Saint Patrick the Forgiver - Ned Bustard (IVP Kids - Feb 2023)

Hello, my name is Patrick. You may have heard my story. I walked the span of Ireland to tell of God’s great glory. And with a wee green shamrock I shared of the Three-in-One: our God—the blessed mystery— Father, Spirit, and the Son.
 
Everybody's Irish on Saint Patrick's Day. But did you know that Patrick—the greatest bishop of Ireland—wasn't Irish? Combining Patrick's words from his Confessions with a few of the legends about him, this whimsical retelling will teach families about the fascinating life of the real Saint Patrick and help them discover a remarkable story of love and forgiveness along the way. Told in rollicking rhyme and beautifully illustrated with Ned Bustard's signature linocut artwork.
 

A terrific picture book about the life of Saint Patrick. The story is told in a simple rhyming verse that will appeal to readers of all ages. It covers Patrick's life from being a slave in Ireland to his return to Britain and entering the priesthood to his return to Ireland to bring Christianity to the island. The theme of forgiveness and how hard it can be to accomplish runs throughout the story.
 
There is a colorful illustration for each verse, and I loved the simplicity and beauty of each picture as it related to the verse. They also incorporated Celtic symbols within the images, adding an extra touch of Irish culture.
 
I highly recommend this as an introduction to the story behind St. Patrick's Day.