Saint Nicholas and the Mouse of Myra

This playful book illustrates—in vivid color and  storytelling—the life of St. Nicholas of Myra from  his beginnings as a young priest in Asia Minor in  the late 3rd century until just before his death.  Kids will watch as he learns and practices the  generosity that led to him becoming the father of  Christmas giving (“St. Nick”). As with Saint Francis  and Brother Duck, Jay Stoeckl’s first foray into this  genre, one fictional character is added to the mix  through whom the wisdom and Christian teachings  of Nicholas’s life can be revealed through dialogue:  a Greek-attired philosopher-mouse by the name of  Cicero. He questions many of Nicholas’s actions,  often hilariously, until the mouse himself converts to  Christianity late in the story. The result is an excellent  introduction to the life of one of the least-understood  and appreciated real characters in Christian history