Patrick of Ireland
by Simonetta Carr, Matt Abraxas (Illustrator)
DETAILS: Series: Christian Biographies for Young Readers Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books Publication Date: December 8, 2022 Format: Hardcover Length: 61 pg. Read Date: July 27, 2025
What’s Patrick of Ireland About?
Simply put—it’s a biography of Patrick of Ireland written for young readers.
It talks about his younger life, his time as a slave, his escape, and his decision to return to Ireland as an evangelist. It looks at his education, work in Ireland (and some of the controversy around him), and his lasting legacy.
Let’s Talk about the Art for a Minute
There are illustrations—mostly in paintings by Matt Abraxas—that are gorgeous. I don’t know how to describe them—but honestly, they’re things you’d easily hang on your wall. I want to say the style makes me think of a modern take on Impressionism, but I’m not convinced that I’m using the term correctly.
The rest of the illustrations are photographs of old Irish artifacts, reconstructions of them, or Irish scenery. It really reminds me of the kind of things that illustrate textbooks (for children or college students and in-between). It solidifies the impression that this is a book for children to take seriously, and not just some fluffy bit of entertainment (see below).
How is it to Read Aloud?
It’s fine. It’s not really written to be read aloud—any more than any book for children of reading age and up are. There’s nothing wrong about the text for reading to someone else, but it’s not designed for it like books for younger children are.
It’s a little dry for that, really—possibly dry for reading to yourself, too. Which is probably good considering the aims of the book.
So, what did I think about Patrick of Ireland?
It is a bit dry. It’s not a book written to talk down to a child, or even written to appeal through a gimmick. It takes the material seriously and expects the audience, too—I’m pretty sure that’s the point.
It’s a pretty good biography, with some of the ambiguity about Patrick’s education and details of his life smoothed out (although they’re acknowledged). Sure, it’s short. Sure, it’s written for children—but an adult wanting a quick take on his life isn’t going to be disappointed. (I’m reminded of hearing that James Holzhauer read children’s reference books in preparation for his appearance on Jeopardy!—this would be a good book for that kind of thing.)
I found it rewarding. I particularly appreciated the little excerpts from Patrick himself being included. I’m eager to introduce the grandcritters to it when they’re a little older, and would recommend it to any reader 7-12 (the target range), and even older.
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