Brigid's Cloak: An Ancient Irish Story

Rating:
Summary: The story of Saint Brigid of Ireland and her blue cloak
Review: "Brigid's Cloak" retells an ancient tale about the beloved Saint Brigid of Ireland (453-524). The day she was born Brigid was given a brilliant blue cloak by a mysterious Druid, who was told in a dream to bring the fit to the child born on the night of the singing stars. Ten years later young Bridig is taking care of a small flock of sheep belonging to Prince Duffy, the blue cloak now tattered but her most treasured possession. One evening, after doing her chores, Brigid says a prayer of thanks as she always did. But when she leaves the stable to go in for supper she finds herself in a strange land, where the air is dry and warm and the men are dressed in oddly colored robes. Eventually, Brigid discovers that one of the things she had always liked to imagine is about to come true. What is remembered about Saint Brigid today in Ireland is not only her cloak but also her generosity, both of which play pivotal parts in this ancient Irish story. American writer Bryce Milligan and English artist Helen Cann tell the story of faith simply with appropriate mixed media illustrations (with Celtic designs used as the lower borders). For any young Irish lass, even if she does not have red hair and freckles, let along a blue cloak, this would be an ideal St. Patrick's Day gift.

Rating:
Summary: The story of Saint Brigid of Ireland and her blue cloak
Review: "Brigid's Cloak" retells an ancient tale about the beloved Saint Brigid of Ireland (453-524). The day she was born Brigid was given a brilliant blue cloak by a mysterious Druid, who was told in a dream to bring the fit to the child born on the night of the singing stars. Ten years later young Bridig is taking care of a small flock of sheep belonging to Prince Duffy, the blue cloak now tattered but her most treasured possession. One evening, after doing her chores, Brigid says a prayer of thanks as she always did. But when she leaves the stable to go in for supper she finds herself in a strange land, where the air is dry and warm and the men are dressed in oddly colored robes. Eventually, Brigid discovers that one of the things she had always liked to imagine is about to come true. What is remembered about Saint Brigid today in Ireland is not only her cloak but also her generosity, both of which play pivotal parts in this ancient Irish story. American writer Bryce Milligan and English artist Helen Cann tell the story of faith simply with appropriate mixed media illustrations (with Celtic designs used as the lower borders). For any young Irish lass, even if she does not have red hair and freckles, let along a blue cloak, this would be an ideal St. Patrick's Day gift.

Rating:
Summary: A compassionate and charming story
Review: Brigid's Cloak: An Ancient Irish Story is the tale of one of Ireland's beloved saints, who receives a wondrous blue cloak as a little girl. Years later, she is still wearing the now-ragged cloak as fate and wonder lead her to a crowded inn within the town of Bethlehem, where she meets the baby Jesus Christ and his family. Deftly written by Bruce Milligan, and beautifully illustrated by Helen Cann, Brigid's Cloak is highly recommended for young readers as a compassionate and charming story with mystical color illustrations.