But what Nicholas was known for isn’t unique to any church or religion. “Nikola” lived in the town of Myra (in modern day Turkey) back around the year 300 A.D. He was a young, boyish community leader who earned a reputation for doing good deeds without calling attention to himself. Once a man desperately needed money to afford dowries for his three daughters who were marrying. Nikola wanted to help him, but he did not want credit for his generosity. So one night after everybody was sleeping he quietly climbed to the man’s rooftop and dropped three bags of gold down the chimney. Today children in some countries like Holland leave their shoes by the fireplace (or outside on the window ledge) before they go to bed for Saint Nicholas to fill with candies and small gifts.
So what does Nicholas have to do with being a children’s book author, you ask? I spend my days writing and visiting schools, where I celebrate my love of story with kids and teachers. In schools I see many examples of people committing acts of kindness & generosity. They too don't seek recognition. Kids helping classmates who struggle with school work. Teachers creating can-do classrooms that burst with promise & energy. Librarians, who go above and beyond to be reading cheerleaders and put books in the hands of kids. It’s magical to me, just like Nicholas dropping gold down the chimney.
Do you know a “Nicholas” by any other name in your school -- someone who keeps pouring out kindness and generosity? I bet you do. Well let ‘em know!
PS. Here is a picture of my own favorite little “saint” Nicholas (a.k.a. Niko). He too
brings you to the world!
