I recommend this book. It inspired me to see myself and my loved ones through different eyes. The chapters devoted to valuing your spouse and children were especially insightful, and would be useful in parenting classes.

A truly beautifully written book. Extremely helpful as an Orthodox Christian. I would recommend this book to ANYONE of any faith, that wants to understand the human psyche from a heartfelt and loving perspective.

This is such an amazing book--Dr. Rossi writes beautifully about how to take care of oneself and to be a healing presence to others. This is such a helpful book! Definitely take the time to read this one! Thank you, Dr. Rossi.

Dr. Fontes' book reminded me that the love and value God bestows on me is the basis for how I can both accept myself and love and value others. I especially appreciated the practical insights he provided to use this truth to improve my relationships with the people God has placed in my life.

This dear book has earned a place among the children's books in my home library, my parish library, and my recommended reading. It will fulfill many children's desire to learn more about iconography and/or monasticism, desire they might not even have discovered without this book.

I enjoyed reading it to my children, who have now read it eagerly several more times with their grandmother who has studied iconography, and really appreciated its rich language, easy tone, and great detail. Muzekari has combined careful and thorough research, deep faith and broad experience, and a story-teller's heart to write this masterpiece. Lobastov's bold colors and realistic yet comfortable illustrations enhance the book and make the reader feel like part of the story. The combination of writing and illustration is able to keep generations interested. The surprise at end is really heart-warming and a good reminder for us to go and do likewise.

Nicholas and Masha have not just introduced us to an ancient Christian tradition, but they have introduced us to prayer, reverence, mentoring, and community. This book is a gift to all who will read it.

Bravo! I am waiting for other informative, enjoyable, and delightful books on other aspects of our Orthodox Christian faith.

I knew I would like the book before I bought it. But it is so convenient having it on my Kindle so I can refer to it whenever I need to.

I have always been touched by the wonderfully illustrated books by Masha Lobastov. My children are very fond of her first book, “And Then Nicholas Sang: The Story of the Trisagion Hymn ,” which has been translated in other languages already.

“A Gift to Mathew” is yet another beautiful work in which a young boy visits an orthodox monastery and learns amazing facts about the rich tradition of iconography. Thus, he has the unique opportunity to see how icons are being made and he even has the chance to help. The Jesus Prayer said while working on the icons grows the color, the melodious lines and finally the image depicted is all done. Just as the prayer transforms spiritually, so the prayer in the icons brings the young closer to God and His saints. Mathew is even more excited about returning back to the monastery, especially after finding the unexpected gift.

My kids and I really enjoyed reading A Gift for Matthew. It is a beautifully descriptive and informative story that teaches a child about all the hard work and dedication that goes into the icon making process. I myself learned so many details about the many intricate steps an iconographer takes as well as the symbolic meaning behind certain aspects of the process. My 7 year old son was particularly intrigued by the process of making the egg tempera and mixing it with the pigments to make the paint. I know my son will be taking a much closer look at the sacred images of the icons at church just as Matthew did when he admired his gift. With this new knowledge my children have gained comes a deeper appreciation for all the icons we venerate at home and church, and that is a gift for us Orthodox parents. This story provides a great lesson on patience and dedication and the joy that comes from sharing one’s faith and love for God. My children and I thoroughly enjoyed the impressive illustrations which really bring the author’s words to life. This book certainly makes a wonderful addition to our home library and will be treasured for all that it teaches us.

This book is not just A Gift for Matthew but a gift for all who read it. Whether young or old, this book engages us in the beautiful spiritual tradition of Orthodox iconography. Through the eyes of Matthew, he is able to understand part of the monastic life and the special talent that God gives us to utilize for His glory! The illustrations are absolutely engaging and the author does a beautiful job of weaving our faith into a new and exciting children's book. This is not just A Gift for Matthew. but a gift to give for children of all ages.

A wonderful little book of stories. Very simple easy peaceful reading.

Mrs. Carlson tells the story of her conversion from Roman Catholicism into Eastern Orthodoxy, and along the way describes her transformation from "believing hip punk rocker" to a woman and mother trying to conform her life to the formation of an Orthodox believer. She expresses so well the conflict between "what I am" and "what I wish I could be" as she lives her daily life as wife, mother, author, and modern woman in our fast-paced culture. I identify with so many of her situations and frustrations in my own attempts to develop a living relationship with a Living God! I highly recommend this book.

The book A Gift for Matthew is a beautiful book that conveys both the peace and quietness of the monastery environment as well as the beauty of iconography. A young boy visits a monastery with his mother, and helps a kind monk with his work as an iconographer. He learns about the process of icon painting as well as prayer, the traditional materials used, and their origin. Recommended ages 5-10.

A thoughtful and warm introduction to iconography for children and adults alike! A Gift for Matthew encompasses the wonderful aspects of Orthodox life: beauty, patience, creation, prayer, hope, and love. This offering is given to the reader in a beautifully illustrated and tangible way. The artwork offers counting opportunities, serene scenes, and vivid colors throughout. It also inspires the reader that iconography is a gift that can be handed from teacher to student at even a young age. A wonderful addition to anyone's library.

I really enjoyed reading A Gift for Matthew by Nick Muzekari. We join Matthew (age not given, but around 9-11 years would be my guess) for a day at a nearby monastery where he helps Brother Justin in the various steps of writing an icon. I liked the fact that the steps in mixing the paint (ok, I didn't know how egg tempera was made!), transferring the sketch to the board, etc. were not only explained in a just-enough-detailed fashion, but also placed in the context of the Church's Tradition. My 12 year old read it and liked it, although he felt it was a bit young for him. I read it to my 8 year old (explaining some of the words) and he enjoyed it and learned a lot. The not-quite-2 year old enjoyed the pictures of the kitty.

The illustrations by Masha Lobastov are beautiful and really enhance the story. I do like the fact that the monastery could be placed anywhere, not just in one part of the world.

A Gift for Matthew would make a lovely addition to your child's Orthodox book library, or for reading-aloud to a church school class. I hope it will play a part in encouraging budding iconographers.

Love to read or listen to these morning offerings (Kindle read aloud text to speech)

Very good book!

I received my copy of this book and couldn't wait to read it. As soon as you pick it up, you know care and attention was put into the story. The book is bound well and the pages will stand up to frequent use. The story is simple, but my children were fascinated to learn about the icon making process. The story also gives a warm portrayal of a monastic for children who may not have visited a monastery yet. The illustrations are gorgeous. This is a great book for a child interested in both iconography and the work in prayer of a monastic. All my godchildren are getting a copy this year!

Jonathan Jackson is an amazing actor, singer and writer. I admire him as a human being, and have been a fan ever since I first saw himon GH. He deserves all his success. Class act all the way. JB GB OR

I was first taken by the title. I had heard about Dr. Rossi at my church and had heard him speak on several occasions. In a time in history when to be successful you really need to be able to "multi-task" and add to other skills of getting more work done. What does becoming a healing presence look like? Dr. Rossi 's book will teach us.

Good story about one man's journey deeper into Orthodoxy. I sometimes reread pieces of this book at bedtime.