Saint Francis

By Brian Wildsmith
Eerdmans, $20.00

ISBN 0802851231

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Review by Mike and Amy Nappa

"I was born--thank you God" is the way Brian Wildsmith begins the elegant picture book Saint Francis. Throughout the rest of the book, that childlike joy shines through page after page, providing an unexpectedly intimate glimpse into the life of the Francis of Assisi.

Writing as if Francis himself were speaking to the reader, Wildsmith uses Francis's personality and age-appropriate narrative to transport children on a guided tour of the Christian hero's life. Though certainly not exhaustive, the author highlights significant events in the life of the man from Assisi. Children follow Francis through his youth as the son of a wealthy cloth merchant, witness his seemingly reckless abandonment of his fatherŐs riches, share in his fervent expressions of faith in God, and watch as he faces death in joyful anticipation.

Wildsmith's black ink and color illustrations bring to mind stained glass windows that children will want to explore in detail. Visually arresting, rich in color, and irrepressibly joyful, these pictures tell as much of the story as does the written narrative-revealing a singing, dancing, and compassionate man of God

An added feature is the gift book "extras" in the design of Saint Francis. Oversized pages draw the reader (child and adult!) into the story. Gold-foil finish and gilded edges lend an air of grace, making this book stand out whether it's displayed on a coffee table or on a child's crowded bookshelf.

In Saint Francis children and parents both will experience an enjoyable peek into Christian history, and be inspired by the life of a man who dared to live out his first love.


Mike and Amy Nappa both write and review many books for Christian readers.



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