Marianna Mayer

Talented picture book author Marianna Mayer turns to the story of Nicholas of Myra, the Greek bishop and saint who lived in the third and forth centuries, and who eventually transformed into Santa Claus in modern Christmas mythology, in this beautiful volume. Opening with Clement C. Moore's classic poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas, which did so much to usher in our present-day Santa, Mayer then turns to her historical subject, covering his great generosity and gift-giving (including the famous incident in which he saved three young girls from slavery by providing them with dowries), and the many miracles associated with him, both in his life and long afterward. Her text is accompanied by reproductions of many works of fine art from across the centuries which have depicted St. Nicholas. The back matter, which includes a further note about the saint, also provides a comprehensive list identifying these works of art...

Being a great admirer of Marianna Mayer's work, particularly her retellings of various folk and fairy-tales, and being interested in the story of the real St. Nicholas, since first encountering it in Mildred Corell Luckhardt's fictionalized biography, The Story of Saint Nicholas, I approached The Real Santa Claus: Legends of Saint Nicholas with anticipation. On the whole, I was not disappointed, finding the narrative engaging and the artwork beautiful. Most of the paintings Mayer chose to accompany her text were medieval, and as I have a great fondness for medieval art—it always strikes me as flatter than subsequent Renaissance art, but somehow also more mesmerizing, more mysterious—I was naturally engrossed. I don't think that the quality of the art reproductions here is that high, although I did read the book online, which made perusing the images somewhat difficult, so take that as you will. Leaving that issue aside, this was a wonderful book, and is one I would recommend to picture book audiences seeking stories about the real St. Nicholas. Parents and adult caregivers should note that Mayer is frank about Santa Claus not being real, so they might want to amend their reading as necessary, depending upon their own child listeners' beliefs and needs.… (más)