Saint Nicholas and the Nine Gold Coins is a picture book retelling of the story of Saint Nicholas and how he saved three girls from prostitution. Not that the book ever actually mentions that bit, it just says they couldn't marry. Nicholas is depicted as a youth who wants to do good and live up the model set by his late parents and by his uncle the local bishop, so when he realizes his neighbors' situation, he comes up with a plan.

What really makes this book is Andrejev's illustrations, done in the style of Eastern Orthodox iconography. For anyone who likes good illustrations or is looking for Saint Nicholas stories that focus on the saint instead of Santa Claus. ( )