| Title | : | Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver: The History and Legends of the Real Santa Claus |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1514001802 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781514001806 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 30 |
| Publication | : | Published October 12, 2021 |
Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver: The History and Legends of the Real Santa Claus Reviews
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Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver weaves a fascinating story of Nicholas who loved all and loved gifting those in need.
Nicholas was born in Turkey supposedly on March 15, 270, where his parents both died before he was grown. He was raised by his uncle who was an abbot. Nicholas grew to love Jesus. At young age, he sailed off to see the Holy Lands, where he lived in a cave and prayed alone.
Later, in Myra down by the see, he taught folks the Bible, and helped any person in need. He gave gifts to the weak, the sick, and the needy. One night, he sneaked into the house of a poor family faced with calamity. He gifted three sisters with three bags of gold.
He supposedly died on Dec. 6, 343.
This story is poetically presented with charming flow and magnificent illustrations, and above all sends wonderful message of helping those less fortunate.
Under author’s note, I found two interesting questions worth pondering:
What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever given?
What’s the greatest gift you’ve ever received?
Sharing custom from my native country: In Poland, children receive gifts from St Nicholas on Dec. 6, and additionally on Dec. 24th at night after Christmas Eve dinner, they search for the first star in the sky. Once, they see it, they go and look under Christmas tree for gifts.
Source: InterVarsity Press -
My family is in the minority, but we’ve made a decision not to participate in the Americanized cultural myth that is Santa Claus. Part of it is secular consumerism overtaking the focus on the Christ child. Part of it is the conviction that we shouldn’t lie to our children. And some of it is about the fact that Santa Claus—Saint Nicholas—was actually a real person who had no idea what his acts of generosity would spiral into. Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver is a retelling of the historical Santa Claus, providing readers with a fun and informative addition or counter to the secular Santa story.
On the night before Christmas,
So the old stories say,
Saint Nicholas rides
In a magical sleigh
But what is the truth,
And what are the legends?
Who is this giftgiver
And why all the presents?
Ned Bustard begins his rhyming look at good old Saint Nick with this burning question, then takes us through a history of Nicholas’s life. The right panel of each spread contains a stanza to the poem, while the left illustrates something in Nicholas’s life in a stained glass sort of pattern. Bustard’s rhyming isn’t always the smoothest, but in fairness his topic doesn’t lend itself to easy rhyming. An example:
Soon a very bad king,
Diocletian, arose.
He made faith illegal—
Jailing Nick and all those
Who said they loved Jeus
—in each country and state
But then they were freed
By Constantine the Great.
So, I mean, Bustard did the best he could with what he had. As the story moves on, Bustard moves from this historical figure to the legend, tying Santa Claus back to his Christian roots as a symbol of generosity and love. It’s factually accurate, wonderfully illustrated, and a nice change of tone and pace from the Americanized Santa that permeates everything in the months of November and December.
I also appreciate that Bustard doesn’t tell kids that Santa isn’t real or they’re wrong to believe in him, but presents it as legend stemming from history. He manages to keep the magic of Santa while also retaining the proper focus on Jesus and truth. He makes Santa out to be what he should be: A symbol of Christian love.
This is the first book to be published under the IVP Kids imprint and, I have to say, if this is where they are starting, then I’m excited to see what books they have coming down the line. Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver is a fun, informative, and somewhat countercultural take on the jolly old fellow—one that even this curmudgeonly Santa-denier can get behind.a -
I’ve enjoyed Ned Bustard’s illustrations for quite awhile and was so excited for this book to come out! The pictures are beautiful, colorful, and fun. And the story retold is full of history of the Christian tradition that will make the book a classic Christmas go-to. I love it!
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Every generous act of giving, with every gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17
The true story of St. Nicholas told in the cadence of Jolly Old St. Nicholas. How he became to be the gift giver and how his faith led him to Sainthood. The illustrations are colorful and the poetic life of St. Nicholas is inspiring for all ages.
A special thank you to InterVarsity Press and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review. -
Summary: A retelling in verse of the story of the life of the real Saint Nicholas and why he is associated with the bearer of gifts that arrive under our trees on Christmas Day.
Now that we are past Thanksgiving, I wanted to tell you about this new gorgeously illustrated children’s book retelling the story of the real Saint Nicholas, in verse reminiscent of Clement Moore’s famous poem. It is one of the first releases in InterVarsity Press’s new
IVP Kids line of books, and if this is any indication, this line promises a host of new books for children that are equally a delight for the parents who may read them aloud.
Through the story we are introduced to Nicholas’ birth in Turkey, the early death of his parents and the uncle, an abbot, who raised him in the love of Christ. We learn about a pilgrimage in prayer and solitude to the Holy Land, his imprisonment for his faith under Diocletian, release under Constantine, ministry in Myra, and confrontation with Arius at Nicaea. Finally, we discover the origin of Nicholas’ association with gifts in his loving ministry as bishop and the generous gifts he left three poor sisters on “one very dark night.”
The poem connects this historic Nicholas (who had a little round belly!) with the gentleman who carries gifts every Christmas eve, complete with sleigh and reindeer and assures us that he will continue to do so until the Gift from above returns. The poem moves us away from the commercialized Santa Claus to the real Saint Nicholas and the real meaning of gift giving.
Ned Bustard, an accomplished graphic artist who works as the creative director of Square Halo Books both retells and illustrates this story, with a woodcut illustration that goes with each page of verse. One can read aloud the poem in about ten minutes, but no doubt you will spend more time looking at details in the illustrations like the wee mouse who recurs (you might look together for how many times the mouse appears!), the children baptized in a tub, the confrontation with Arius, and the gifts to the three sisters. As a bonus, there is a
link to download free coloring pages taken from illustrations in the book on the publisher’s
web page for the book!
This is one to buy or order today to have on hand to read aloud with the children you love in the nights leading up to Christmas. It wouldn’t surprise me if this becomes a family favorite!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. -
As soon as this book arrived in the mail, my daughter latched onto it and has read it daily. She reads it to anyone who will listen, from her parents to her siblings to her stuffed animals, to our neighbors from our front porch. We really enjoy how Ned captured the heart of Nicholas' story and helps us see the beauty of the heritage of generosity he has passed on to us over time. This will be a permanent fixture in our celebration for years to come!
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I loved the illustrations best of all! It is good to hear a children's rhyming story of the "real" St. Nicholas, but the illustrations are a knock-out. makes me want to look for the author's other work.
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Not a fan of syncretizing Saint Nicholas with Clement Clarke Moore's version of Santa Claus, which is done overtly here in several places. Bustard's Nicholas just...never died, apparently? Evidently, Nicholas moved from Myra (near modern-day Demre, Turkey) to the north pole, named reindeer Blitzen and Dasher, grew "a little round belly," and does the Christmas Eve thing without any explanation why he abdicated his rightful feast day of December 6 (which is actually mentioned here).
Nods are given to the oldest Nicholas legends, which is helpful. Often this happens in the illustrations. Unhelpful is that Bustard takes apocryphal stories, like Nicholas slapping Arius at the Council of Nicaea, being imprisoned by Diocletian, and released by Constantine, as truthful as the older legends. These originated so long after Nicholas's life that it's strange to include them, especially the one about Arius. However, in the author's note, Bustard relates these stories in a section that begins "historians generally agree," and begins the section about older Nicholas legends by saying "Many legends grew." The Arius/imprisonment legends should have been included in the legends section because historians do not generally agree that these things really happened, and the Arius story originated a millennia after Nicholas's life (we have no reliable record of Nicholas being at Nicaea in the first place). An important aspect of the Arius legend is that Constantine stripped Nicholas of his role as bishop due to, you know, being violent at an ecumenical council, but alas, Bustard has immortalized this ahistorical moment by making an illustration of Nicholas and Arius arguing. Interestingly, Arius is the calm one and Nicholas is portrayed hopping up and down, raising his arms and presumably shouting. Not exactly the impression of theological debate that young children should receive.
I just don't see the value in a storybook syncretizing Saint Nicholas with "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" jolly old Saint Nick. I'm a historian. I think history is important. I think children deserve the truth, and this book does not deliver it. -
It’s not easy to find a good Christmas story for kids. Even though there are a whole lot of Christmas picture books out there, many of them lack substance.
But Ned Bustard’s new Christmas picture book is not just another story about Santa and his reindeer. Written in rhyme and illustrated in a truly unique style, Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver is a merry mingling of poetry, history, and legend.
The storybook begins with these captivating lines:
On the night before Christmas,
so the old stories say,
Saint Nicholas rides
in a magical sleigh.
But what is the truth,
and what are the legends?
Who is this giftgiver,
and why all the presents?
Instead of focusing on Saint Nick in modern times, the tale journeys back to the original story of young Nicholas growing up in Turkey and traveling to faraway places. Ned Bustard tells in poetry the true story of Saint Nicholas and how he slowly turned into the man of legend and myth.
The artwork of the book is an absolute delight, done in a unique linocut style, colorful and cheery. Kids of all ages will love hearing the poetic story read aloud by parents, grandparents, teachers, and caregivers.
There are some Christmas stories I remember growing up with, one written in rhyme that I memorized as a child because I loved the rhythm and meter of it. If this story had been available when I was little, I believe it would have been a favorite. I would probably know it by heart by now.
There are plenty of children around the world today who would love to grow up with a tale such as this one. "Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver" will make a lovely gift for children and a keepsake for families. -
Santa has always been part of our family’s Christmas tradition, not as Gift Giver necessarily, but as a historical figure whose influence lives on and has become larger than life like John Henry or Paul Bunyan. Author and illustrator Ned Bustard has created a picture book, commemorating for families the details around St. Nick’s life including the geography, his spiritual roots, and the political and theological context of his day.
Bustard’s illustrations add to the magic while, ironically, the lively rhymed text (free of any spoilers!) somehow helps to humanize the ancient mythical figure. For instance, who knew that the man who would be immortalized as Santa Claus was involved in the Arian debates of the early church?
Forever remembered for his generosity, Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver lives on. For parents who want to swing the season’s emphasis away from the glitz and the greedy gimmes, this story will deepen the legend around Santa and explain how the tradition of gift-giving has come to be associated with Christmas. Christian families will be grateful for the motivation St. Nicholas provides to act on their faith and to share the love of God in practical acts of service.
Many thanks to InterVarsity Press for providing a copy of this book to facilitate my review, which is, of course, offered freely and with honesty. -
IVP has a kids imprint, yay!
While I learned several micro-biographies of St. Nicholas in this book, what was most profound for me was developing an appreciation of Santa Claus. There are scholars on the two figures (of which I am not one), but where before I might have admitted some antagonism towards Santa, I am now more open and curious. The stanzas hint at larger stories, and there are also clues in the illustrations (such as the mouse friend). While the Nicaean altercation was understated in the main text, exposition (happily) follows in the author's note.
The discussion questions are relevant, concise, and revealing. The line "For him time has stopped in some curious way--the hands of the clock forever delayed" accompanied by a paused timepiece may be my favorite part of the book. My ignorance in art mediums is exposed: "All of the illustrations in this book are relief prints--images carved out of linoleum and printed by hand, then colored in." I had no idea relief print was done with linoleum.
As honorary auntie, I have plenty of young folks I can gift this to. I also think my adult brother would enjoy it (mostly for the Arius bit).
Publication is slated for October 12, 2021.
I received a reviewer's edition of this book through NetGalley. -
Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver
by Ned Bustard
Pub Date 12 Oct 2021 | Archive Date 11 Nov 2021
InterVarsity Press, IVP Kids
Children's Fiction | Christian
I am reviewing a copy of Saint Nicolas the Gift-giver through Intervarsity Press and NetGalley:
On the night before Christmas, so the old stories say, Saint Nicholas rides in a magical sleigh. But what is the truth, and what are the legends? Who is this giftgiver, and why all the presents?
Around Christmas we start to think about presents and why we give them. In this Children’s book the reader will about the life of Saint Nicholas and why he became known as one of the greatest gift givers of all times.
If you have a young one who wants to know more about Saint Nicholas and why we give gifts, let me recommend Saint Nicholas the Gift-giver.
I give Saint Nicholas the Gift Giver five out of five stars!
Happy Reading! -
I would like to thank Netgalley and Ned Bustard for an advanced reader copy in exchange of an honest review. Saint Nicholas follows the Story of Saint Nicholas and not the fairy-tale Santa Clause Saint Nicholas but the real Saint Nicholas. It tells his story in a way easy for kids to understand. Through the book there is several bible verses and references to faith. However, what I found unique and unlike any picture book I read before about Saint Nicholas was it centred around his real story. It talked about his life and events that made him the legend he is today. At the very end of the book Ned Bustard provides a list of books if you wanted to go deeper into the history of Saint Nicholas. I think this a great way to introduce Saint Nicholas to children regardless of if you believe in a god or not. It is easy to read for young readers and includes lots of interesting visuals. Overall it is a great introduction to Saint Nicholas for younger audiences.
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I grew up with Santa Claus, but our parents taught us that it's just a fun tradition, that Jesus's birth is the real reason to celebrate. Later I learned about the historical St. Nicholas. Ned Bustard's delightful book introduces both St. Nicks to children at once and will surely enlighten lots of parents too. For example, I had never bothered to learn that Nicholas was born in Turkey; I thought he was from Western Europe!
It's important to me that picture-book art be well done, and these linocut print illustrations are beautiful. They add to the story, as all good illustrations should. The recurring mouse and the Holy Spirit dove are two of my favorites.
I could quibble with some of the rhyme and meter, and I found the several pages reprising The Night before Christmas longer than they need to be, but those really are just quibbles. This is a fabulous Christmas book! -
What a wonderfully written book! From the story to the illustrations to the magic they evoke and beauty they spread, this is a book I look forward to reading year after year. I am a sucker for Saint Nicholas legend. I love the clear focus on the One who prepared Nick for his calling to become a gift giver. I love to include the legend of Santa at Christmas without giving it center stage. My kids know Santa isn’t the one giving them gifts under the tree, but just the same we all enjoy the magic of make believe. 😍
Our Christmas will be enriched by Ned Bustard’s story and pictures for years to come. -
A wonderful Christmas story for all ages! In rhyme the author tells the story of Saint Nicholas. What I love most (beside the amazing illustrations) is how the story starts with facts known about Saint Nicholas and ends with more legend and myth and the illustrations do as well. Watching the image of the man morph into the myth with changing details of each page is a genius way to show that transition. I also really appreciate the author’s note at the end that gives a bit more detail into Nicholas’s life. I will definitely be purchasing this for my girls for Christmas.
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Lovely illustrations and an interesting Dr Seuss kind of rhyme scheme to the story. Since the rhyming story drops various names, you probably need more historical background to really get the story (why it was a big change when Constantine legalized Christianity, who Arius was). There are references to the famous "Nicholas slapping/punching a heretic" story, but it's not told in full, perhaps because that's a self-contained story that would probably need to be a storybook by itself.
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A cute poem about Saint Nicholas, who he was, and how his legend originated. I enjoyed the art and think it will easily hold the attention of all readers. The poem is original and will captivate readers, young and old alike. It blends the legend with today’s symbolism in a way that makes it easier to understand for little readers. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
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I wish I knew more of the history of the real Nicholas who would come to be known as St. Nick. So, I cannot verify the historical accuracy of this book. But, I did appreciate its mentions of Jesus and Nicholas’ opposition to Arius at the Council of Nicaea. And there is a clear separation between the events of Nicholas’ life and later legends people have made up. The book is written in verse with lines 2 and 4 mostly rhyming.
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And excellent look at the background behind this Santa guy who is sometimes called St Nick. I originally hated the connections it made between the cherry nose, bowl full of jelly Santa with the history of the Saint, but last Christmas after almost every adult who ever interacted with my kid asked him what Santa will bring him or some other related comment I’m glad a I have a book like this to shape that story a bit better.
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Ho, ho, homoousios
I was commenting to one of our TEs that I don’t know how I feel about Santa for children because I expect to disciple my children on the real work that happened at Nicea. And he immediately pulled this book out from his daughter’s stack of books. What a fun treat of a read. And the pictures are just incredibly gorgous. 10/10 Amazon-ing my own copy as I type. -
Thanks to Netgalley and IVP for a free digital copy.
Giving the background of the Christmas legend Saint Nicholas, this book also gives glory to God like the original Saint Nick did. The illustrations are reminiscent of stained glass window and give off an old world Christmas vibe. -
A wonderful account of the life of Saint Nicholas and how he began gift giving in secret. Colorful illustrations told in a lyrical rhyme. A very special book to read during the holiday season. I highly recommend to kids of all ages. Thanks to #netgalley for the advanced reader copy. I loved it.
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*in the voice of Miette*You leave out the pickle boys and the Saint Nick slapping a dude for the authors note? Shame on the author! Shame on the author for a thousand years!*end voice of Miette*
(Overall, an okay book on Saint Nicholas for younger readers.)
