Saint Francis of Assisi

by Demi, Demi (Illustrator)

Overview

Saint Francis of Assisi is one of the most beloved and inspirational figures in the history of Christianity. The stunning illustrations of award-winning author, Demi, bring to life the story of this son of a rich merchant, who abandoned all his worldly goods in order to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Inspired by the remarkable example of his holiness, Saint Francis is venerated by millions of Christians around the world, no matter their denomination.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781937786045
Publisher:	Wisdom Tales
Publication date:	10/04/2012
Pages:	56
Product dimensions:	10.10(w) x 11.10(h) x 0.50(d)
Lexile:	AD970L (what's this?)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Demi is the award-winning author of over 130 bestselling children’s books. Her titles have sold over half a million copies. The Empty Pot was selected by former First Lady Barbara Bush in 1990 as one of the books to be read on the ABC Radio Network Program Mrs. Bush’s Story Time, sponsored by the Children’s Literacy Initiative. Demi’s book Gandhi was named a New York Times Best Illustrated Book and received an Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award. In addition, she represented the United States at the First International Children’s Book Conference in Beijing, China, in 1992. She lives with her husband in Yarrow Point, WA.

Editorial Reviews

The beloved saint gets colorful treatment from Demi, who retells his biography at length, beginning at the beginning, when Francis was born in a stable in Assisi in 1182. Francis’s early life gets extended treatment, with the depiction of medieval military scenes. Those unfamiliar with the details of Francis’s life—he is credited with beginning the use of a Nativity scene to commemorate Christmas—will find it in edifying visual detail, including Francis’s legendary encounter with the wolf of Gubbio. The narrative can be repetitive, but it provides a great excuse for the compelling visuals. Even the end papers are lavishly illustrated, with parade-like ranks of animals along with the words to Francis’s prayers, including the Canticle of the Sun. As usual, Demi’s mixed-media illustrations feature intricate decorative borders, along with lots and lots of animals. A visual feast and tribute to a Christian figure said to have lived like Jesus. Ages 6–up. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly

This lovely retelling of the life of Saint Francis is accompanied by rich, glowing illustrations reminiscent of illuminated manuscripts of medieval times. Demi, both author and illustrator, has created a book that will delight many of all ages.

Sacramento/San Francisco Book Review

Saint Francis of Assisi receives lovely drawings by Demi and packs in 56 pages of images and description to offer a retelling of the life story of Francis of Assisi. Christian readers will find this includes all stories and legends about Francis, from his youth to his conversion to poverty and his message, with Demi’s lovely color drawings adding impact and flavor to the tales. Christian collections will find this a lovely introduction for ages 10 and up.

Midwest Book Review

Saint Francis of Assisi was a complex individual who faced many instances of adversity in his life in Italy. In this children’s book, illustrator Demi delivers a retelling of his story, from his birth in 1182 to his participation in war with a neighboring town. The diagrams that accompany the text leave a biblical impression appropriate for this story, with gold frames, clothing, and architecture suggestive of the time period they recap. The story is appropriate for children aged six through ten.

Foreword Reviews

Saint Francis of Assisi was a complex individual who faced many instances of adversity in his life in Italy. In this children’s book, illustrator Demi delivers a retelling of his story, from his birth in 1182 to his participation in war with a neighboring town. The diagrams that accompany the text leave a biblical impression appropriate for this story, with gold frames, clothing, and architecture suggestive of the time period they recap. The story is appropriate for children aged six through ten.

ForeWord Reviews

Gr 3–5—Like several picture-book biographies of St. Francis, this somewhat longer account begins with the "Canticle of the Sun," its abundant lines rolling in waves interspersed with fish, birds, and small animals. The familiar prayer "Lord make me an instrument of your peace" follows on the decoratively framed title page. Demi's customary gilt framing with embellished matting suits the medieval events, though the occasional use of marbled paper as the only background lends an odd elegance to some scenes of poverty and even prison. The text, in simple, rather formal terms, running in outer columns beside the richly colored views of small figures on each page, recounts the standard elements of the life, conversion, preaching, embrace of poverty, love of animals, miracles, and widespread popularity of the man. Francis hears from God; parts with his father; and meets the leper, the nobleman Bernard, Pope Innocent III, Clare, Anthony, the wolf at Gubbio, and the Sultan of Egypt. No sources are cited, but the visionary experiences of Francis and words attributed to him are part of the story. "And Francis realized it was Christ on the Cross-glowing with love. And he realized by the inner flame of love, he himself was being transformed into Christ on the Cross." Children may find Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s St. Francis of Assisi: A Life of Joy (Hyperion, 2005) and Margaret Mayo's Brother Sun, Sister Moon: The Life and Stories of St. Francis (Little, Brown, 2000) a bit more accessible, but this version is more extensive, and the handsome, detailed artwork will be a welcome addition in many libraries.—Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston

School Library Journal

Saint Francis of Assisi's life and legends are recounted in too many words and gorgeously illustrated in Demi's signature lapidary style. Demi includes every single story and legend about Francis: his misspent youth, his conversion to poverty, his preaching to the birds, his receiving of the stigmata (the wounds of Christ on the Cross). The narrative opens with his Canticle of the Sun and closes with St Francis' Blessing and his Praises to God Most High. The text in between is too wordy for young readers, though, and moves abruptly from vignette to vignette. The illustrations, however, are astounding. Medieval manuscripts, marbled papers, ancient cityscapes and Persian miniatures are all sources of inspiration for image after image of surpassing beauty. Here's Francis divesting himself of his garments in order to return to his father his sumptuous silk brocades. Father, bystanders and bishop are all arrayed in magnificent robes--and Demi adroitly indicates nakedness without revealing much. Here's Francis preaching to the sultan in his brilliantly hued tent. And here's Francis creating the first Christmas crèche, as fox and goose, wolf and lamb (and a stained-glass gathering of townspeople) come to worship. Beautiful, though not very accessible. (Picture book/biography. 8-14)

Kirkus Reviews