Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland
Recommended. Age: 7+. A Catholic review of this book for parents.
Our review
Patrick is born in Britain and is taken to Ireland as a slave. Later, after visions, he goes back to Ireland to teach the people about God. At the end, the book shares old stories told about him, like the snakes and the shamrock. dePaola tells the life first and then sets the famous stories apart as legends, so children learn what is history and what is tale. It is a reverent, simple first saint book. One age: 7+, set by Lumen's read-alone age; the publisher says 5 to 8.
For parents
Age 7+, set by Lumen's read-alone age; Holiday House lists 5 to 8. Read it aloud from 4. Point out the line between the true life and the legends at the back. The snakes story is a legend, not history. Ask your child what made Patrick go back to the land where he was a slave.