Activity & Resource Books
Click for our list of currently available books from Amazon and other sources.
Out-of-print books may be found in libraries or the used book market.
Coloring Books
• = some of our favorites
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Winter: A collection of Poems, Songs and Stories for young children
Wynstones Press, 1978, 1983, 1999, reprinted 2005
Purchase from Steiner Books
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Catholic Traditions in Cooking
Our Sunday Visitor, 1993
Recipes and traditions from around the world for the Christmas and Easter cycles as well as many other saints' days and occasions.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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• All through the Day, All through the Year: Family Prayers and Celebrations
Augsburg, 2000
A rich collection of rituals, celebrations, and prayer to build traditions for the whole cycle of the church year. Many ideas for families to adapt for their particular situation. Easy to use format, not overwhelming. Excellent resource.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Hunger & Hope: Dramas about Poverty, Hunger & Mission
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 2006
Eleven short, easily-staged and performed plays stimulate thought about poverty, hunger and mission; one play about Saint NicholasPurchase from ELCA Resources
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Prayers from the Heart for the Feasts of the Year
Gracewing Fowler Wright Books
Morehouse Publishing, 1992
A collection of short prayers for the year from traditional and other sources.
Appropriate for adults and children
Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Saints of Christmas: Activity Book
Liguori Publications, 2013
Coloring pages, cut-outs and more for each of the six saints in the "Saints of Christmas" series: Francis of Assisi, Nicholas of Myra, Martin de Porres, Lucy, Mary and Joseph, and Gianna Beretta Molla.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Nicholas - a saint for giving: Resources for Worship
Creative Communications for the Parish, 2008
Background, prayers, hymns, children's sermons and more; comes with files on CD-rom -
• Festivals, Family and Food
Anthroposophic Press, 1996
Festival and seasonal resources for songs, games, stories, food, and things to do. Lovely story of the Easter Hare.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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The Visit of Nicholas: Recapturing the True Meaning of Christmas
C.S.S. Publishing, 1988
A one-act play for four children and adults, with chorus and soloPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Saint Nicholas Speaks: Advent—Christmas Monologue
C.S.S. Publishing, 1991
An introduction for Saint Nicholas, with costume suggestionsPurchase from C.S.S. Publishing, e-book available
Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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The Icon Book: A study of the liturgical art of the Orthodox Church for children and adults
Department of Christian Education
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, 1981
Purchase from amazon.com
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The Secret of the Santa Box
Treehouse Publishing Group, 2017
St. Louis, Missouri
For parents
As children grow and have Santa questions, this book shows parents a way to bring children into being gift-givers as showing God's love in the worldPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Drinking with Saint Nck: Christmas Cocktails for Sinners and Saints
Regnery History Publishing, 2018
Washington DC
Information about all the saints in the period from Advent until after Epiphany, especially Nicholas, of course. Along with all the recipes for each day, there is encouragement to drink like a saint: with moderation, gratitude, memory, merriment, and ritual.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Santas around the world: 12 patterns of Santa Claus, St. Nicholas and Father Christmas in Old World costumes
SNG Publishing, 2006
Twelve full-sized patterns large figures—nearly sixteen inches high. One is a Saint Nicholas identified as from Poland. -
A Classical Kids Christmas : Song Book: A Christmas celebration of music and poetry for all ages to enjoy
The Children's Music Group Inc., 2001
Pickering, Ontario, Canada
A Christmas pageant song book and poetry collection for choir directors, teachers, and parents
Song, script, and staging book
Contains 12 scenes from Advent to Epiphany; the resource is a good idea, but weak on St. Nicholas. It could be useful if the St. Nicholas material is modified to be closer to established St. Nicholas traditionPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Stories of Everyday Saints: 40 stories with Bible links and related activities
The Bible Reading Fellowship, Oxford, England, 2002
A double page spread for each saint with story, prayer, symbol, and activity suggestions, useful for teachers and includes photocopy permissionPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk
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The Patron Saint of Stanley Park
Playwrights Canada Press, 2014
Toronto, Canada
Play for six cast members based on the legends of Saint Nicholas, the protector of children and a real-life model for Santa Claus, set in Vancouver’s historic Stanley Park. On a violently wild stormy Christmas Eve, two siblings, struggling to come to terms with their father’s disappearance in a float-plane accident, head to the park to remember and honor his memory. As the children are rescued by homeless vagabond Skookum Pete, the play celebrates family, love, and the true Christmas spirit.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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The Catholic Cook Book: Traditional Feast and Fast Day Recipes
Citadel, 1955
Comprehensive cookbook with recipes for all of the church year, including seven for St. Nicholas DayPurchase from amazon.com
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Christmas in Holland: A Miniature Chancel Play
Choristers Guild, 1969
Sinterklaas and Christmas in the Netherlands, with Dutch music -
The Santa Collection: Historic Gift Givers from all over the World
Grace Publications, 1996
Directions and patterns for making 24 wood Santa ornaments, including four of St. Nicholas: Dutch, Polish, Czech, and as Bishop of MyraPurchase from amazon.com
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What We Do in Advent: An Anglican Kids' Activity Book
Morehouse Publishing, 2006
Ages 4 - 8
38 one-page activities (puzzles, color-by-number, word finds, mazes, etc) for the weeks of Advent and Christmas help children understand the symbols and meaning of the seasons. Parent guide included. St. Nicholas has a page, too.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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How to Talk to Your Child About Santa Claus
CreativeSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014
Experienced teacher shows how to have a sensitive dialogue, bringing together historical St. Nicholas with today's Santa Claus, while encouraging honesty and generosity; helpful guide for parents.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Folk Like Me: the Read-Aloud Book of Saints
Morehouse Publishing, 2008
Stories of the saints in a weekly two-year cycle written for school-age kids with humor and facts. Tested in chapel services.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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• How St. Nicholas Became Santa Claus: The True Story Project Book
Pauline Books & Media, 1993
Pictures to color and other activities teach about Saint NicholasPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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The Santa Club
Palmary Press, 2011
Henderson, Nevada
This book offers a fresh way to answer the question, "Is Santa Real?" while preserving both facts and the magic of Christmas. The approach may be adapted from what is presented in the book.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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• To Dance with God: Family Ritual and Community Celebration
Paulist Press, 1986
This classic book has good background for developing Nicholas and other traditions and a nice re-telling of four St. Nicholas legends with suggestions for creating plays. Fine introduction to family tradition and ritual with a wealth of ideas for the feasts and seasons of the Christian year.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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The Story of Saint Nicholas
Nippert & Co. Artworks, 2010
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Set of 8 cards, 8 1/2 x 11-inches, tell the story of Saint Nicholas
Teaching picture cards, or wall story
Completely Western depiction of St. Nicholas, shown in quasi-contemporary clothing; nice introductionPurchase from catholicartworks.com
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Seasonal Saints Cutouts
Nippert & Co. Artworks, 2010
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Includes Saint Nicholas, Saint Patrick & Saint Valentine
Large (11x17) cards, 2 for each saint
The second card for each saint has information and symbols
The two cards are designed to be cut out (or mounted and cut out for durability) to make a bulletin board display about the saintPurchase from catholicartworks.com
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• The Secret Society of Saint Nicholas
Declare Dominion Publishing, 2020
Children asking questions; parents, too
The truth leads to deeper understanding of magic in the world, drawing children into an expanding understanding how they are able to give in many ways; beautifully producedPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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• More Creative Mission: Over 40 further ideas to help church and community celebrate special days and events throughout the year
Barnabas for Children, the Bible Reading Fellowship, 2013
Abingdon, UK
A very useful resource
44 chapters to celebrate feasts and seasons: seasonal activities and sections for Autumn, Winter, Spring and Summer. Special days include All Saints, Remembrance, St Martin, St Cecilia, St Andrew, St Nicholas, Christingle, St Paul, and others, such as, Granny & Grandpa day, star gazing, Easter, Noah, open farm and much more. Each chapter has a key Bible verse, Bible links, identifies key focus and key group, with activity ideas, music if appropriate, prayer and further ideas to develop the themePurchase from Barnabas for Children
Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Draw and Tell Saints
Our Sunday Visitor, 2004
Seventeen stories with simple drawings for saints' symbols for classroom use.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Follow the Year: A Family Celebration of Christian Holidays
Harper & Row, 1985
Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.ca
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On the Chocolate Trail: A Delicious Adventure Connecting Jews, Religions, History, Travel, Rituals and Recipes to the Magic of Cacao
Jewish Lights Publishing, 2017
New York, New York
A complete introduction to chocolate and its relationship to religion, including the role of St. Nicholas coins.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Festivals for You to Celebrate: Facts, Activities, and Crafts
Lippincott, 1969
Festivals from around the world, includes directions for making Swiss St Nicholas mitre/headdressesPurchase from amazon.com
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• Fun with Saints: Coloring a & Activity Book
Pauline Books & Media, 2009
Saints included: Mary, Joseph, Paul, Nicholas, Monica, Patrick, Benedict, Francis of Assisi, Anthony of Padua, Elizabeth of Hungary, Clare, Catherine of Siena, Joan of Arc, Juan Diego, Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Rose of Lima, Lorenzo Ruiz, Martin de Porres, Isaac Jogues, Kateri Tekakwitha, Bernadette, Damien of Molokai, Thérèse of Lisieux, Bl. Jacinta & Francisco Marto, Faustina Kowalska, Bakhita of Sudan, Katharine Drexel, Pio of Pietrelcina and Bl. Teresa of Calcutta.
A coloring page and activity page each for 30 different saints, some well-known, others less so.Purchase from Pauline Books & Media
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• Festivals of the Christian Year: Teacher's Guide
Lion Publishing, 1996
Helpful guide to 20 festivals: background, Christian belief, activities, discussion suggestions, notes for craft projects in main book (above) and follow-up craft and project ideasPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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• Festivals of the Christian Year: Make them really special
Lion Publishing, 1996
Attractive, practical craft ideas for 20 Christian festivals, with some basic information about each, full-color photosPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Celebrating Advent and Christmas with Children: Food Celebrations with the Saints for Home and School
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Company, 2013
Recipes, traditional and modern, and lessons for all the saints of Advent and Christmas; background information, recipes and material for other seasonal traditions; 6 recipes for St. Nicholas and a lesson, too
Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Delicious December: How the Dutch Brought Us Santa, Presents, and Treats
A Holiday Cookbook
Excelsior Editions, State University of New York, 2014
Albany, New York
Information about St Nicholas and the Dutch colonies of New Netherland; many traditional Dutch recipes for Sinterklaas, Christmas and morePurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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• Cooking with the Saints: An Illlustrated Treasury of Authentic Recipes Old and Modern
Ignatius Press, 2001
A beautiful book, coffee-table size, introducing 73 saints with several recipes for each.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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A Merry Christmas Herbal
William Morrow, 1968
Background, recipes, and decorative ideas for many days of the Christmas season -
Folk Crafts for World Friendship
Doubleday, 1976
Some background information for many festivals; rhymes for Sinterklaas surprises -
Happy Saints eBook 2
Parusian Publishing, 2012
Printable PDFs for 15 saints: Ss. Anthony of Padua, Catherine of Siena, Dominic of Guzman, Elizabeth of Hungary, Joan of Arc, John Bosco, Josemaria Escrivá, Maria Goretti, Maximimilian Kolbe, Nicholas, Patrick, Philomena, Rose of Lima, Thomas Aquinas & Vincent De Paul.
Printables include posters, greeting cards, prayer cards, coloring pages and badges
Purchase from Happy Saints
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The Christmas Star: Singing with Children Series, Well loved songs for the Christmas season from Advent to Three Kings Day to sing with your beloved children
Naturally You Can Sing, 2001
Spiral bound book and CD, one Nicholas song from GermanyPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Gazing into the Eyes of the Future: the Enactment of Saint Nicholas in the Waldorf School
Association of Waldorf Schools of North America, 2002
Fair Oaks, California
A complete guide for St. Nicholas in all school grades; background, conversation models, and more.Purchase from Waldorf Publications
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The Art of Dutch Cooking or How the Dutch Treat
Gramercy, 1961
Includes a description of the children's festival, Sint Nicolaas, with six recipes for traditional Dutch festival foods -
St. Nicholas Mural
C. E. Visminas Company, 1990, distributed by Morehouse Publishing, 1990
Background on Nicholas' life, timeline of his era, 11 stories, and pictures to color and mount to make an icon-type picture with scenes from the life of the saint—for teachers and families -
• Saint Nicholas Activity Mural: The Life, Legends, and Miracles of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra
Morehouse Publishing/Dumb Ox Publications, 1990, 2016
Background on Nicholas' life, timeline of his era, 11 stories, and pictures to color and mount to make an icon-type picture with scenes from the life of the saint—for teachers and families. This is a complete reprint of the original published by Morehouse. The individual scenes of St. Nicholas life are to be colored, cut-out, and mounted to form a 18x24-inch poster of a hagiographic St Nicholas icon.Purchase from Dumb Ox Publications
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• A Continual Feast: A cookbook to celebrate the joys of family and faith throughout the Christian year
Ignatius Press, 1991
Recipes, projects, and customs for the whole year with suggestions for when and why these dishes might be served.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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The Little Series: Christmas
WECAN Publications, 2005
Spring Valley, New York
One chapter, "The Nicholas Messenger" tells of Nicholas arriving with a bag filled with apples, ginger cookies, and small gifts to be opened when Nicholas has left. He may also have a golden book, filled with praise for each child and advice for improvement. Sample text is given for the visitor to make his own.Purchase from Waldorf Publications
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Cookie Molds Around the Year: An Almanac of Molds, Cookies, and Other Treats for Christmas, New Year's, Valentine's Day, Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Other Holidays, and Every Season
Next River Books, 2017
Bellingham, Washington
A good companion to Baking with Cookie Molds; here are more recipes, more tips, and lovely photos of molded cookies for every imaginable occasion.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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• Baking with Cookie Molds
Shepard Publications, Friday Harbor, Washington, 2010, 2018
Recipes and technique to successfully make beautiful molded cookies—especially St. Nicholas, of course! Upated, full-color edition.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Maybe The Truth About Santa
Shiny Red Ball Publishing, 2005
A simple guide to help children make up their own minds about Santa being real as the spirit of givingPurchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Stained Glass Colouring Book
The British Museum Press, 2003
Eighteen pictures of stained glass windows from English cathedrals and churches; the St Nicholas window is from York MinsterPurchase from The British Museum
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Our Heavenly Friends Volume 1: Coloring Book
Herald Entertainment, Inc., 2011
McKinney, Texas USA
Coloring book with 7 saints; two pages each. illustrationsPurchase from Herald Entertainment, Inc.
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• Santos: A Coloring Book of New Mexico Saints
Sunstone Press, 2008
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Twenty-five Spanish Colonial saints, including St. Nicholas, St. Anne, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Dominic, St. Isidore the Farmer, St. James, St. Joseph, and many more. The line drawings are accompanied by a short paragraph about each saint.Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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Nicholas, the Boy Who Became Santa
Irving, Texas, 1989
Coloring book to accompany video of the same name -
Saints: Stained Glass Coloring Book
Dover Publications, 2011
Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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The Story of Saint Nicholas: A Coloring Storybook
2012
McKinney, Texas USA
A nice coloring storybook, marred by liberties with the St. Nicholas tradition; it has Nicholas unemployed following his altercation with Arius rather than showing his reinstatement. 14 coloring pages.Purchase from Herald Entertainment, Inc.
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My St. Nicholas Book
American Polish Assistance Association, 2003
A coloring book with Polish Catholic customsPurchase from American Polish Assistance Association
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Coloring Book about the Saints: Pictures and Rhymes
Saint Joseph Coloring Books, 1986
Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
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My Synaxarion: December
Potamitis Publishing, 2009
$6.99
Printed in Greece
Purchase from Orthodox Children's Books
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The Saints December–May: Coloring Stories for Children
Paulist Press, 1989
Purchase from amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca
Basic Books about St. Nicholas
Picture Books for Younger Children (and all ages)
Picture Books for Older Children
Books for Older Children
Saints Books for Adults
Saints Books for Children
Activity & Resource Books
Christmas Books with St. Nicholas
Related Books
Books in Other Languages
Children's Books in Other Languages