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Ships, Sleighs and Christmas Lights: The Origins of Saint Nicholas
Snow-covered trees, twinkling lights and sleighs - these remind us of Christmas. But what about sunlit hills, an ancient lighthouse or a wooden ship at sea?
Discover where Saint Nicholas (or Nikolaos) came from and follow him on his adventures.
Did he really wear a red suit and deliver gifts to children? Learn how people living in different times and places added a bit of themselves to his story. Featuring detailed illustrations of scenes from the North Pole to the Mediterranean Coast. Look out for fascinating facts about life in the late Roman period.
Discover where Saint Nicholas (or Nikolaos) came from and follow him on his adventures.
Did he really wear a red suit and deliver gifts to children? Learn how people living in different times and places added a bit of themselves to his story. Featuring detailed illustrations of scenes from the North Pole to the Mediterranean Coast. Look out for fascinating facts about life in the late Roman period.
44 pages, Paperback
First published October 29, 2021
About the author
Colleen Brice
3 books13 followersColleen is drawn to the written word and the visual language of illustration. She has illustrated many children's readers in South Africa over the past ten years. Along the way she discovered stories of her own to share.
She grew up on C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, Hans Christian Andersen's tales, and other children's stories that romanticise travel, hidden worlds and acknowledge the mystery and wonder of faith.
Titles she has written or illustrated include:
Ships, Sleighs and Christmas Lights.
She is also listed as an illustrator on titles such as the colouring-in book Brian and Bonzo meet Red Tiger.
She grew up on C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia, Hans Christian Andersen's tales, and other children's stories that romanticise travel, hidden worlds and acknowledge the mystery and wonder of faith.
Titles she has written or illustrated include:
Ships, Sleighs and Christmas Lights.
She is also listed as an illustrator on titles such as the colouring-in book Brian and Bonzo meet Red Tiger.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 6, 2022
This stunning picture book captures the spirit of Christmas even if told from a perspective most have never heard of. Based off of the biblical story of Saint Nicholaos, the author intertwines how other cultures have added their twist to the story to lead it to the familiar story of a red suit and hat with reindeer.
Young Nikolaos was raised in Patara, a shipping town where he was taught to pray and about the life of Jesus and God. Inspired by the stories of Jesus, Nikolaos traveled to Jerusalem to visit all the places he learned of. He embodied the spirit of Jesus by giving all he could to those less fortunate than himself. When he was returning home his ship ran into a bad storm and he prayed that they would return to land safely. His faith and kindness are examples of where the spirit of the modern Saint Nick comes from. Saint Nikolaos was known for leaving gifts outside children’s windows, or just handing out things that they needed as he could. The tradition of gift-giving was started as a means to show kindness and help each other.
This picture book will entertain young readers and give them a historical perspective without dampening the excitement of the holiday season. This thought-provoking children’s book allows children to see that different cultures believe different versions of the same story. Captivating illustrations accompany the narrative and make for an engaging experience.
Ships, Sleighs and Christmas Lights: The Origins of Saint Nicholas is a delightful picture book that religious educators and families can all enjoy around the holiday season. It focuses on the meaning of Christmas and not the commercialization of the day. The historical fiction in this children’s book is a great conversation starter as well for what life was like in the fourth century.
Young Nikolaos was raised in Patara, a shipping town where he was taught to pray and about the life of Jesus and God. Inspired by the stories of Jesus, Nikolaos traveled to Jerusalem to visit all the places he learned of. He embodied the spirit of Jesus by giving all he could to those less fortunate than himself. When he was returning home his ship ran into a bad storm and he prayed that they would return to land safely. His faith and kindness are examples of where the spirit of the modern Saint Nick comes from. Saint Nikolaos was known for leaving gifts outside children’s windows, or just handing out things that they needed as he could. The tradition of gift-giving was started as a means to show kindness and help each other.
This picture book will entertain young readers and give them a historical perspective without dampening the excitement of the holiday season. This thought-provoking children’s book allows children to see that different cultures believe different versions of the same story. Captivating illustrations accompany the narrative and make for an engaging experience.
Ships, Sleighs and Christmas Lights: The Origins of Saint Nicholas is a delightful picture book that religious educators and families can all enjoy around the holiday season. It focuses on the meaning of Christmas and not the commercialization of the day. The historical fiction in this children’s book is a great conversation starter as well for what life was like in the fourth century.
November 29, 2021
Ships, Sleighs And Christmas Lights by Colleen Brice is a charming book about the origins of St Nicholas. It is perfect for children aged five years and older.
The book opens with Christmas scenes before delving into the real life Nikolaos who was born in the fourth century in Asia Minor which is modern Turkey. We hear about his connections to the life of Jesus before returning to present day Christmas and also learning about life in Lycia.
The whole book is simply written enabling young children to understand. The text is backed up with beautiful illustrations. Each page is a starting point for discussion or you can read the story straight through in one go.
I loved the parallels between Nikolaos and Jesus – when caught in a storm, Nikolaos knows if he prays to Jesus, He will calm the storm inside him.
I really enjoyed the book as it spoke to my heart as well as educating me on the origins of St Nicholas.
I think children will love this book. The illustrations are worth the money alone. It is a beautiful book that deserves to be bought for all the households with young children.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
The book opens with Christmas scenes before delving into the real life Nikolaos who was born in the fourth century in Asia Minor which is modern Turkey. We hear about his connections to the life of Jesus before returning to present day Christmas and also learning about life in Lycia.
The whole book is simply written enabling young children to understand. The text is backed up with beautiful illustrations. Each page is a starting point for discussion or you can read the story straight through in one go.
I loved the parallels between Nikolaos and Jesus – when caught in a storm, Nikolaos knows if he prays to Jesus, He will calm the storm inside him.
I really enjoyed the book as it spoke to my heart as well as educating me on the origins of St Nicholas.
I think children will love this book. The illustrations are worth the money alone. It is a beautiful book that deserves to be bought for all the households with young children.
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews