Does God have a sense of humor? As readers of Delightful Grace will plainly see, the answer is a resounding “Yes!” In the eleven short tales collected in this volume, children and adults alike will smile and laugh as they enjoy amusing stories about saints, miracles, and answered prayers. With exciting twists and turns, the stories pose intriguing questions: What happens to the struggling little boy who beseeches Saint George for help—and offers him an omelet? How will Archangel Michael respond when a mischievous young sailor steals a beloved goose? Will a noisy group of frogs listen to Saint Athanasios and stop their loud croaking? Will the Panagia intercede for a devout servant and send a cup of rice pilaf to a distant land? Filled with charming illustrations and wholesome, lighthearted tales, Delightful Grace makes clear what Orthodox saints have always known—there is much laughter in Heaven!

Volume 2: In this charming follow-up to the first installment of Delightful Grace, a book loved by readers both young and old, renowned Orthodox children’s author Anna Iakovou returns with a new collection of ten short tales. Packed with humor, wisdom, and many amusing plots and twists, Delightful Grace 2 presents another cast of memorable characters. Among others, there is the faithful monk who employs an unusual method of crossing the Nile River—that is, on the back of a fearsome crocodile! There is Elizabeth, a young woman who is not able to provide bread for her table—until Saint Nicholas miraculously intervenes! There is the story of Manolios and Sifis and the stolen grapes—a story that has a truly “bitter” ending! Packed with beautiful illustrations and filled with wholesome tales that entertain as much as they instruct, Delightful Grace 2 will delight young readers as it becomes a favorite addition to church and home libraries.

Vol 3: In this third installment of the popular Delightful Graceseries, prize-winning Orthodox children’s author Anna Iakovou presents five new stories on the subject of the holy fool! Leading a humble, ascetic life, the holy fool appears “crazy” to some, but is in fact “mad” with great love for Christ. Included in the book is the story of Saint Symeon, who creates a commotion wherever he goes, sometimes upsetting people, sometimes amusing them, and sometimes saving their lives! There is Blessed Xenia, the beloved Russian saint, who consoles a desperate mother with a sick child and just possibly performs a great miracle . . . There is the story of Saint Paraskeva, a popular nun who, with God’s grace, can see the future of the people who come to visit her and . . . share a cup of tea! Both entertaining and instructive, and packed with charming illustrations,Delightful Grace 3will introduce young readers to the uniquely Orthodox figure of the “Fool for Christ.”

Vol 4: Beloved Orthodox children’s author Anna Iakovou returns with six new stories on the subject of the holy fool! Dating from ancient times, the “Fool for Christ” appears “crazy” to the world but in fact is a grace-filled soul of great wisdom and charity, motivated by a burning love for Christ and His Church. Included here is the story of Saint Sophia of Kleisoura, who lived in an abandoned monastery, slept in a fireplace, and was friends with a wild bear! There is Saint Andrew, a holy fool of Constantinople, who could open the doors of a locked church just by making the Sign of the Cross and who was seen hovering six feet off the ground while immersed in prayer! There is the story of Saint Basil of Moscow, who performed a great miracle in the presence of Tsar Ivan—and astonished all of Russia! Rounding out the book are stories about Saint Maria Skobtsova of Paris, Father Fotis the Lavriote, and Saint Serapion the Sidonite. Packed with charming, full-color illustrations, Delightful Grace 4 will both instruct and entertain young readers through vivid snippets of the lives of six revered Orthodox fools for Christ.  

Ages 5+