Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland

Born into a noble family in Roman Britain, Patrick was captured as a boy by coastal raiders, and sold into slavery across the sea, in Ireland. It was here, as he worked as a shepherd for his new master, King Miliucc, that - after much prayer - he first "felt the love of God in his heart." Escaping from Ireland, Patrick made his way home, but God was not finished with him, and he eventually found himself returning to the land of his captivity, to Christianize the population...

Tomie dePaola - whose retelling of the old legend of The Clown of God was one of my favorite religious picture-books as a child - turns his attention to the traditions of his mother's people in Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland. As someone with a great deal of show more admiration for ancient Irish culture, but who takes a dim view of proselytizing, I can't honestly say that Patrick is one of my personal heroes. But for those who feel differently, or who just want to introduce children to this influential man in Irish history, dePaola's book is a wonderful place to start. The story is engaging, the illustrations vintage dePaola (always a good thing!), and the inclusion of five folk legends associated with the saint just gives the book added appeal. Definitely a title to be read for St. Patrick's Day, which (as dePaola informs us) marks Patrick's death, on March 17, 461. show less

This book was a great read, and it was extremely easy to follow. It was about a young farmer kidnapped and sold as a slave. In his time of slavery he prayed to god, and found god within him. This book would be a great teaching example for morals.

Patrick's life story is greatly simplified for children, but covers the essentials, and is illustrated in a style reminiscent of ancient times.
DePaola includes an afterward about his childhood visits to his Irish grandparents (his mother's parents). The book was a response to his mother's request.

(PS: St. Patrick was a Welshman.)

I think this again was a very easy book to understand. The best part was at at the end of the book they gave different variations of stories and miracles that Patrick had done in his life and why he was known for them. Although I think the book is great I am still puzzled at how I would approach this in a classroom at a public school.

Makes no sense, has no coherency. Oversimplified. I mean, I know it's based on legends and so not enough is known to make a book, but still. Illustrations flat. The church experience, described in the author's note, that young Tomie had that 'made him forget he was half-Italian' is more vivid and interesting than the book.

Fun retelling of the story behind St. Patrick's Day. My kids and I enjoyed reading it together.

dePaola tells the story of the life of St. Patrick, focusing on God's responses to Patrick's prayers and Patrick's dedication to the will of God. The book closes with a few brief retellings of legends about St. Patrick.