Mr. Nicholas: A Magical Christmas Tale
Mr. Nicholas: A Magical Christmas Tale
Overview
Description
A story that helps us see the unique goodness in each person.
Every town has its secrets. When it becomes known that Mr. Nicholas, the eccentric owner of the local hardware store, is somehow involved with reindeer, toys, and children, the town becomes more and more suspicious that this man is more than just a clerk on Main Street.
JB, a clever, open ten-year-old boy with Down syndrome, is able to figure out the secret from the first time Mr. Nicholas gives him a chocolate deer wrapped in gold foil.
JB's father and mother, both cynical and on the brink of divorce, follow the adventures of JB as he flies on the back of a reindeer, feeds Mister Rogers's fish, and defines what can be forgotten by those who are too busy to remember the magic of Christmas, cuckoo-clocks, and love.
Editorial Reviews
"In this book about Christmas, written by one of Fred Rogers' closest friends, you will see how Mister Rogers' Neighborhood spoke to the broken parts of who we are and how it guided us to see the unique goodness in us all. May its charm add to the beauty of your neighborhood." -- Joanne Rogers "In Christopher de Vinck's novel Mr. Nicholas, a hardened newspaperman's life is rocked by a small boy's love and an encounter with a mysterious old man. On his way to interview a beekeeper, Jim sees Anna's car clinging to the edge of the road. He stops to help, and they connect--as if each were tapped into the same current. But once married, their differences open a gap between them. Anna suggests that a baby could bridge that gap. But when JB is born with Down syndrome, Jim's rejection of his son leads Anna to file for separation. Jim feels disappointed in his career; he faces a sad and lonely Christmas. Gradually, though, the time he spends with his son opens his eyes to a world in which magic is real and everyone is worth loving. Anna cannot see the changes in Jim, and when JB goes missing, she blames him. She suspects that JB's friend, Mr. Nicholas, a scavenger and owner of a hardware store that hides a mystery, is responsible, too. Told in Jim's voice, this is a story about the power of a boy's relentless love. Tense and stressful at first, it makes the changes in Jim palpable through his inner reflections, his conversations with others, and through small actions that reveal his growing love for his son. Suspense grows as Mr. Nicholas comes under investigation for JB's disappearance. Jim questions the old man, who asks him some probing questions in return. In the book's satisfying conclusion, Jim realizes the importance and beauty of the ordinariness that makes life worth living and gives Christmas its true meaning. Sensitive and heartwarming, Mr. Nicholas is a magical Christmas story in which lives and hearts are changed by a small boy's unconditional love." -- Foreword Reviews (September / October 2021) "Sensitive and heartwarming, Mr. Nicholas is a magical Christmas story in which lives and hearts are changed by a small boy's unconditional love." -- Episcopal Journal
"I just finished reading Mr. Nicholas. I found it to be an endearing story and one which touched my heart. JB's character, with his freedom, imagination, trust, and uncomplicated love, teaches readers, and his parents, the relevance of Jesus' exhortation to "turn and become like children" (Mt 18:3). And, this is most definitely a story of turning. I really appreciate the way in which JB and Mr. Nicholas intuitively work as a team to open the eyes of Jim and Anna and to help them grasp the unifying power of love -- JB's love, their own love. Jim's tears at the end of Chapter 15 are the realization of the turn. I hope many families will enjoy this wonderful tale. And, I would not be surprised if it has a healing effect for some in fractured relationships." -- Stephen Dalton, Head Librarian, Theology and Ministry Library at Boston College Praise for Christopher de Vinck
"De Vinck's point of view about life and love and children and teachers is important for the world at this near end of a sorry century. I would like as many people as possible to know his work." --Madeleine L'Engle
"Chris de Vinck is a blessing through his writing and his person. I'm grateful for his simple wonders, and the great wonders of our lifelong friendship." --Fred Rogers (Mister Roger's Neighborhood)
"We sometimes fall into the habit of thinking that the weakest among us, like your brother Oliver, are a burden we must stoically bear. But you show that they can teach us the deepest lessons of love. Your writing will help many people to recognize this truth." --President Ronald Reagan (Unsolicited letter from the President when he was in the White House)
"Christopher de Vinck's love of family and respect for its values shine out of every page he writes. I recommend his thoughtful, generously caring essays to every person who is looking for reassurance that the virtues and verities of the committed life are still alive and well in America." --Eunice Kennedy-Shriver
"Excellent and often very moving essays." --John Updike
"For years I've been reading Chris de Vinck's essays in newspapers, magazines, journals and books. Here at last is de Vinck--father, teacher, dreamer--under one roof! Now, instead of spending all that time photocopying his articles for friends, I can just send the book." --Jim Trelease
"Christopher de Vinck's writings are widely and wisely attentive; they neglect neither the failures and anguish nor the compassion and hope of this world. They are elegant. They give insight and comfort. They cannot help but nurture the spirit." --Mary Oliver
"Christopher de Vinck has the insight and the courage to speak for those small devotions, dangerously unfashionable in our time, by which a human community lives." --Wendell Berry
"In a time of great international upheaval, full of violence and war, Chris de Vinck's reflections are like a little oasis of peace. More that any other author I know, Chris has the unique gift of revealing the beauty of the ordinary, the truth hidden in the small events of life, and the light shining through the brokenness of our daily existence. This book is a true gift of peace and an urgent call to discover that peace right where we live." --Henri Nouwen
"Christopher is the rare combination of art and innocence. He's ever the sophisticated artist and he is even the person whose innocence belies our common conception of artists. Few spiritual writers write with as much literary talent and as much care for the literary quality of what they are doing." --Ron Rolheiser
"Chris de Vinck's real subject is magic, the magic to be found in ordinary life, in a conversation with a child, in the unexpected sighting of a school of dolphins. Such magic is there for all to see, but I don't know of another writer who sees it so wholly, with such consistency, and respect, and sweetness. He is like a miner who digs where others see no gold, and who each day finds riches." --Peggy Noonan
"These are the wonderful, thoughtful and sensitive and lyrical and personal reflections of a teacher, a poet, an essayist, but most of all a wise and human pilgrim who has a lot to offer the rest of us, his fellow pilgrims." --Robert Coles
"Charles Lamb comes to mind when I think of Christopher de Vinck. Here is a true affinity across more than a hundred years. Who today but de Vinck has that charm, delightful humanity, laughter and wisdom? Rare the writer who does, so we must treasure Christopher." --May Sarton
About the Author
Christopher de Vinck, husband, father, and grandfather, earned his doctoral degree from Columbia University and devoted 40 years to his career in public education. He is the author of countless essays for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, National Catholic Reporter, Dallas Morning News, USA Today, Reader's Digest, and Good Housekeeping, and thirteen books including the bestselling The Power of the Powerless: A Brother's Lesson of Love about his severely disabled brother Oliver and the difference Oliver made in this sometimes jaded world.
De Vinck's books have won two Christopher Awards, the 2021 Illumination Book Award's Gold Medal in the category of Christian Living, and "Best Column" by the National Catholic Press Association. He still believes in Santa Claus.
Condition Guidelines
Books - New and Used
The following guidelines apply to books:
- New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
- Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
- Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.
Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Fees
- Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
- Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
- No additional fees and charges.
Delivery Times
The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.
Estimated delivery times:
- Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
- Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days
Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.
Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times.
Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.).
If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.
Returns & Refunds
You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.
Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.
Additional non-returnable items:
- Gift cards
- Downloadable software products
- Some health and personal care items
To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)
- Book with obvious signs of use
- CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
- Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
- Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery
Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.
Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.
If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:
- Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
- Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
- Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.
Shipping Cost
We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.
Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.
If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
Categories
Overview
Description
A story that helps us see the unique goodness in each person.
Every town has its secrets. When it becomes known that Mr. Nicholas, the eccentric owner of the local hardware store, is somehow involved with reindeer, toys, and children, the town becomes more and more suspicious that this man is more than just a clerk on Main Street.
JB, a clever, open ten-year-old boy with Down syndrome, is able to figure out the secret from the first time Mr. Nicholas gives him a chocolate deer wrapped in gold foil.
JB's father and mother, both cynical and on the brink of divorce, follow the adventures of JB as he flies on the back of a reindeer, feeds Mister Rogers's fish, and defines what can be forgotten by those who are too busy to remember the magic of Christmas, cuckoo-clocks, and love.
Editorial Reviews
"In this book about Christmas, written by one of Fred Rogers' closest friends, you will see how Mister Rogers' Neighborhood spoke to the broken parts of who we are and how it guided us to see the unique goodness in us all. May its charm add to the beauty of your neighborhood." -- Joanne Rogers "In Christopher de Vinck's novel Mr. Nicholas, a hardened newspaperman's life is rocked by a small boy's love and an encounter with a mysterious old man. On his way to interview a beekeeper, Jim sees Anna's car clinging to the edge of the road. He stops to help, and they connect--as if each were tapped into the same current. But once married, their differences open a gap between them. Anna suggests that a baby could bridge that gap. But when JB is born with Down syndrome, Jim's rejection of his son leads Anna to file for separation. Jim feels disappointed in his career; he faces a sad and lonely Christmas. Gradually, though, the time he spends with his son opens his eyes to a world in which magic is real and everyone is worth loving. Anna cannot see the changes in Jim, and when JB goes missing, she blames him. She suspects that JB's friend, Mr. Nicholas, a scavenger and owner of a hardware store that hides a mystery, is responsible, too. Told in Jim's voice, this is a story about the power of a boy's relentless love. Tense and stressful at first, it makes the changes in Jim palpable through his inner reflections, his conversations with others, and through small actions that reveal his growing love for his son. Suspense grows as Mr. Nicholas comes under investigation for JB's disappearance. Jim questions the old man, who asks him some probing questions in return. In the book's satisfying conclusion, Jim realizes the importance and beauty of the ordinariness that makes life worth living and gives Christmas its true meaning. Sensitive and heartwarming, Mr. Nicholas is a magical Christmas story in which lives and hearts are changed by a small boy's unconditional love." -- Foreword Reviews (September / October 2021) "Sensitive and heartwarming, Mr. Nicholas is a magical Christmas story in which lives and hearts are changed by a small boy's unconditional love." -- Episcopal Journal
"I just finished reading Mr. Nicholas. I found it to be an endearing story and one which touched my heart. JB's character, with his freedom, imagination, trust, and uncomplicated love, teaches readers, and his parents, the relevance of Jesus' exhortation to "turn and become like children" (Mt 18:3). And, this is most definitely a story of turning. I really appreciate the way in which JB and Mr. Nicholas intuitively work as a team to open the eyes of Jim and Anna and to help them grasp the unifying power of love -- JB's love, their own love. Jim's tears at the end of Chapter 15 are the realization of the turn. I hope many families will enjoy this wonderful tale. And, I would not be surprised if it has a healing effect for some in fractured relationships." -- Stephen Dalton, Head Librarian, Theology and Ministry Library at Boston College Praise for Christopher de Vinck
"De Vinck's point of view about life and love and children and teachers is important for the world at this near end of a sorry century. I would like as many people as possible to know his work." --Madeleine L'Engle
"Chris de Vinck is a blessing through his writing and his person. I'm grateful for his simple wonders, and the great wonders of our lifelong friendship." --Fred Rogers (Mister Roger's Neighborhood)
"We sometimes fall into the habit of thinking that the weakest among us, like your brother Oliver, are a burden we must stoically bear. But you show that they can teach us the deepest lessons of love. Your writing will help many people to recognize this truth." --President Ronald Reagan (Unsolicited letter from the President when he was in the White House)
"Christopher de Vinck's love of family and respect for its values shine out of every page he writes. I recommend his thoughtful, generously caring essays to every person who is looking for reassurance that the virtues and verities of the committed life are still alive and well in America." --Eunice Kennedy-Shriver
"Excellent and often very moving essays." --John Updike
"For years I've been reading Chris de Vinck's essays in newspapers, magazines, journals and books. Here at last is de Vinck--father, teacher, dreamer--under one roof! Now, instead of spending all that time photocopying his articles for friends, I can just send the book." --Jim Trelease
"Christopher de Vinck's writings are widely and wisely attentive; they neglect neither the failures and anguish nor the compassion and hope of this world. They are elegant. They give insight and comfort. They cannot help but nurture the spirit." --Mary Oliver
"Christopher de Vinck has the insight and the courage to speak for those small devotions, dangerously unfashionable in our time, by which a human community lives." --Wendell Berry
"In a time of great international upheaval, full of violence and war, Chris de Vinck's reflections are like a little oasis of peace. More that any other author I know, Chris has the unique gift of revealing the beauty of the ordinary, the truth hidden in the small events of life, and the light shining through the brokenness of our daily existence. This book is a true gift of peace and an urgent call to discover that peace right where we live." --Henri Nouwen
"Christopher is the rare combination of art and innocence. He's ever the sophisticated artist and he is even the person whose innocence belies our common conception of artists. Few spiritual writers write with as much literary talent and as much care for the literary quality of what they are doing." --Ron Rolheiser
"Chris de Vinck's real subject is magic, the magic to be found in ordinary life, in a conversation with a child, in the unexpected sighting of a school of dolphins. Such magic is there for all to see, but I don't know of another writer who sees it so wholly, with such consistency, and respect, and sweetness. He is like a miner who digs where others see no gold, and who each day finds riches." --Peggy Noonan
"These are the wonderful, thoughtful and sensitive and lyrical and personal reflections of a teacher, a poet, an essayist, but most of all a wise and human pilgrim who has a lot to offer the rest of us, his fellow pilgrims." --Robert Coles
"Charles Lamb comes to mind when I think of Christopher de Vinck. Here is a true affinity across more than a hundred years. Who today but de Vinck has that charm, delightful humanity, laughter and wisdom? Rare the writer who does, so we must treasure Christopher." --May Sarton
About the Author
Christopher de Vinck, husband, father, and grandfather, earned his doctoral degree from Columbia University and devoted 40 years to his career in public education. He is the author of countless essays for the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, National Catholic Reporter, Dallas Morning News, USA Today, Reader's Digest, and Good Housekeeping, and thirteen books including the bestselling The Power of the Powerless: A Brother's Lesson of Love about his severely disabled brother Oliver and the difference Oliver made in this sometimes jaded world.
De Vinck's books have won two Christopher Awards, the 2021 Illumination Book Award's Gold Medal in the category of Christian Living, and "Best Column" by the National Catholic Press Association. He still believes in Santa Claus.
Condition Guidelines
Books - New and Used
The following guidelines apply to books:
- New: A brand-new copy with cover and original protective wrapping intact. Books with markings of any kind on the cover or pages, books marked as "Bargain" or "Remainder," or with any other labels attached, may not be listed as New condition.
- Used - Good: All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May include "From the library of" labels. Shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Item may be missing bundled media.
- Used - Acceptable: All pages and the cover are intact, but shrink wrap, dust covers, or boxed set case may be missing. Pages may include limited notes, highlighting, or minor water damage but the text is readable. Item may but the dust cover may be missing. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting, but the text cannot be obscured or unreadable.
Note: Some electronic material access codes are valid only for one user. For this reason, used books, including books listed in the Used – Like New condition, may not come with functional electronic material access codes.
Shipping & Delivery
Shipping Fees
- Stevens Books offers FREE SHIPPING everywhere in the United States for ALL non-book orders, and $3.99 for each book.
- Packages are shipped from Monday to Friday.
- No additional fees and charges.
Delivery Times
The usual time for processing an order is 24 hours (1 business day), but may vary depending on the availability of products ordered. This period excludes delivery times, which depend on your geographic location.
Estimated delivery times:
- Standard Shipping: 5-8 business days
- Expedited Shipping: 3-5 business days
Shipping method varies depending on what is being shipped.
Tracking
All orders are shipped with a tracking number. Once your order has left our warehouse, a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number will be sent to you. You will be able to track your package at all times.
Damaged Parcel
If your package has been delivered in a PO Box, please note that we are not responsible for any damage that may result (consequences of extreme temperatures, theft, etc.).
If you have any questions regarding shipping or want to know about the status of an order, please contact us or email to support@stevensbooks.com.
Returns & Refunds
You may return most items within 30 days of delivery for a full refund.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging.
Several types of goods are exempt from being returned. Perishable goods such as food, flowers, newspapers or magazines cannot be returned. We also do not accept products that are intimate or sanitary goods, hazardous materials, or flammable liquids or gases.
Additional non-returnable items:
- Gift cards
- Downloadable software products
- Some health and personal care items
To complete your return, we require a tracking number, which shows the items which you already returned to us.
There are certain situations where only partial refunds are granted (if applicable)
- Book with obvious signs of use
- CD, DVD, VHS tape, software, video game, cassette tape, or vinyl record that has been opened
- Any item not in its original condition, is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to our error
- Any item that is returned more than 30 days after delivery
Items returned to us as a result of our error will receive a full refund,some returns may be subject to a restocking fee of 7% of the total item price, please contact a customer care team member to see if your return is subject. Returns that arrived on time and were as described are subject to a restocking fee.
Items returned to us that were not the result of our error, including items returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address, will be refunded the original item price less our standard restocking fees.
If the item is returned to us for any of the following reasons, a 15% restocking fee will be applied to your refund total and you will be asked to pay for return shipping:
- Item(s) no longer needed or wanted.
- Item(s) returned to us due to an invalid or incomplete address.
- Item(s) returned to us that were not a result of our error.
You should expect to receive your refund within four weeks of giving your package to the return shipper, however, in many cases you will receive a refund more quickly. This time period includes the transit time for us to receive your return from the shipper (5 to 10 business days), the time it takes us to process your return once we receive it (3 to 5 business days), and the time it takes your bank to process our refund request (5 to 10 business days).
If you need to return an item, please Contact Us with your order number and details about the product you would like to return. We will respond quickly with instructions for how to return items from your order.
Shipping Cost
We'll pay the return shipping costs if the return is a result of our error (you received an incorrect or defective item, etc.). In other cases, you will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.
Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.
If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.
Categories
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