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The Legend of St. Nicholas: A Story of Christmas Giving    by Dandi Daley Mackall & Guy Porfirio Amazon.com order for
Legend of St. Nicholas
by Dandi Daley Mackall
Order:  USA  Can
Zonderkidz, 2007 (2007)
Hardcover
* * *   Reviewed by Melissa Parcel

Young Nick isn't thrilled about doing last minute Christmas shopping for his little brothers. It's so much easier to get gifts than to give them. He's hoping that he will have enough money left over to buy himself a CD.

While shopping, Nick hears the department store Santa Claus tell a group of children the story of Saint Nicholas, a wealthy boy whose parents died when he was young. In searching for God's plan for his life, he gave gifts to others in secret in order to help them. The present-day Nick decides that buying gifts and giving to others can actually be a fun and rewarding thing to do.

This well-balanced story acknowledges the history of Santa Claus without refuting the tradition. So this book is appropriate for all children, no matter their background or belief in the jolly holiday figure. The gorgeous illustrations enhance the story and give a beautiful depth of detail.

In a season of the year where kids are often focused on what they want rather than what they can give, The Legend of St. Nicholas will inject a bit of the spirit of giving into their lives and help them to focus on others and the true meaning of giving at Christmas time.

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