The great psychoanalyst Adam Phillips, whom I will never tire of citing, and from whom I continue to learn many things, likes to say that adults actually remain children for a very long time. Perhaps in some respects we never grow out of our childhood, and that is by no means a necessarily bad thing.
And who, pray tell, is the patron saint of children but in reality universally (if sometimes perhaps covertly) beloved by all ages? St. Nicholas, of course. If you don't like St. Nicholas, are you even human? His appeal seems so easily universal and understandable that it's no wonder new books continue regularly to appear about him. In October of this year in a new imprint for kids from IVP, we will have Ned Bustard's Saint Nicholas the Giftgiver (IVP, 2021), 32pp.
About this little book the publisher tells us this:
On the night before Christmas, so the old stories say, Saint Nicholas rides in a magical sleigh. But what is the truth, and what are the legends? Who is this giftgiver, and why all the presents? Around Christmas we spend a lot of time thinking about presents, but have you ever wondered why we give gifts? Learn about the life of Saint Nicholas and discover why he became known as one of the greatest giftgivers of all time. Told as a delightful poem, this colorfully illustrated book will be enjoyed by children and the adults who read with them. Also included is a note from the author to encourage further conversation about the content. Discover IVP Kids and share with children the things that matter to God.
