorful language and details as we learn that he catches fish to support his family. The choice expressions the author uses are dramatic and paints pictures of the playful and realistic antics of your everyday beach-loving boy. She also reads the story aloud with expression that matches the lively action.
The author brings to life the historical character of St Spyridon who young Spiro encounters multiple times while fishing at the shore. He helps the boy when he injures his foot and nobody else is nearby to help him home. The boy looks for his kindly friend and repairs the ripped sandal tall Spyridon loaned him to walk home in. In later encounters, they become friends as he tells the white-bearded man about his worries and dreams and is consoled and encouraged. I loved the drama of the relationship that unfolded as the fatherly man shared his thoughts and aspirations about how to know God and confide in Him about everyday matters.
The traits of St Spyridon such as his habit of helping people in need are based on actual stories passed down for centuries in Corfu. I enjoyed the author’s creativity in adding drama that aids the imagination to picture the skeleton story-line we are often left with in historical accounts. This allows the reader to appreciate the historical figure and for a child to encounter him or her more fully.
I came away with a vivid picture of the generosity and kindness of our historic saints who labor for us in invisible ways. And also the profound reminder of what saints’ lives constantly remind us of: that our connection to God is vital for the everyday things we need and prayers are what create and continue this connection.
The author brings to life the historical character of St Spyridon who young Spiro encounters multiple times while fishing at the shore. He helps the boy when he injures his foot and nobody else is nearby to help him home. The boy looks for his kindly friend and repairs the ripped sandal tall Spyridon loaned him to walk home in. In later encounters, they become friends as he tells the white-bearded man about his worries and dreams and is consoled and encouraged. I loved the drama of the relationship that unfolded as the fatherly man shared his thoughts and aspirations about how to know God and confide in Him about everyday matters.
The traits of St Spyridon such as his habit of helping people in need are based on actual stories passed down for centuries in Corfu. I enjoyed the author’s creativity in adding drama that aids the imagination to picture the skeleton story-line we are often left with in historical accounts. This allows the reader to appreciate the historical figure and for a child to encounter him or her more fully.
I came away with a vivid picture of the generosity and kindness of our historic saints who labor for us in invisible ways. And also the profound reminder of what saints’ lives constantly remind us of: that our connection to God is vital for the everyday things we need and prayers are what create and continue this connection.
May 7, 2019
As both a recent convert to Orthodox Christianity and a mother, I am eager to find more resources to teach my young children about practical aspects of our faith. SPYRIDON’S SHOES, a children’s novel about the friendship between young Spyros and his mysterious benefactor “Abba” Spyridon, was a charming story that offered many concrete examples of living the faith while also introducing readers to the life of Saint Spyridon of Greece.
Spyros is a young man with good character, but his lack of engagement with his faith may be familiar to many. For example, Spyros attends church with his family, but perhaps unsurprisingly, he has a hard time paying attention. He does not pray regularly and definitely does not take the time to ask God’s blessing for the many goals he has set for himself. As their friendship grows, Abba gently explores these issues with Spyros and provides encouragement on how to change in ways that children can understand.
One of the passages that deeply resonated with me was when Spyros confesses that praying feels funny to him. After Abba prompts him to consider why that is, Spyros reflects that he hasn’t done it much before. Abba responds, “With God, as with people, we seek to form a relationship, a friendship. The more you converse with God, which is what prayer is, the more natural it will become. Like speaking to an old friend.”
I especially recommend this book for younger boys who enjoy stories about adventure. The descriptions of fishing and octopus-hunting were exciting to my 7-year-old son and helped to draw him into the story as I read. The mystery surrounding Abba’s identity was also intriguing for him. We very much enjoyed the story.
The publisher provided a free review copy of this book. In return, they asked for my honest review.
Spyros is a young man with good character, but his lack of engagement with his faith may be familiar to many. For example, Spyros attends church with his family, but perhaps unsurprisingly, he has a hard time paying attention. He does not pray regularly and definitely does not take the time to ask God’s blessing for the many goals he has set for himself. As their friendship grows, Abba gently explores these issues with Spyros and provides encouragement on how to change in ways that children can understand.
One of the passages that deeply resonated with me was when Spyros confesses that praying feels funny to him. After Abba prompts him to consider why that is, Spyros reflects that he hasn’t done it much before. Abba responds, “With God, as with people, we seek to form a relationship, a friendship. The more you converse with God, which is what prayer is, the more natural it will become. Like speaking to an old friend.”
I especially recommend this book for younger boys who enjoy stories about adventure. The descriptions of fishing and octopus-hunting were exciting to my 7-year-old son and helped to draw him into the story as I read. The mystery surrounding Abba’s identity was also intriguing for him. We very much enjoyed the story.
The publisher provided a free review copy of this book. In return, they asked for my honest review.
April 6, 2019
One day as a young boy named Spyro is tending to his family's fishing nets by the sea shore he meets a stranger who he comes to know as Abba. This man is kind, gentle and has a peaceful presence. Spyro is not sure exactly why, but he feels drawn to him. The two quickly develop a friendship and Abba begins to teach Spyro about life, prayer, and faith in God.
Spyridon's Shoes is a heart-warming story about a young boy named Spyro who must work in order to support himself and his family. Each day he travels to the beach to tend to his family's fishing nets. In his spare time, young Spyro hunts for squid in the rocks and reefs in order to sell at the local market so that he can save enough money to attend school. His encounter with this stranger, Abba, brings a depth to his life that he did not know was possible.
The author does an excellent job painting a vivid picture of the life of young Spyro and the deep bond created between him and his friend, Abba. Though the book is targeted towards adolescents, this story will be enjoyed by both the young and the young in heart!
(I was provided with a copy of this book in return for an honest review)
Spyridon's Shoes is a heart-warming story about a young boy named Spyro who must work in order to support himself and his family. Each day he travels to the beach to tend to his family's fishing nets. In his spare time, young Spyro hunts for squid in the rocks and reefs in order to sell at the local market so that he can save enough money to attend school. His encounter with this stranger, Abba, brings a depth to his life that he did not know was possible.
The author does an excellent job painting a vivid picture of the life of young Spyro and the deep bond created between him and his friend, Abba. Though the book is targeted towards adolescents, this story will be enjoyed by both the young and the young in heart!
(I was provided with a copy of this book in return for an honest review)
October 28, 2019
Spyridon’s Shoes is a story that is sure to captivate young listeners. It will be of particular interest to those interested in Eastern Orthodoxy and/or Greek culture. Author and narrator Christine Rogers paints a beautiful picture of everyday life in Greece, complete with vivid descriptions of octopus hunting. Most children will love the gory bits (bashing a fish on the head, a bloody gash on the foot). What interested me the most was how seamlessly she incorporates theological themes (the Communion of Saints, the importance of prayer). This story will make a great addition to your home or church library.
March 21, 2021
Short, but sweet. This was given to us by my brother in law's family, who are Orthodox, and I enjoyed reading it to Jackson. It is a sweet story of how, if we are open to it, God can use the saints to work in our lives. Because it was from the perspective of a young boy, I hope it spoke to Jackson particularly. Fun fact also is that it is the second book I have read in recent years set on the island of Corfu (the other being My Family and Other Animals).
August 10, 2022
What an excellent book! It completely caught me by surprise how encouraging, uplifting, and faith-strengthening it was. Written with real emotion, in simple language great for family out-loud reads, it directly deepening one’s prayer life and trust in God. You should read this book!
April 25, 2020
Wonderful! So moving, brought me to tears.
February 14, 2022
Short and enjoyable read
Enjoyed this book. Simple but edifying. Good for youth to read.
So hard to find good books for youth but this one is worth it
Enjoyed this book. Simple but edifying. Good for youth to read.
So hard to find good books for youth but this one is worth it
August 17, 2019
A great book. I loved reading it aloud to my kids, and they really enjoyed listening to the story of the boy Spyros.
This is a great book for any age.
This is a great book for any age.
May 6, 2019
my leg
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