The Legend of St Nicholas by Dandi Daley Mackall

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're getting into the holiday spirit of things with a Children's Storybook selection from the folks at Zonderkidz.  While starring a very familiar face to those who truly believe, it gives us a history of that jolly old elf that you may not have previously envisioned.  Ready for a celebratory turning of the pages?  Today's book of choice is....

The Legend of St. Nicholas:

A Story of Christmas Giving

by

Dandi Daley Mackall

Illustrated by

Richard Cowdrey

9780310731153

Zonderkidz

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.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's true!

It DOES tell the story of how jolly old St. Nicholas came to be....but not as you might have heard it before.  There was no snowstorm that whisked them away to the vendegum.  There was no slip and fall from a roof, hasty change in a snow drift, and clauses so small a lawyer would need a magnifying glass, nay the Hubble telescope to read them.  There was simply of young lad who saw those in need around him, had a means of solving them, and did so in such a way that they could not refuse the beautiful gift they were being given for it came "magically" to them on Christmas Eve, the from whom and why left unknown...to them.  So began the holiday tradition we carry forward with today...only a bit more elaborately.

Does it ever feel like Christmas has become TOO commercial?  Too much of the BRIGHT AND SHINY BUY ME NOW AND BUY ME EVERYTHING instead of a true celebration of the season?  Less of a time of remembrance and sharing the simple things and more of a race to see who has the most presents?  Yeah, I thought you might agree and for those of you that did, this is definitely a book I'd recommend sitting down with family and friends of all ages to not only enjoy but remind us what the season is all about.  It's not about the getting....it's the giving.  It's the moments of time we don't have yet make for one another.  It's the need fulfilled not the want satisfied.  It's the friendly smile shared with a stranger as well as the hug we spare for a friend. 

In conclusion, it's a beautifully illustrated story that really gets readers in touch with what the season is all about.  Whether near or far, it's a treasure to be shared with the young and young at heart.  Special thanks to the great team at Zondervan for the review copy as well as to the Z Blog Squad that's out there everyday blogging about the great books you need to know.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, like them on Facebook. or follow along on Twitter.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.  

Until next time...happy holidays and happy reading!