Saint Valentine the Kindhearted, Saint Patrick the Forgiver, Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver by Ned Bustard

Three godly men from the church history are worthy of remembering for their character and service to Christ.

• Reading Level: Picture books, ages 4-8
• Recommended For: Ages 4-8

Saint Valentine the Kindhearted retold and illustrated by Ned Bustard. IVP Kids, 2024. 32 pages.

Saint Patrick the Forgiver retold and illustrated by Ned Bustard. IVP Kids, 2023. 32 pages.

Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver retold and illustrated by Ned Bustard. IVP Kids, 2021. 32 pages.

Three godly men from the early days of church history left Christ-honoring examples, plenty of legends, and holidays we enjoy with plenty of red and green.

But they lived for much more than giving us a reason to eat chocolate. Bustard’s trio of rhyming picture books focus on the godliness and boldness of Valentine, Patrick, and Nicholas, and why they are worthy of better honor than a change of decor.

I appreciate Bustard’s emphasis on the character and fortitude of these men who served the kingdom of Christ, followed their conscience, and considered the needy above the laws of earthly rulers. We don’t have many historical records of any of them, but Bustard has taken what was available and written engaging, child-friendly picture book biographies. The language is playful but not oversimplified, although at times the meter requires extra attention to read smoothly.

Bustard’s admirable printmaking and graphic design skill is evident as he weaves historical culture and symbolism into the illustrations, and the colors are carefully selected for each book.

These are good resources for home or school to fill those library gaps and remind us that we do have reason to celebrate how God has used faithful saints throughout the centuries.

Buy Saint Valentine from amazon.
Buy Saint Patrick from amazon.
Buy Saint Nicholas from amazon.

Overall Rating: 4

• Worldview/moral value: 5
• Artistic/literary value: 3.5

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Also at Redeemed Reader:

• Review: More books about Valentine’s Day for all ages.
• Resource: Church history with Tim Challies
• Review: Saints and Heroes to the End of the Middle Ages, a review from Hayley
• Review: A starred review of Church History by Simonetta Carr