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Patrick and the Fire: A Legend about Saint Patrick
Bevan the goatherd longs for the annual festival bonfire celebrating the god of light. When a stranger named Patrick appears, Bevan learns about one God in three persons. Patrick frightens Bevan when he boldly lights a fire rivaling the king's. Soon the king realizes Patricks faith, like his fire, cannot be quenched, and Patrick preaches the Trinity to the people. Ages 4 to 7.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2017
About the author
Cornelia Mary Bilinsky
6 books1 followerCornelia Mary Bilinsky received her B.A. in English and Theology from St. Paul's College at the University of Manitoba. She has spent years working alongside her husband (a Ukrainian Catholic priest)in various parishes in Ontario. She most enjoys teaching children about the faith with stories, plays and songs.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 17, 2017
This book was a complete surprise. The day it arrived in the mail my children ages 10, 9 and 6 wanted to read it right away. We ended up reading it through three times that same day. They loved the story; they loved the prayer to St. Patrick, and the loved the short biography at the end of the book. This book is the retelling of one of the legends surrounding St. Patrick.
This book is very well written and wonderfully illustrated. The palette of colours used and the style of artwork is wonderful for the story of a saint. My children spend hours after reading it, redrawing many of the images from the book.
The story begins with a young man named Bevan who is shepherding a flock of goats. He encounters Patrick upon his arrival in the area. Patrick is looking for the hill of the king to get permission to preach in the area. But it is the festival of Fire of Balor. Patrick decides to build his own fire. This fire will not be extinguished and Patrick challenges the King's beliefs. With permissions Patrick begins his work.
The story takes a legend about Patrick and turns it into a personal encounter. My Son saw himself in the shepherd Bevan, and this man's desire to learn from Patrick. The story is a little legend, a little myth, a little history, some adventure and a whole lot of fun. It is a great read that immediately became a family favourite. And the youngest two have already asked to take it to school so it can be read in their classes.
A wonderful book and we will be looking to read more of the children's books from Pauline soon.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
This book is very well written and wonderfully illustrated. The palette of colours used and the style of artwork is wonderful for the story of a saint. My children spend hours after reading it, redrawing many of the images from the book.
The story begins with a young man named Bevan who is shepherding a flock of goats. He encounters Patrick upon his arrival in the area. Patrick is looking for the hill of the king to get permission to preach in the area. But it is the festival of Fire of Balor. Patrick decides to build his own fire. This fire will not be extinguished and Patrick challenges the King's beliefs. With permissions Patrick begins his work.
The story takes a legend about Patrick and turns it into a personal encounter. My Son saw himself in the shepherd Bevan, and this man's desire to learn from Patrick. The story is a little legend, a little myth, a little history, some adventure and a whole lot of fun. It is a great read that immediately became a family favourite. And the youngest two have already asked to take it to school so it can be read in their classes.
A wonderful book and we will be looking to read more of the children's books from Pauline soon.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
February 11, 2021
In searching for books about the life of Saint Patrick, I spotted the cover art for Patrick and the Fire: A Legend about Saint Patrick and was instantly intrigued. When it comes to picture books, I am always equally looking at the story as well as the art that accompanies it. Here, the art and story combine to be a quick but rather compelling vignette from the life of Saint Patrick.
The story is a short one from the many legends about Saint Patrick, but is told in an engaging way that draws you in from the beginning. However, the illustrations elevate the story beyond the words on the page. At times, the art reminded me of old Disney animation stills from The Black Cauldron era as well as newer art from films like Brave. The characters are well realized and drawn with expression that at the same time evokes mystery as well as a sense of history.
This is definitely a Catholic book, and contains a prayer to Saint Patrick at the beginning. Readers from Protestant or Evangelical households might want to preview this section beforehand. At the end of the book is a brief biographical sketch of Saint Patrick's life, which dives into more possibly historic details than the fictionalized account in the rest of the book.
However, I will say this book tackles complex theological themes such as salvation and the Trinity, and presents both in a way that young children will be able to grasp. These definitions and explorations of theology transcend both Catholic and Protestant views for a more universal Christian presentation that either Catholic or Protestant readers can enjoy and use to further discussions with their children about the work of God.
If you're looking for a fun, quick read on the life of Saint Patrick that contains excellent illustrations, Patrick and the Fire is certainly a book to add to your picture book library!
The story is a short one from the many legends about Saint Patrick, but is told in an engaging way that draws you in from the beginning. However, the illustrations elevate the story beyond the words on the page. At times, the art reminded me of old Disney animation stills from The Black Cauldron era as well as newer art from films like Brave. The characters are well realized and drawn with expression that at the same time evokes mystery as well as a sense of history.
This is definitely a Catholic book, and contains a prayer to Saint Patrick at the beginning. Readers from Protestant or Evangelical households might want to preview this section beforehand. At the end of the book is a brief biographical sketch of Saint Patrick's life, which dives into more possibly historic details than the fictionalized account in the rest of the book.
However, I will say this book tackles complex theological themes such as salvation and the Trinity, and presents both in a way that young children will be able to grasp. These definitions and explorations of theology transcend both Catholic and Protestant views for a more universal Christian presentation that either Catholic or Protestant readers can enjoy and use to further discussions with their children about the work of God.
If you're looking for a fun, quick read on the life of Saint Patrick that contains excellent illustrations, Patrick and the Fire is certainly a book to add to your picture book library!
March 10, 2017
“Patrick and the Fire” by author Cornelia Mary Bilinsky is a beautifully composed story about the courageous missionary work of St.Patrick, Christ’s Apostle to Ireland, creatively designed to delight the imagination of young children, and to animate their faith in the one true God. Drawing on her exceptional creative ability and experience in catechizing children for some thirty years, the author effectively presents a story imbued with Biblical depth and symbolism in a very vivid and colourful way, evoking interest and zeal for the Christian faith in young readers. The simple illustrations by Maggie Coburn , which appropriately emphasize the traditional Irish colours of green and orange, serve as an effective visual backdrop to the unfolding story, without unduly detracting attention from the written text.
The use of fire as a central focus on the front cover, in the initial prayer, and throughout the plot dramatically accentuates the “holy fire” of faith in Christ, the “true light of the world” that cannot be extinguished, and which sources the courage and zeal of the uncompromising witness of St.Patrick in an adverse and dangerous environment. One cannot help but see a clear parallel with the Old Testament account of the great Prophet Elias, who stages a competition with the pagan priests of Baal on Mount Carmel (3 Kings 18), to prove who is the true God. God’s fire from heaven instantly consumes Elias’ gifts of sacrifice, unquestionably demonstrating the authenticity of his faith in the prevailing darkness of deception and false deities. In today’s post-Christian world of confusion and spiritual darkness, which propagates both secularism and the syncretism of all religions as merely differing paths to the same God, this book delivers a powerful and timely message not only to children but to adults as well, who like Bevan in the story, are often “bored” amidst false or superficial religious practices and ideologies, unaware of the real dynamism of truly living the true faith in Christ Jesus, the only way to God the Father(John 10:7,14:6). St. Patrick is clearly on fire with this faith, and is willing even to die so as to teach others about the Most Holy Trinity.
The originally composed “Prayer to St.Patrick” at the very beginning of the book wonderfully captures the spiritual meaning of the ensuing story, explaining the significance of the “holy fire” of faith from the outset, so that young hearts may receive God’s grace to more deeply benefit from the reading experience. Also included in the prayer is a short excerpt from the famous Breastplate Prayer of St.Patrick for Divine protection, which also appears again in the story. The short biography of the Saint included at the end serves not only to elaborate on his life and mission, but through the tactful use of the same language and phrasing as the story, helps to re-enforce the read events, committing them more effectively to memory. Great insight and wisdom on the part of the author!
In conclusion, we would very highly recommend this book to any parent who desires to enrich the faith of their child in a very entertaining and resourceful way. Like a refreshing dip into the ocean of God’s grace, one can simply remain on the surface, or dive more deeply to search out the spiritual treasures of this beautiful work. Congratulations to Connie Bilinsky for the use of her God-given talents for His glory, and Pauline Books and Media for the publication of this little gem.
The use of fire as a central focus on the front cover, in the initial prayer, and throughout the plot dramatically accentuates the “holy fire” of faith in Christ, the “true light of the world” that cannot be extinguished, and which sources the courage and zeal of the uncompromising witness of St.Patrick in an adverse and dangerous environment. One cannot help but see a clear parallel with the Old Testament account of the great Prophet Elias, who stages a competition with the pagan priests of Baal on Mount Carmel (3 Kings 18), to prove who is the true God. God’s fire from heaven instantly consumes Elias’ gifts of sacrifice, unquestionably demonstrating the authenticity of his faith in the prevailing darkness of deception and false deities. In today’s post-Christian world of confusion and spiritual darkness, which propagates both secularism and the syncretism of all religions as merely differing paths to the same God, this book delivers a powerful and timely message not only to children but to adults as well, who like Bevan in the story, are often “bored” amidst false or superficial religious practices and ideologies, unaware of the real dynamism of truly living the true faith in Christ Jesus, the only way to God the Father(John 10:7,14:6). St. Patrick is clearly on fire with this faith, and is willing even to die so as to teach others about the Most Holy Trinity.
The originally composed “Prayer to St.Patrick” at the very beginning of the book wonderfully captures the spiritual meaning of the ensuing story, explaining the significance of the “holy fire” of faith from the outset, so that young hearts may receive God’s grace to more deeply benefit from the reading experience. Also included in the prayer is a short excerpt from the famous Breastplate Prayer of St.Patrick for Divine protection, which also appears again in the story. The short biography of the Saint included at the end serves not only to elaborate on his life and mission, but through the tactful use of the same language and phrasing as the story, helps to re-enforce the read events, committing them more effectively to memory. Great insight and wisdom on the part of the author!
In conclusion, we would very highly recommend this book to any parent who desires to enrich the faith of their child in a very entertaining and resourceful way. Like a refreshing dip into the ocean of God’s grace, one can simply remain on the surface, or dive more deeply to search out the spiritual treasures of this beautiful work. Congratulations to Connie Bilinsky for the use of her God-given talents for His glory, and Pauline Books and Media for the publication of this little gem.
March 23, 2017
Patrick and the Fire: A Legend about Saint Patrick is a fantastic children's book. When you think about Saint Patrick, because we celebrate him on March 17th, we assume he is Irish. The Irish do claim him because he lived most of his life there, but he is, in fact, British. He was captured as a slave when he was a young boy, and worked in Ireland as a shepherd.
This lovely story is about how Saint Patrick came to know God while he was a shepherd and how God helped him escape... and how came back to Ireland and convinced the King to allow him to teach the Irish about the one true God. Back then, they worshipped MANY gods, none of which were true, but Said Patrick was so brave and honorable, the King allowed it. He bravely converted many people to Catholicism.
Yes, there is more to it than that, but how could I give it all away? It's a great story for girls and boys. It's a story of perseverance and strength through faith in God. At the end of the book, there is a brief history of Saint Patrick and some of the things he did.
Pauline Books & Media sent me this book to review, but as a Catholic mom and Grandmother, I would never give a false review. This is a treasured book in our Library. In fact, we go to Saint Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth, and I will bring this to our Feast Day Party... where we celebrate Irish Catholicism and our Beloved Saint Patrick.
The original post can be found on my blog here: http://davishomemarysmantle.blogspot....
Many Blessings.
Emily
This lovely story is about how Saint Patrick came to know God while he was a shepherd and how God helped him escape... and how came back to Ireland and convinced the King to allow him to teach the Irish about the one true God. Back then, they worshipped MANY gods, none of which were true, but Said Patrick was so brave and honorable, the King allowed it. He bravely converted many people to Catholicism.
Yes, there is more to it than that, but how could I give it all away? It's a great story for girls and boys. It's a story of perseverance and strength through faith in God. At the end of the book, there is a brief history of Saint Patrick and some of the things he did.
Pauline Books & Media sent me this book to review, but as a Catholic mom and Grandmother, I would never give a false review. This is a treasured book in our Library. In fact, we go to Saint Patrick Cathedral in Fort Worth, and I will bring this to our Feast Day Party... where we celebrate Irish Catholicism and our Beloved Saint Patrick.
The original post can be found on my blog here: http://davishomemarysmantle.blogspot....
Many Blessings.
Emily
June 3, 2024
This picture book about the legend of Saint Patrick begins with Patrick returning to Ireland to "help the people of this land come to know God too." This is a quiet story of faith, conversion, and prayer which will appeal to readers who appreciate stories of the saints as missionaries. There is also a biography of Patrick at the back for those looking for more information.
"'How can I be afraid?' Patrick replied, putting his hand over his heart. He closed his eyes and chanted the words he had sewn into his robe: 'Christ with me. Christ before me. Christ behind me. Christ on my right and on my left.'"
"'How can I be afraid?' Patrick replied, putting his hand over his heart. He closed his eyes and chanted the words he had sewn into his robe: 'Christ with me. Christ before me. Christ behind me. Christ on my right and on my left.'"
May 2, 2018
Begins with a silly prayer to Patrick, which I skipped. Cool story, though.
March 13, 2017
I was excited to read this book as it's an account of a legend on St. Patrick that I hadn't heard before. Yet, something was lost in the telling. The story of the fire really didn't take front and center like I was expecting it to, and there was so much of the "same old" St. Patrick history that it wasn't a book I enjoyed immensely.
It was cute enough, and I applaud the author for wanting to tell a different story (other than the snakes, etc.) of St. Patrick. I just wished she had been more guns ho in the telling.
Note: The publisher sent me a complimentary copy of these books with the hope that I would provide (favorable) reviews. Complimentary books don’t necessarily make good books, though. My opinions are my own.
It was cute enough, and I applaud the author for wanting to tell a different story (other than the snakes, etc.) of St. Patrick. I just wished she had been more guns ho in the telling.
Note: The publisher sent me a complimentary copy of these books with the hope that I would provide (favorable) reviews. Complimentary books don’t necessarily make good books, though. My opinions are my own.
January 20, 2017
Patrick and the Fire begins with a boy named Bevan herding goats, a task he did not particularly like. While doing his job, a man named Patrick greets him and asks where to find the King. Bevan explains to him that it would not be a good day to meet the king, but Patrick insists. It is the feast day of a god named Balor, and the king must light the first fire. Patrick has an idea to light a fire first in honor of Christ's Resurrection. Doing so infuriates the king until Patrick explains to him who God is. The king is puzzled at first, but seeing Patrick's bravery and the fact that he can't extinguish Patrick's fire causes the king to reconsider. He instead grants Patrick permission to spread the Gospel through all of Ireland. This is a nice little book that gives your children a religious story mixed with history, legend, and a little bit of adventure. I really like how the book opens with the prayer to St. Patrick and closes with a brief biography on who St. Patrick was.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews