Christopher: The Holy Giant - Hardcover

DePaola, Tomie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0823408620 ISBN 13: 9780823408627

Publisher: Holiday House, 1994

Synopsis

A celebrated illustrator presents his interpretation of the legend of St. Christopher, who originally had been a giant named Reprobus out to serve the world's most powerful king, a ruler he finds when he carries the young Christ across a river.

About this title

About the Author

Tomie dePaola (pronounced Tommy da-POW-la) is best known for his books for children. He's been published for 40 years and has written and/or illustrated over 200 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 and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure. He lives in New London, New Hampshire with his new Airedale dog, Brontë.

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 4-A retelling of the legend of St. Christopher. Because of his stature, Reprobus the giant wishes to serve the most powerful ruler in the world. During his travels, he meets a mighty king, the devil, and a hermit before understanding that it is Christ he must serve. To do so, the giant uses his impressive strength to carry travelers across a fast-flowing river. One stormy night, he risks his life to help a small child across. With each step, the river rises higher, the wind blows harder, and his passenger grows heavier. Finally safe on the other side, the child reveals that he is Jesus, and renames Reprobus Christopher, or "Bearer-of-Christ." dePaola uses his impressive storytelling skills to convey the action, describing miraculous events with simplicity and dignity. The illustrations, with their clean lines and carefully balanced presentation, are vintage dePaola. The giant's size, accentuated by his massive head and large hands, is gentled by his sorrowful eyes. The devil is depicted as a winged beast. The dramatic image of Reprobus, painfully doubled over as he struggles under his burden, suggests the power and mystery of medieval religious paintings. An author's note explains why Christopher was removed from the Catholic Church's Calendar of Saints. Religious debates aside, this story, with its fluently integrated text and illustrations, stands solidly on its own.
Joy Fleishhacker, New York Public Library
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Holiday House
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0823408620
• ISBN 13: 9780823408627
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32