Real St. Nicholas: Tales of Generosity and Hope from around the World

My eleven year old grandson was enthralled by the stories. He particularly liked knowing how the legends are still significant in today's world. Stories are long enough but not too long; plenty of information for discussion starters yet did not bore the little ones. Would recommend for children 5 through 14 years of age. My three grandchildren thoroughly enjoyed (ages 6, 11, 14).

A really unique approach with all kinds of interesting tidbits, though the writing is not always compelling.

Great book for Christmas, even though the stories are not Christmas related the Saint himself is. Lots of good short stories about St Nick and the legends of miracles attributed to him. Stories of perils on the sea, in the forest, with animals, lots of good stories to read to yourself or others especially children. They have included many good recipes for cookies and pastries as well.

For nearly a decade I've had the honor to "re-present" St. Nicholas on the Sunday closest to his feast day in December at our Episcopal Church. Our St. Nick comes in during the "Passing of the Peace," sits down in front, and tells a story to the children, after which they distribute St. Nicholas ginger cookies to everyone. For the past 6 years, our St. Nicholas has told one of the stories from this wonderful, indispensable collection. They are truly timeless, which means they can teach some surprisingly modern lessons. For example, the Armenian story of St. Nicholas the hermit and the mouse may have been intended originally to teach people to be content with their lot and not to aspire to something above their "station" in life. But today it can teach the importance of being careful what you wish for (because you might get it and then wish you hadn't) and of asking God to give you what God knows will be best for you. It could also teach how God lets you make mistakes and learn from them without being destroyed by them. Thank you, Louise Carus, for gathering, translating, and publishing this amazing resource!

As a reenactor who becomes St. Nicholas (not Santa Claus) for many church, school, historic village and civic groups, especially in December, I am always searching for more stories which show the generous giving (not getting) nature which St. Nicholas inspires. These wonderful stories are well written with many new - to me - ones and other versions of more familar stories. The last part of the book has modern wonders of St. Nicholas wich are most intriguing. This book is highly recommended.

This book is great for older kids and adults alike. It is a compilation of stories about St. Nicholas from around the world. My kids enjoyed many of these stories, and there were several that I hadn't heard as well. A great book if you want to learn about the real St. Nicholas in great detail.

This is a great book, full of stories. The pictures inside are nice also.

Very comprehensive, though definitely old fashioned in today's world.