St. Francis and the Animals: A Mother Bird's Story

by Phil Gallery, Sibyl MacKenzie (Illustrator)

Overview

Mother Bird tells her son stories of St. Francis of Assisi.

If the animal kingdom can understand the life and teachings of the world’s most famous saint, so can children, who will be delighted by this simple, beautiful book for the ages.

“Stunning illustrations and engaging text. This book is sure to spark valuable conversations.” —Fr. Pat McCloskey, OFM, Franciscan Editor, St. Anthony Messenger

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781612619736
Publisher:	Paraclete Press
Publication date:	10/04/2018
Series:	San Damiano Books Series
Pages:	32
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x (d)
Age Range:	5 - 9 Years

About the Author

Phil Gallery is the author of four books in the “Can You Find” series that have sold more than 140,000 copies. All four won the Catholic Book Association’s coveted Best Book Award. Three made the Catholic bestseller list, and Can You Find Jesus? reached the top of the list.  He lives in the hills of eastern West Virginia, where he and his wife Shari raised their four children. 

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“This is an enchanting tale of St. Francis’ love of all creatures that shows how religious tales, in engaging prose and elegant illustrations, can guide us in the most important project of our lives: connecting with God, the Maker of all good things. This will become one of the favorite books of childhood!”
-Fr. David B. Couturier, OFM Cap., Director of the Franciscan Institute, St. Bonaventure University
  
“This book is great! It is a wonderful depiction of the story of the life of Saint Francis as told with amazing drawings.”
-Bob O'Connor, Author of A House Divided Against Itself
 
“These stunning illustrations and the engaging text describe how Francis related to a great variety of animals. This book is sure to spark valuable conversations.”
-Fr. Pat McCloskey, OFM, Franciscan Editor, St. Anthony Messenger

“Simply stunning! This is guaranteed to stir your heart with a rousing love for God, His Saints, His Creation, and all creatures—great and small. This tender story is magnificently illustrated and a very engaging expression of the life of the beloved Saint of Assisi. I highly recommend it for children and adults alike!”
-Donna-Marie Cooper O’Boyle, award-winning author of many books including Angels for Kids and My Confirmation Book

Editorial Reviews

10/15/2018
Gallery takes a unique approach to the biblical story of St. Francis of Assisi in this launch of Paraclete Press’s San Damiano imprint. Before Benjamin Bird, a downy yellow fledgling, takes his first flight, Mother Bird tells him “the story of our human friend” in vignettes, each featuring an animal that crosses paths with kind Brother Francis. Gallery portrays Francis showing care as he speaks to and protects animals. He releases a rabbit ensnared in a trap and urges a wolf to make peace with townspeople who fear him. Finally, Benjamin has his own encounter with Francis. Pleasing paintings with a fibrous quality attend this tender tribute to the animal-loving saint. Ages 5–up. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly