Tomie dePaola CHRISTOPHER
Tomie dePaola
For Father Dick Lower, Father Omer Dufault, and Rosli Hanslin, who are all true “Christophers.” T. deP. Under the direction of Romain Lizé, President, Magnificat Editor, Magnificat: Isabelle Galmiche Editor, Ignatius: Vivian Dudro Proofreader: Kathleen Hollenbeck Layout Designer: Magali Meunier Production: Thierry Dubus, Audrey Bord First published by Holiday House Inc. New York © 1994 by Tomie dePaola Second edition: © 2023 by Magnificat, New York • Ignatius Press, San Francisco All rights reserved. ISBN Ignatius Press 978-1-62164-620-4 • ISBN Magnificat 978-1-63967-033-8
5 Along time ago, in the land of Canaan, there lived a giant known as Reprobus. Because he was so big and strong, Reprobus wished to serve the greatest and most powerful king in all the world. So he set off to find him.
Before long, he came to a glorious city. “Who is the ruler of this place?” Reprobus asked. “The greatest king in all the world,” the people answered. 6
Then it is he I wish to serve,” said Reprobus. And he did. “ 7
One night, a minstrel sang before the court, and in his song, the name of the devil was mentioned again and again. Every time the king heard the devil’s name, he made the sign of the cross. “O Mighty King,” said Reprobus, “why do you do this?” 8
I fear the devil and his power over me,” the king answered. “I cross myself so that he won’t harm me.” If the king fears the devil, then the devil must be greater and more powerful than he, said Reprobus to himself. I shall go and seek this devil and ask if I can serve him. “ 9
Reprobus traveled for many months until he came to the edge of a vast desert. And there he met a fearsome creature. “Where are you going?” asked the creature. 10
I am looking for the devil,” Reprobus answered, “because I have heard he is the mightiest of all, and I wish to serve him.” “Then come with me. I am the devil,” said the creature. “ 11
As Reprobus and the creature set off, they came upon a cross high on a hillside. The devil shook with fear and hid his face. “We must turn back,” he said. “Why are you afraid?” asked Reprobus. 12
A long time ago, in the land of Canaan, there lived a giant known as Reprobus. Because he was so big and strong, Reprobus wished to serve the greatest and most powerful king in all the world. So he set off to find him… For hundreds of years Catholics honored Christopher as the patron saint of travelers. But when he came to be seen as more mythical than historical, the Church discouraged devotion to him. Wanting to preserve the legend of the giant who carried the Christ Child, Tomie dePaola retold and illustrated the story in this captivating book. enchanted children with his award-winning tales and illustrations for over 50 years. We are honored and pleased to make his powerful stories of faith available to a whole new generation. AGES 5 AND UP CHRISTOPHER Tomie dePaola
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