Customer Reviews

The Blackbird's Nest: Saint Kevin of Ireland

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The Blackbird's Nest by Jenny Schroedel is a children's picturebook that brings to life the story of one of Ireland's most beloved saints. Set around the time of A.D. 618, it follows the experiences of a young man who loves animals and even seems to understand their secret language. But other children bring out the worst in Kevin, and he is prone to bullying. One day though, Kevin learns a tranforming lesson from a most unlikely teacher: a blackbird. Captivatingly illustrated by Doug Montross in full color and with strong overtones of realism and facial expression, The Blackbird's Nest is very highly recommended reading.

This book is a wonderful combination of eloquent prose and beautiful art. Schroedel's interpretation of Saint Kevin is both inspring and well adapted for children. Our child loves it and loves identifying things in the pictures. Definitely an attention grabber for children, yet meaningful for adults too.

One of my two-year-old's top 5 picks--he sits through the whole thing, then says "Again!" I'm happy to acquiesce, since the story's spiritual beauty is multi-layered and just as soothing to my own soul.

I was a little surprised by the simplicity of the story, I expected a little more depth...but I read the book to my children anyway. Oddly enough my 3 and 5 yr old boys really took to the book...it made a big impression on them and for the next few days they would bring up the situation of the bird laying eggs in St. Kevin's hand. The story, somehow, got through to them...especially in regards to the virtues of patience, self-sacrifice and kindness (St. Kevin was not very friendly to humans...he preferred the company of animals as a young boy--or so the story goes.)

I don't know how, I don't know why, but the message of the story got through... I guess it is one of those mysteries where a book speaks to children but does not really capture the interest of the adult who purchased it. Given what I know now, I would definitely purchase this book...even if it isn't one of my favorites.

Good story, great illustrations. In addition, the text is not afraid to say that Kevin was a Christian monk!

This is a beautiful story that is perfect for Orthodox and Catholic children and does a fantastic job of sharing the story of St. Kevin without being overly diadactic or wordy. I hope to see more books like this one in the future and so does my 4-year-old daughter who has listened to it with interest for the last two years!