‘A Beautiful Story: Jesus & St. Nick’

An Arkansas woman has written her first children’s book thanks to the encouragement of her late grandmother and longtime Sallisaw resident, Addie Griffin.

“A Beautiful Story: Jesus & St. Nick” was written by Sarah French, a four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist from Hot Springs.

She said she dedicated the book to her late grandmother, who passed away this year.

French, an accomplished broadcast news anchor and storyteller, said she was inspired to write the book when she couldn’t find a book for her children that told the stories of Jesus and St. Nick as one cohesive story.

“I started getting messages from other mothers looking for the same thing, so I decided to publish the story I had written and make it an ‘official’ children’s book,” French said. “I’m hoping others make this a family tradition in their own home like we have in ours.”

French said through beautifully illustrated pages, children are introduced to the history of St. Nicholas as a follower of Jesus, and learn about the birth of Jesus and the significance of giving.

Her book aims to connect the stories of Christmas and St. Nick for young readers, fostering understanding and the spirit of giving.

“This bedtime story not only delights young readers but also imparts the origins of holiday traditions, emphasizing the season’s spirit of compassion and generosity,” French said.

“A Beautiful Story: Jesus & St. Nick” is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble. The book was also a No. 1 release on Amazon, received a 5-star review from Reader’s Favorite, and a Gold Seal from Mom’s Choice.

French is a broadcast news anchor in Charlotte, N.C.

She said she and Griffin are also members of the Cherokee Nation.