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Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland
The story of Patrick's life, from his noble birth in Britain, to his being captured and taken to Ireland by a group of bandits, to the "dreams" that led him to convert the Irish people to the Christian faith. DePaola also retells several well-known legends, including the story of how Patrick got rid of all the snakes in Ireland.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 1992
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570 people want to read
About the author
Tomie dePaola
419 books883 followersTomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) was best known for his books for children.
He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.
Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.
He had a five-decade writing and illustrating career during which he published more than 270 books, including 26 Fairmount Avenue, Strega Nona, and Meet the Barkers.
Tomie dePaola and his work have been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award, the Laura Ingalls Wilder Award, and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
March 17, 2020
Tomie does a great job of telling the story of Saint Patrick. There are 2 halves of the book. The 1st half, the bigger half is about the real story of Patrick and how he lived in Britain and was abducted and sold into Irish Slavery for 6 years. He prayed night and day and God began answering his prayer. He escaped Ireland only to eventually go back there.
The 2nd half, the smaller half were all the legends people tell of Saint Patrick, how he got rid of the snakes in Ireland and rode a stone in the ocean.
It was a good choice to separate out fact from myth. I learned quite a bit in this story. I probably learned some of this as a child and forgot it, but maybe not. I do remember some of the myths about him, simply not the facts about him. He was a brave man living back in the 400ADs.
The artwork is very much Tomie dePaola. It does it’s work well.
The nephew enjoys the myth part of the book. He thought that Saint Patrick was pretty cool. The fact stuff, he didn’t care much about. Like I have stated, he is a man of action and all the stuff in myths are more cool. He thought this was a good story and gave it 3 stars.
The 2nd half, the smaller half were all the legends people tell of Saint Patrick, how he got rid of the snakes in Ireland and rode a stone in the ocean.
It was a good choice to separate out fact from myth. I learned quite a bit in this story. I probably learned some of this as a child and forgot it, but maybe not. I do remember some of the myths about him, simply not the facts about him. He was a brave man living back in the 400ADs.
The artwork is very much Tomie dePaola. It does it’s work well.
The nephew enjoys the myth part of the book. He thought that Saint Patrick was pretty cool. The fact stuff, he didn’t care much about. Like I have stated, he is a man of action and all the stuff in myths are more cool. He thought this was a good story and gave it 3 stars.
March 17, 2019
This is an interesting look at the Saint's beginnings as a slave, missionary, and eventually a church leader. dePaola also takes a look at the legends surrounding the man, including the banishment of the snakes, and the use of the shamrock to represent the holy trinity.
March 17, 2021
I vividly recall reading this on St Patrick's Day as a child, and what could I do but reread it today? dePaola brings such heart to the story of St Patrick, also recounting a few of the legends about him. One of his best saints' books, IMO, right up there with The Holy Twins.
Reading the story of St Patrick again hit me even harder as an adult. The man followed God's call to return to the land where he was enslaved. dePaola described Patrick's spiritual experience while he was enslaved: "he felt the love of God in his heart." Patrick returned to Ireland under much different circumstances: voluntarily, with a crew of others, as a bishop. Yet, I can only imagine how challenging it must have been for him to return to Ireland. It reminded me of a favorite verse of Corrie ten Boom:
"...hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." (Romans 5:5 NIV)
How grateful I am that Patrick was filled with God's love, to the point where he returned to the land of his captivity to share the freedom of Christ. While some people use this day to celebrate their ethnic heritage (the river is already green here), it's a day to remember the spiritual heritage we have from Patrick. Christianity was embraced so tightly by the Celts that we can now speak of Celtic Christianity.
One wee addition I wish had been included is the breastplate prayer attributed to St Patrick, excerpted below. I think dePaola could have shortened this prayer wonderfully, with some delightful illustrations, that would have made this prayer accessible to young readers.
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
Reading the story of St Patrick again hit me even harder as an adult. The man followed God's call to return to the land where he was enslaved. dePaola described Patrick's spiritual experience while he was enslaved: "he felt the love of God in his heart." Patrick returned to Ireland under much different circumstances: voluntarily, with a crew of others, as a bishop. Yet, I can only imagine how challenging it must have been for him to return to Ireland. It reminded me of a favorite verse of Corrie ten Boom:
"...hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." (Romans 5:5 NIV)
How grateful I am that Patrick was filled with God's love, to the point where he returned to the land of his captivity to share the freedom of Christ. While some people use this day to celebrate their ethnic heritage (the river is already green here), it's a day to remember the spiritual heritage we have from Patrick. Christianity was embraced so tightly by the Celts that we can now speak of Celtic Christianity.
One wee addition I wish had been included is the breastplate prayer attributed to St Patrick, excerpted below. I think dePaola could have shortened this prayer wonderfully, with some delightful illustrations, that would have made this prayer accessible to young readers.
Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down,
Christ when I sit down,
Christ when I arise,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity,
Through belief in the Threeness,
Through confession of the Oneness
of the Creator of creation.
October 3, 2013
Tomie dePaola is quickly becoming a household favorite. He's a little lengthy for my preschoolers, however, my 5 yr old loves him. dePaola is educational and enjoyable to read. The illustrations have a unique style all their own that even I enjoy while reading. This one was about Saint Patrick, and was recommended reading for our Geography lesson on Ireland. It brought back memories to my son of how we celebrated St. Patrick's day this year, and upon finishing it, he had many new ideas for ways for us to celebrate and decorate for the holiday again this next year. It also spoke of Saint Patrick's love of God and wanting to spread the word. Being a Christian household, the message of God was appreciated and noted by my son, who enjoys church. The little note in the back by the author also pays homage to the Catholic church he grew up in, where he first learned about St. Patrick from his grandfather. A great educational read for any child.
January 20, 2019
Born into a noble family in Roman Britain, Patrick was captured as a boy by coastal raiders, and sold into slavery across the sea, in Ireland. It was here, as he worked as a shepherd for his new master, King Miliucc, that - after much prayer - he first "felt the love of God in his heart." Escaping from Ireland, Patrick made his way home, but God was not finished with him, and he eventually found himself returning to the land of his captivity, to Christianize the population...
Tomie dePaola - whose retelling of the old legend of The Clown of God was one of my favorite religious picture-books as a child - turns his attention to the traditions of his mother's people in Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland. As someone with a great deal of admiration for ancient Irish culture, but who takes a dim view of proselytizing, I can't honestly say that Patrick is one of my personal heroes. But for those who feel differently, or who just want to introduce children to this influential man in Irish history, dePaola's book is a wonderful place to start. The story is engaging, the illustrations vintage dePaola (always a good thing!), and the inclusion of five folk legends associated with the saint just gives the book added appeal. Definitely a title to be read for St. Patrick's Day, which (as dePaola informs us) marks Patrick's death, on March 17, 461.
Tomie dePaola - whose retelling of the old legend of The Clown of God was one of my favorite religious picture-books as a child - turns his attention to the traditions of his mother's people in Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland. As someone with a great deal of admiration for ancient Irish culture, but who takes a dim view of proselytizing, I can't honestly say that Patrick is one of my personal heroes. But for those who feel differently, or who just want to introduce children to this influential man in Irish history, dePaola's book is a wonderful place to start. The story is engaging, the illustrations vintage dePaola (always a good thing!), and the inclusion of five folk legends associated with the saint just gives the book added appeal. Definitely a title to be read for St. Patrick's Day, which (as dePaola informs us) marks Patrick's death, on March 17, 461.
October 2, 2019
You don't have to be Irish to love the Patron Saint of Ireland, St. Patrick the Scot. He is such an iconic figure in the Christian world because of his humble beginnings as a slave and then the miracles as a man of God and of the early church. This book has information about his life and the legend behind his fame in Ireland. The illustrations are in an original and innocent style of painting that depicts his life.
April 9, 2023
This book contained two stories I'd never heard of before: one about the hounds that stopped howling once St. Patrick was near and the other about how St. Patrick helped his charioteer find his lost horses. It didn't mention two of my favorite St. Patrick stories: how he lit the forbidden Paschal fire and how he turned into a deer to escape the druid king. A beautiful book nonetheless.
November 28, 2012
In Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland by Tomie dePaola, a young boy named Patrick was captured at a young age and forced to be a shepherd for six years. He was very sad and lonely and prayed to God every day. He felt the love of God each time he prayed. He heard God talk to him one night and say that a ship would come for them and he would move to his own country. At first, the captain of the ship would not let him aboard. The hounds on the ship would not stop howling unless Patrick came along so they let him. They were starving so Patrick prayed for food and a herd of pigs ran by them. He heard God’s voice again and knew that he must return to Ireland to share God’s word. Patrick became a bishop and started the first church in Ireland. The king had planned to kill Patrick so his friend gave his life for him. Patrick came close to losing his life twelve times. After Patrick died, he was declared a saint and many churches were created in Ireland. Many people followed in his path and shared the word of God.
Patrick listened to and answered God's call. He left his home and family in order to become a bishop and help the people. He knew his strengths and talents and used those in his work.He devoted his life to God and helping others.
One theme of this book is to always persevere and never give up. Patrick went through many trials and tribulations but always followed his heart and listened to God to guide him. Another theme in this book is doing what you love even if others do not always agree. Patrick’s family did not want him to leave but he knew that being a bishop was what he was called to do.
Patrick listened to and answered God's call. He left his home and family in order to become a bishop and help the people. He knew his strengths and talents and used those in his work.He devoted his life to God and helping others.
One theme of this book is to always persevere and never give up. Patrick went through many trials and tribulations but always followed his heart and listened to God to guide him. Another theme in this book is doing what you love even if others do not always agree. Patrick’s family did not want him to leave but he knew that being a bishop was what he was called to do.
February 25, 2016
This is an interesting book about the life and legend of Saint Patrick, who, like the title of the book notes and the famous green beer, shamrock-filled, and corned beef and cabbage holiday declares, is the Patron Saint of Ireland.
The story is very informative, although the narrative is a bit long and serious for younger children. There is even some violence, killing and mention of slavery, so I would recommend it for older elementary school-age children.
But my favorite part is the author's note at the end that mentions that Tomie dePaola wrote this book in honor of his Irish mother, who requested that he do so. We also liked his description of the Holy Trinity through the use of a shamrock.
As we read this we noted that Saint Patrick died 1550 years ago, which is quite notable considering that the celebration of his life continues with such festivity today. I have to admit that, through this book, I learned as much about this historical figure as our girls did.
The story is very informative, although the narrative is a bit long and serious for younger children. There is even some violence, killing and mention of slavery, so I would recommend it for older elementary school-age children.
But my favorite part is the author's note at the end that mentions that Tomie dePaola wrote this book in honor of his Irish mother, who requested that he do so. We also liked his description of the Holy Trinity through the use of a shamrock.
As we read this we noted that Saint Patrick died 1550 years ago, which is quite notable considering that the celebration of his life continues with such festivity today. I have to admit that, through this book, I learned as much about this historical figure as our girls did.
March 26, 2020
While I cannot guarantee that the stories are true and not folklore, I can say that it's an interesting read. :)
Ages: 4 - 9
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Ages: 4 - 9
**Like my reviews? Then you should follow me! Because I have hundreds more just like this one. With each review, I provide a Cleanliness Report, mentioning any objectionable content I come across so that parents and/or conscientious readers (like me) can determine beforehand whether they want to read a book or not. Content surprises are super annoying, especially when you’re 100+ pages in, so here’s my attempt to help you avoid that!
So Follow or Friend me here on GoodReads! You’ll see my updates as I’m reading and know which books I’m liking and what I’m not finishing and why. You’ll also be able to utilize my library for looking up titles to see whether the book you’re thinking about reading next has any objectionable content or not. From swear words, to romance, to bad attitudes (in children’s books), I cover it all!
March 19, 2012
An interesting story about St. Patrick. Includes a biographical story about his life, then shorter stories at the end attributed to St. Patrick (such as driving the snakes from Ireland, or using the clover to explain the Holy Trinity). While I'm not sure I was utterly captivated by the tale, it is a good one for St. Patrick's Day as it does a good job of explaining key points in St. Patrick's life and the illustrations (classic dePaola) are captivating. dePaola wrote this for his Irish mother, who had urged him to write a book about their dear patron saint. Very sweet, and I loved his Author's Note when he explains how he got caught up in the fervor of discovering his Irish heritage.
December 6, 2008
For adults also ! Is there a law that prohibits us from reading any book that strikes our fancy? Kafka once said that we should read only books that sting us. I think it all boils down to the personal experience that evolves as one immerses oneself even in the simplest and most ordinary of books...
February 15, 2018
I enjoyed this offering for children a great deal. It was fun to learn that dePaola is half Irish and that is what prompted him to learn of and write about the saint.
March 15, 2021
Very good.
March 8, 2020
Makes no sense, has no coherency. Oversimplified. I mean, I know it's based on legends and so not enough is known to make a book, but still. Illustrations flat. The church experience, described in the author's note, that young Tomie had that 'made him forget he was half-Italian' is more vivid and interesting than the book.
March 17, 2011
Simple, colorful telling of Patrick's story. dePaola's artwork is delightfully folk-ish, and yet he ably portrays to children the harsh trials and deep encounters with God in this man's life: from Patrick being sold into slavery as a boy, to his God-given missionary dreams, to setting up his first Irish-Christian mission site in a barn, to his witnessing his friend's death, and more.
October 30, 2016
I doubt that kids will find this very engaging, but it does provide an opportunity to talk about Saints and it explains a little about the history of Ireland. (A simple map of Europe showing the location of Ireland would have been helpful.)
As in many of his other books, dePaola includes an Afterword that explains his motivation for writing this story.
As in many of his other books, dePaola includes an Afterword that explains his motivation for writing this story.
read-to-jp
March 27, 2018(Since JP is constantly singing a song about St. Patrick's Day that he learned in school!)
March 16, 2021
A simple biography for young readers. Beautiful illustrations.
August 26, 2018
The artist provides very cute illustrations to adorn this brief 1992 biography o St Patrick
March 22, 2024
As is always the case with Tomie dePaola, the artwork is lovely and the story is a nice introduction to Patrick.
December 17, 2021
DePaola is at his best here, following up a historically accurate portrayal of Patrick's life with a section on myths surrounding St. Patrick, allowing children the opportunity for cultural literacy and fun, without sacrificing historical integrity! It also offers a great discussion starter on myths and how they can grow out of real events. This book is a St. Patrick's Day tradition in our family!
March 31, 2020
This is another great book by this talented author. I like that he has written books about history for children to appreciate.
March 8, 2020
I’ve heard the name “Tomie dePaola” lauded in Christian lit. circles but this was my first time reading him. “Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland” is a beautifully illustrated book recounting the life and legends of St. Patrick.
I bought the book for my church’s library but I let my two year old take a read first. It’s a bit wordy for a two year old but she loved the illustrations.
The plot sticks pretty close to what we knows about Patrick: he was a Brit who was kidnapped by Irish pirates, he was solid into slavery, he escaped, had a vision, became a bishop, returned to Ireland, and evangelized the land. I was particularly glad to see the legends concerning Patrick tacked on at the end!
The best part of the book is the illustrations. The worst part is that the publisher decided to go with Times New Roman for the font . . .
I bought the book for my church’s library but I let my two year old take a read first. It’s a bit wordy for a two year old but she loved the illustrations.
The plot sticks pretty close to what we knows about Patrick: he was a Brit who was kidnapped by Irish pirates, he was solid into slavery, he escaped, had a vision, became a bishop, returned to Ireland, and evangelized the land. I was particularly glad to see the legends concerning Patrick tacked on at the end!
The best part of the book is the illustrations. The worst part is that the publisher decided to go with Times New Roman for the font . . .
March 13, 2020
Interesting book for kids, combining known facts and legends into a really great read.
February 23, 2020
A basic biography of St Patrick, whom we celebrate on March 17. A great introduction for children ... Or even adults! I just this year realized how many adults don't even know the basic origins of the holiday and that's a shame. At the back of the book are legends about Patrick. I don't particularly like these being included in a biography for children, but I appreciate that they are separated from the "official" biography portion of the book.
March 18, 2021
Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Tomie dePaola. It is a brief, straightforward summary of the known facts about the saint's life. Since today is St. Patrick’s Day (17 March), I thought it would be apropos to read this book today.
Saint Patrick was a fifth-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. Known as the "Apostle of Ireland", he is the primary patron saint of Ireland.
dePaola's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. The first half of the book deals with the life of St. Patrick, while the second, albeit smaller half deals with the miracles that had happened in his name. dePaola's rich colors are somewhat muted here, and beautifully balanced – the whole effect is decorative, reverent, and serene.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. For the most part, the first part of the text deals with the life of St. Patrick in a historical sense – correcting the many misconceptions that readers tend to have about the Saint. The second half deals with the five legends or miracles attributed to St. Patrick to round out the biography.
All in all, Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland is a wonderful biography, which differentiates between historical figure and the miraculous.
Saint Patrick was a fifth-century Romano-British Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. Known as the "Apostle of Ireland", he is the primary patron saint of Ireland.
dePaola's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. The first half of the book deals with the life of St. Patrick, while the second, albeit smaller half deals with the miracles that had happened in his name. dePaola's rich colors are somewhat muted here, and beautifully balanced – the whole effect is decorative, reverent, and serene.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. For the most part, the first part of the text deals with the life of St. Patrick in a historical sense – correcting the many misconceptions that readers tend to have about the Saint. The second half deals with the five legends or miracles attributed to St. Patrick to round out the biography.
All in all, Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland is a wonderful biography, which differentiates between historical figure and the miraculous.
July 26, 2023
A beautiful and educational book.
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March 15, 2019
Another homeschool read- this one we all enjoyed! Some of the illustrations of Patrick as a boy look like a girl to my kids and it was distracting from the story. Included are the legends about Saint Patrick as well, these mostly felt made up! But it was neat to read about the man right before Saint Patrick's Day this Sunday!
March 30, 2018
Pictures were okay. More details on legends than other books about Patrick. Like those other books, this one includes the partialism that is part of the shamrock analogy.
3.5 stars.
3.5 stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews