While I realize Halloween is not quite here, I have been thinking of Christmas. There are already ornaments in some department stores and I just purchased wrapping paper from my son’s school fundraiser. I do love the Christmas season, but I always dread revisiting the Santa Clause issue with my two boys. I have told them the truth many times, but they like the idea of Santa. And let’s face it…Santa is everywhere! I love The Legend of St. Nicholas by Dandi Daley Mackall for this reason.

This delightful story is a retelling of the man who was thought to be the original Saint Nicholas. It begins with a little boy who found it easier to spend his money on himself than on his little brothers. He overhears a store Santa telling the story of Saint Nicholas. It is an updated version, but the spirit of the story is maintained. My oldest son read it to me this evening as I was cooking dinner. I am starting early, so that when Christmas arrives this year we can focus more on the reason for the season and the gift of giving. He enjoyed the book and was able to tell me on his own the main idea of the story.

The best part of this book, is that it allows me to keep Santa this coming Christmas. We will continue to read this beautifully illustrated book until Christmas as a new tradition in our family. The pictures captured the attention of my children who lingered on each page. I feel the recommended age on the back of the book (ages 4-8) is appropriate.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book by its publisher and author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and I have not been compensated.