Brigid's Cloak: An Ancient Irish Story

by Bryce Milligan, Helen Cann (Illustrator)

The wind groaned and swirled that night and likely it seemed to tear
the thatch from the roof. But when the baby gave her first cry, the
wind shushed to a whisper and the stars began to sing.

Brigid's Cloak retells an ancient tale about one of Ireland's most beloved saints. On the day she is born Brigid receives a brilliant blue cloak from a mysterious Druid. Years later, the young girl still wears the now tattered but beloved cloak while she tends her sheep. Is it her imagination that suddenly takes her to an unfamiliar land? Or is it something far greater that leads Brigid to a crowded inn in a town called Bethlehem?

Bryce Milligan's eloquently told story about Brigid is a moving tale of compassion and wonder. Beautifully illustrated by Helen Cann, Brigid's Cloak sparkles with the timelessness of legend and the transcending power of faith.

Genres: Picture Books, Christmas, Childrens, Religion, Ireland, Folklore, Irish Literature

32 pages, Paperback

First published August 9, 2002

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully-illustrated retelling of an ancient folktale concerning Saint Brigid of Kildare, one of Ireland's patron saints, contains a fascinating blend of Pagan Celtic and early Christian motifs. From the old Druid who gives the infant Brigid a beautiful blue cloak, and who speaks with a voice "wise and fierce and full of truth;" to the Holy Family in Bethlehem, who somehow seem to exist outside of time, and know Brigid for who she is (a "child of the West"); this story has just the right mixture of magic and spirituality to appeal to young readers, whatever their religious persuasion. The color illustrations by English artist Helen Cann are vibrant and appealing. I was pleased, moreover, to see the the explanatory notes in the back, giving some historical background to the story.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite books about a saint. It manages to tell the rather fantastical story in a way that seems true enough and keeps the attention even of the littlest listeners. I was most impressed by the inclusion of the Druid's blessing at the beginning of the story. A good saint tale that doesn't whitewash the sense of myth out of the retelling.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This beautifully designed storybook tells readers a lovely tale about the Irish lass that would grow up to be St.Brigid. I told the story using the pictures more than the text.

[Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a sweetly told and beautifully illustrated legend from the childhood of St. Brigid of Ireland, whose stories create a bridge between the Old Ways and the Christianity that was newly arriving in Ireland when she lived. In the book we see a Druid treated with respect and reverence as a divine messenger, and also see 10-year-old Brigid magically transported in time to witness and assist at the birth of Jesus. For those interested in bridging these traditions in our own families, this is a great resource.

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvelous book about a most beloved catholic saint and her majestic blue cloak.

[Shiloah · Rating 4 out of 5]

About the legend of the Irish saint Brigid whose feast day is February 1st.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a really lovely reading of this on youtube, which is where I found it looking for ways to celebrate St Brigid's Day. Imagine there are many variations on this tale. Love how this story mixes St Brigid's story with druid times, nativity legends, and the fact that Brigid herself was born into slavery. Somewhere I have an old Puffin copy of Patricia Lynch's Knights of God-- will pull it out for my daughter who has chosen Brigid for her confirmation name. Knights of God has stories of Brigid, Patrick, Enda, Ciaran, Kevin and others. Also looking for beautiful books on St Francis. Of Assisi, but interested in all the Francises (I love the words of St Francis de Sales).

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nicely illustrated and well written story time book.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not Catholic, but I loved this story of Saint Brigid and her cloak. This would make wonderful Christmas reading, as Brigid visits Bethlehem as the daughter of a certain innkeeper at a critical moment.

[SmokingMirror · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 stars for the story; 4 for the illustrations.

I love the overlap of Pagan and Christian versions of Brigid and I love the ambiguity at the end.

[Ivy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this with my 4th graders for St. Patick's Day...it was on a suggested March list. However it would have been much better as a Christmas read. It is Irish, but other than that it is mostly Christmas. It fit in well with our reads about St. Valentine and St. Patrick. It is quite religious as a heads-up. It led to great discussions. I don't know if I will do it again though. I wasn't in love with the illustrations. I wouldn't attempt it whole group lower than 4th grade.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: The story of Brigid and her cloak.

Why Did I Read This: It appeared on a list of recommended books for February as Brigid's Feast Day is February 1.

Review: I liked this book. I do not really know anything about St. Brigid except that she's from Ireland. This was a simple legend that helped me get to know her within an engaging story.

[Theresa · Rating 2 out of 5]

An Irish folk tale about a young girl born to a slave who is given a red cloak by a shaman. Later she has a dream of being back in Bethlehem helping Mary & Joseph. Because of this she is made a saint in Ireland.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning picture book about St Brigid and her cloak. It was a surprise as it wasn’t the story I was familiar with but it was lovely and added a new dimension to the story I did know. The illustrations are truly beautiful.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely art. Story of Celtic child born under a special star who wakes one morning in Bethlehem to witness another birth under a special star.

[Melissa B · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weaves an Irish folk tale into the Christmas Story.

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical Note at the end.

[Two Hearts Homeschool · Rating 3 out of 5]

The text and illustrations are a bit ho-hum and the whole story lacks focus - glad we only read it once a year for St Brigid’s feast day

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Christmas Story.

[Y.Poston]

a delightful christmas story

[Trudy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely book to introduce children and adults to the story of old Ireland. Great illustrations as well.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful Irish Christmas story!

[Evan Leister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second reading:
This is magnificent. Easily at the top of my favorite picture books. My daughter picked this one out for bedtime reading today when I'm sick and I'm grateful to her for excellent timing as always.

First reading:
This book is top shelf in terms of thought provoking kids books I've ever read. There's parts I'm not sure that I understand yet.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

CIP: none
Summary: A retelling of the tale of Ireland's beloved saint, Brigid.

Review. The illustrations are exquisite, with lovely Celtic borders and bright colors. The tale itself was quite good - but I was personally disappointed when it brought in the whole baby in a manger thing. Unfortunately, I am not well enough acquainted with Irish lore to know if this is the way the tale is always told. It seemed out of place to me, however.

Publishers Weekly says: "has the broad appeal of folklore while retaining the power to inspire religious awe."
BookList says: "Borders... (and) mixed media pictures add both authenticity and wonder to the tale."

[Bridget Neace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another picture book that I requested for the sole purpose of hoping to score a "Book Bingo" this month (and this is a two-fer--a book connected to religion and a book set in my favorite travel location; sadly, I'm not very well-traveled--yet, here's hoping--but one of my favorite places I've had the privilege of visiting recently is Ireland!).

I'd heard of Saint Brigid, but other than the fact that she spelled my name wrong (ha!), I didn't know much about her. I enjoyed this story, along with the author's note at the end.

[Samantha Sebastian]

This beautiful story of Brigid, one of Irelands most loved and known saints, is one that can be read around Christmas time. She travels to a little town called Bethlehem and helps aid in the birth of baby Jesus. This story may not be one to read aloud in the classroom of a public school, but one that could be available if the students wanted to read it for themselves, since religion is not something public schools like to teach or encourage.

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting tale that explains the history of Saint Brigid of Ireland. I'd never heard this story before and it is a nice Christmas-themed story.

The narrative is engaging and the illustrations are colorful. We really liked the Celtic designs on the bottom borders of the pages and I appreciated the author's note at the end of the book that gives a little more historical background information on Saint Brigid. We enjoyed reading this book together.

[Emma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was simultaneously too long and left out huge chunks of the story. I had to coax my son through the first half of it but he finally became interested when he recognized we were reading about Christmas and Jesus. Still, beautiful illustrations and a good introduction to this traditional story for my kids.

[Brenda · Rating 1 out of 5]

LAME! There's NO conflict in this book. None. Not-a. Zero. Zilch.

And "an ancient Irish story"? Definitely NOT! Ancient would be pre-Christian. This book is Catholic propaganda about wiping out all those "dirty" Celtic pagans.

[Joy Gerbode · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful Irish legend about their beloved Saint Brigid. Of course being Irish I think it's great ... but it also revolves around the nativity of Christ, thus it is a fantastic book. I got it for Christmas today, and read it this afternoon!