Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland
I have always enjoyed the picture books of Tomie dePaola. His unique
illustration style is immediately recognizable and is reminiscent of
religious icons found in Catholic and Orthodox churches.
Not
surprisingly, dePaola often tackles Christian themes, making them
accessible for younger readers and their parents. Among my all-time
favorite children's book is his "The Clown of God," which I have enjoyed
reading to children prior to Christmas.
"Patrick: Patron Saint
of Ireland" is another such book. The simple narrative mainly addresses
Patrick's early years as a British boy, captured by the Irish to become a
slave shepherd in Ireland. After many years alone in prayer, he
escapes, but eventually is called in a dream to return to Ireland to
spread the love of God. After religious studies, becoming a missionary
and then a bishop, he finally returns to Ireland, setting up churches,
but not without opposition from some of the local rulers.
What I
appreciate about this version of St. Patrick's story is the dependency
on historical fact in the main narrative. The book concludes with six
one-page summaries of the better-known legends of Ireland's patron
saint, such as driving out the snakes, and his use of the shamrock to
explain the Holy Trinity. Refreshingly, these legends are briefly, but
affectionately, told without judgment. It is left to the reader (or the
parent) to decide what to make of them.
The author concludes with
a one-page epilogue, lovingly explaining how he was introduced as a
young child to St. Patrick by his Irish Catholic grandparents.
