Elizabeth: Princess, Abbess, Saint

SKU: 9781955890953

by Mary Ford, illustrated by Ruth Sanderson

It’s easy to imagine a beautiful princess who goes to balls in lovely gowns and marries a handsome prince. But what about a princess who also goes to prisons, or who bandages the wounded herself during war? Can you imagine a princess who gives up her wealth to start a monastery, and visits slums to help poor children?

Saint Elizabeth the New Martyr is just such an unusual princess. Her dramatic and inspirational life has made her one of the most popular contemporary saints. While there have been biographies written about her for adults, this book is a beautifully illustrated story suitable for young children. From her childhood to her married life, and her life as abbess of her monastery—including both the joyful and tragic elements—the reader will be inspired by encountering this remarkable holy woman.

The lovely illustrations were carefully researched for authenticity to the period and place and hand-painted over many months by the outstanding children’s book artist, Ruth Sanderson. The rich detail captures many moments of St. Elizabeth’s extraordinary life for readers of all ages.

Holy St. Elizabeth, pray for us!

About the Author: Dr. Mary Ford is recently retired from being Associate Professor of New Testament at St. Tikhon's Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Canaan, PA, where she taught for over 30 years.  She has had a lifelong interest in folktales and children’s literature, and has been an Anglophile for as long as she can remember. Among her publications are The Soul's Longing: An Orthodox Christian Perspective on Biblical Interpretation, and Marriage as a Path to Holiness: Lives of the Married Saints, coauthored with her husband David. Her most recent academic book is titled The Gate of Heaven: Temple and Theosis in the Gospel According to St. John. Elizabeth is her first published children’s book.

About the illustrator: Ruth Sanderson is an award-winning author and illustrator well-known for her original and retold fairy tales and her lavishly illustrated version of The Golden Key by George MacDonald. She is an Orthodox Christian, and has created a number of religious picture books, including The Nativity; Saints: Lives and Illuminations; and Stories of Women in the Bible. Ruth lives in Massachusetts with her family.

Age range: 5 - 12 years

Author: Mary Ford

Illustrator: Ruth Sanderson

Hardcover: 32 pages

Dimensions: 8.5 x 11 inches

Publisher: Ancient Faith Publishing