The Story of Saint Nicholas

by Mildred Corell Luckhardt, Gordon Laite (Illustrator)

A fictionalized biography of Saint Nicholas followed by a description of the evolution of Santa Claus.

Genres: Christmas

112 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1960

Reviews

[Abigail]

Mildred Correll Luckhardt tells the story of Saint Nicholas of Myra (270-343 AD) in this fictionalized biography, opening in Patara, a coastal town in Greek Asia Minor (modern day Turkey), where he was raised by his Uncle John, a Christian preacher. Nick's education in nearby Myra, his decision to become a priest, his many good deeds, and his elevation to Bishop of Myra, are covered in the story. So too is his friendship for the family of Thaddeus, a local nobleman in Patara who had fallen on hard times, and whose three daughters had no dowries. Luckhardt's narrative covers the way that Nicholas supplied those dowries, his custom of giving in secret, his great fondness for children, and his eventual imprisonment and then release by the Romans. The story concludes with Nicholas' death on December 6th.

The Story of Saint Nicholas is the second fictionalized story about a historical saint that I have read from author Mildred Correll Luckhardt and illustrator Gordon Laite, following upon their Good King Wenceslas , which was published four years after this, and which I read last holiday season (2018). On the whole, I don't think this one was quite as engaging, but I did enjoy it, and I appreciated learning a little bit more about the real Saint Nicholas. There is a brief, ten-page second section here, explaining how the legend of Santa Claus came to be, combining elements of Saint Nicholas and of northern European customs about a gift-giver from the north. I appreciated Luckhardt's statement that "Santa Claus is not really St. Nicholas, but a gay Christmas symbol of the way St. Nicholas gave," as I think this allows people who want to educate their children about the real saint, but also honor the Santa tradition, to reconcile the two. Recommended to anyone looking for children's books about the real St. Nicholas, and about how St. Nicholas transformed into Santa Claus.

[Jeannette]

Very well written biography for children of Nicholas of Patara from his boyhood as an orphan to his studies as a priest and his selection at bishop of Myra. The story tells of his inheritance from his wealthy parents and how he delighted in using his money to bless others without their knowing. His faith in God and love of the Scriptures was evident throughout his life. The book does a good job of showing how he became a legend in many countries and an inspiration for gift giving even after his death.

[Jenny]

I've been hearing good things about this book for years, so I was particularly excited to finally get to read it to the girls this Christmas.

There's nothing flashy or unexpected about Luckhardt's telling of the life of Saint Nicholas, but it's sweet and simple and a lovely read aloud.

[Iskra]

Informative, but not very engaging. The only chapter I truly enjoyed was the chapter about Father Nicholas's imprisonment and release from prison.

[Janie Groth]

One of our supper time family read alouds in December.