Saint Francis of Assisi

September 17, 2012
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.

September 1, 2012
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 creche, 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)

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November 1, 2012

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

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