Patrick and the Fire: A Legend about Sai by Cornelia Mary Bilinsky
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In searching for books about the life of Saint Patrick, I spotted the cover art for Patrick and the Fire: A Legend about Saint Patrick and was instantly intrigued. When it comes to picture books, I am always equally looking at the story as well as the art that accompanies it. Here, the art and story combine to be a quick but rather compelling vignette from the life of Saint Patrick.
The story is a short one from the many legends about Saint Patrick, but is told in an engaging way that draws you in from the beginning. However, the illustrations elevate the story beyond the words on the page. At times, the art reminded me of old Disney animation stills from The Black Cauldron era as well as newer art from films like Brave. The characters are well realized and drawn with expression that at the same time evokes mystery as well as a sense of history.
This is definitely a Catholic book, and contains a prayer to Saint Patrick at the beginning. Readers from Protestant or Evangelical households might want to preview this section beforehand. At the end of the book is a brief biographical sketch of Saint Patrick’s life, which dives into more possibly historic details than the fictionalized account in the rest of the book.
However, I will say this book tackles complex theological themes such as salvation and the Trinity, and presents both in a way that young children will be able to grasp. These definitions and explorations of theology transcend both Catholic and Protestant views for a more universal Christian presentation that either Catholic or Protestant readers can enjoy and use to further discussions with their children about the work of God.
If you’re looking for a fun, quick read on the life of Saint Patrick that contains excellent illustrations, Patrick and the Fire is certainly a book to add to your picture book library!