The legend of Saint Christopher, first written in the thirteenth century, tells the story of a strong man named Offero, who wants to find the greatest ruler in all the world and to serve him as his bearer. Offeros search is in vain until a mysterious child at a riverside asks Offero to carry him over the river. Only after Offero has carried the child over the river does he discover the childs true identity. Then Offeros name is changed to Christopher. Author Margaret Hodges retells with power and simplicity this unforgettable tale of the man who became known as the patron saint of travelers. And illustrator Richard Jesse Watson has created hypnopompic paintings that dramatically capture Offeros journey and the brilliance of his discovery of the One he sought.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Hodges (Saint George and the Dragon) masterfully adapts William Caxton's 15th-century translation of The Golden Legend to serve up a saint's tale with strong folkloric elements. Offero, a strong man who works as a bearer (porter), wants to serve the greatest king in the world. When he discovers that the king fears the devil, Offero concludes the devil is mightier, and serves him until he learns that the devil fears Christ. Offero's search to serve Christ teaches him that his own inner grace is even stronger than his physical prowess. Watson's (The High Rise Glorious Skittle Skat Roarious Sky Pie Angel Food Cake) artwork achieves a startling blend of the ancient and the timeless, the archetypal and the particular he paints narrative elements in representational oils, reserving the backgrounds for abstract patterns that hint at the mythic roots of legend. All ages.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-6-Hodges does a fine job of adapting and retelling the saint's story from William Caxton's 15th-century Golden Legend, acknowledging that these tales were not meant to be historical. Offero has a desire to serve the greatest king in the world. He serves a variety of masters, including a monarch and a cruel devil, believing each is the greatest ruler, until the sign of a cross causes the devil to flee, and Offero looks for Christ. A hermit tells him that he should take travelers across the river to find Christ, and one night he carries a young boy who becomes so heavy that he feels like the world is on his shoulders. The child is Christ, carrying the burdens of the world. Changing the man's name to Christopher, which means the Christ-bearer, Christ sends him back to the river to continue helping travelers. Hodges's style is fluid and has the cadence and rhythm of an experienced storyteller. The text is well illustrated by Watson's sometimes complex, full-page paintings done in oils on acrylic. While the figures are realistic, the backgrounds are mysterious and impressionistic, dark and somewhat foreboding until after the encounter with Christ, when they become infused with light. As she did in St. Jerome and the Lion (Orchard, 1991; o.p.), Hodges brings the story to life for young readers.
Jane G. Connor, South Carolina State Library, Columbia
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Jane G. Connor, South Carolina State Library, Columbia
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
good for various ages,
By mother of boys (nashville, tn) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Legend of Saint Christopher (Hardcover)
my kids, ages 5, 8, and 9, all appreciate this well-written story and mesmerizing illustrations.
0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
good book,
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This review is from: The Legend of Saint Christopher (Hardcover)
I got this for my young son, Christopher. He really enjoyed it, and now knows the legend.
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