Customer Reviews

Brigid's Cloak

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"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.

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.

I love this book because of its soft, colorful pictures and its lovely, lyrical, easy-to-follow storyline. Brigid is represented in her Catholic aspect in this book but she is blessed by a Druid and still surrounded by her sheep and MAGIC. I love the way she helps others and is rewarded for her efforts. This book is great for kids ages 4 and up as it has a paragraph or two on each page. However, the words are supplemented by pictures on each page so the kids don't get lost in the storyline. My family enjoys this book very much!

"Brigid's Cloak" by Bryce Milligan. Subtitled: "An Ancient Irish Story". Illustrated by Helen Cann. Eerdmans Books For Young Readers, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2002.

Ireland is the "Isle of Saints and Scholars". Most would consider St. Patrick the première saint, and many would hold St. Brigid as second among the many saints of Ireland. She was the daughter of a Druid and the legends state that she was given a magical (miraculous) cloak by a Druid priest. This nicely illustrated book describes the miracle of Brigid's cloak transporting the young servant girl, in time and place, to the Stable at Bethlehem, where Brigid was able to adore the newly born Christ Child. So, this is an idea, book to be given as a gift at Christmas time. The illustrations by Helen Cann follow a Celtic theme, and Brigid is given red hair and freckles. "Joseph gave the child to Brigid to hold ....Lovingly she held the child, then carefully laid him in the cow's hay manger". The words of author, Bryce Milligan, match the beauty of the illustrations. This is a good but different Christmas book.

The legend I like best about St. Brigid also deals with her cloak. It seems that Brigid was asking the "King of Leinster" for some land for a convent. This particular man was miserly; (can an Irishman be miserly?) So, Brigid hemmed and hawed and negotiated for all the land her cloak would cover. The miserly King happily agreed to this. But, then, Brigid gave her cloak to four of her nuns and they stretched the cloak and stretched it and stretched it until the cloak covered almost all of his kingdom. The miserly King was therefore rebuked and he was happy to agree to the donation of just a few acres to St. Brigid!

This is probably my favorite childrens' book about a saint. The story is gracefully and dramatically written, with a subtle lilting intonation reminiscent of an Irish accent. The pagan history of the Irish is not demonized or white-washed here, and the role the old Druid plays in the tale shows how the conversion to Christianity happened in the hearts and minds of the people. Children will be astonished by the miraculous climax of the story, and adults won't mind reading this one over and over again.

I am of Irish descent and wanted to us this in the classroom for preschool children. the book is beautifully illustrated, but the story is a bit complex for young children...my opinion is that it would have been better for my second graders last year rather than my preschoolers this year. It is a book that will spark much conversation and questions with the opportunity for further research and study of ancient Ireland, Saint Brigid and the Nativity story and setting. I bought this book online without any knowledge of what I was purchasing. I do love the story and it will become part of my own family's tradition.

My daughter (age 7) really loves this book. The pictures are lovely and Celtic patterns adorn every page. We didn't know the story of St. Brigid, but this tale involves her being flashed back in time to the Nativity of Our Lord. Her cloak, given to her by a pagan wizard of sorts, plays a big part in the story. This is a great story for the Christmas season and every day.

A sweet story about St. Brigid. Taking you from her childhood to her example through her life.