Book Description

He turned away from his life of wealth and privilege to live with lepers, the "untouchables" of his society. He preached the idea of the sanctity of all life, becoming an advocate of animal rights and environmentalism in a time when even human life often had little value. He found joy in owning nothing, and giving everything away. He was story of Saint Francis of Assisi and the story of his life is inspiring and radical. And now more than ever, it bears important messages for American children living in a culture of casual abundance and waste. Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.-a father, a devout Roman Catholic, a crusader for clean air and water, and a member of a family famous for its dedication to public service. It is no wonder, then, that this saint's story should resonate so powerfully with him. Mr. Kennedy has retold Francis's story as a lesson and inspiration for his own children-and for children everywhere. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

...To Seek A Newer World.
This is a wonderful book for people of all ages. It is full of hope and wonder and teaches us all, as the author's farther did, "to seek a newer world".The protection of our animals, birds and overall environment is more important today then it was in St. Francis' time and his life story is told with wit and grace by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. As one who was an intern in Senator Kennedy's ill fated campaign for the presidency in 1968, I feel a special happiness that RFK's namesake is contributing so very much to make our country and world a much better place.

Wonderful Book!
When I saw Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. talk about his book on Good Morning America, I rushed out to buy a copy.My mom always
had a Saint Francis figurine out in the garden and the story
about him has always been an inspiration to me.

Though this book may be advertised as a child's book, it really
is for any one at any age.Each page has exquisite illustrations done by Dennis Nolan; each page has has a verse
and an accompanying full page illustration and calligraphic letters.

Whether young or old, you should read this book.It will make you think about plants and animals - our most endangered resources - and will give you a different view after you've read it.

Lovely work.Beautiful story.

Valerie Atkinson Brown
Author, International Thomson Publishing ... Read more

Book Description

Family stories are so important, and stories from our Church-family may be even more so. In this collection of brief biographies, Hannula sketches the stirring trials and triumphs of many famous and lesser known fathers and mothers of our faith-including Augustine, Charlemagne, Anselm, Luther, Bunyan, and C.S. Lewis.Written for ages 5-12. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

What Christians Should Know
This is an awesome book! We studied it in our adult Sunday school class with extra readings on each chapter from other sources. It is information that every Christian should know because it is our history! Rather than obsess on (a) series which is information that is fiction, we should read about the facts of those that went before us, many who died standing up for their faith. It is written at a level that grade school children can understand. Most adult Christians know little of our own history!

Thank you to Richard Hannula and this important book!

Best principal there will ever be
If you want to read an excellent book about stalwart soldiers for Christ, written by a principled (no pun intended), committed, and passionate Christian, and if you want to be "spurred on toward love and good deeds" by the examples of these amazing and courageous believers, read Trial and Triumph! In his writing, Mr. Hannula makes Augustine, Ambrose, Polycarp, and all the others come alive--just as he makes history exciting and real for the students he teaches in his history classes. Do yourself a favor and read his book.

very unique book
I would recommend this for adults and older children. Most Protestants put so much focus on the Bible that they don't learn much about anything that happened in the Church after the book of Acts. This book will help fill in the gaps.

Brush up on church history
This is a great way to learn church history through fascinating biographical sketches. It's a children's book, and I have read it aloud to my six- and eight-year-olds, but I enjoyed it for my own reading first. It will make you appreciate your religious freedom in a new way, and inspire you to live a courageous Christian life.

Excellent stories of some of the King's most faithful
In the great traditions of Fair Sunshine and Foxe's Book ofMartyrs, Hannula has retold many beautiful stories of Christ'sservants. Its simplicity is ideal for children, while its depth is extraordinary for all. Perfect for devotional use as well as a teaching tool. ... Read more

Book Description

Who are the saints, why are they important, and what can today's children learn from them? In Loyola Kids Book of Saints, the first book in the Loyola Kids series, author Amy Welborn answers these questions with exciting and inspiring stories, real-life applications, and important information about these heroes of the church. This delightful collection of saints' lives, written in a storybook style for children eight to twelve, explains how saints becomes saints, why we honor them, and how they help us even today.

Divided thematically, the book features more than sixty saints from all over the world and from all across time, including our newest saints, such as St. Katharine Drexel; popular saints, such as St. Anthony of Padua; and Blesseds, such as Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. Each story tells about a saint and encourages readers to consider how they might apply what they learn from the story to their everyday lives. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Great book for Religious Education teachers.
I teach second-grade Religious Education at our local parish. I first saw this book at the library and thoght it might be fun to start a class feature called "Saint of the Week." It quickly became the kids' favorite part of the weekly class. The accounts of the lives of these Saints are all lively and interesting enough to keep the class's attention, and the author still manages to be reverent in tone. Older kids, I am sure, would also enjoy the stories, which are long enough to contain some very interesting details, but not so long as to lose the audience's attention. Then again, how can you lose a class's attention when you tell them the true story of, for example, St. Thomas More or St. Joan of Arc? ... Read more

Reviews (3)

First One
This is a Good book and I really enjoy reading it. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a hero of all time. He has save all the Black, and he gave their freedom.

This book is informative and touching for children of all ag
As a third grade teacher I use this book on a yearly basis during the month of January. Davidson does a wonderful job of allowing the children to connect to young Martin. From the early chapters she eloquently weaves Martin's words along with those of his friends and colleagues. Children are certainly saddened when Martin is eventually killed. Well worth reading!

Excellent read aloud for grade school students.
The Scholastic company along with Margaret Davidson has put together a very informative book for youngsters. The book doesn't delve too deeply into the social consciousness so it will keep a youngster's interest. It is an excellent book to show how, against all odds, a man no more slated for greatness than any other American, had a dream to change the way African Americans were treated. It is also an excellent book that demonstrates how conflict-resolution can be achieved through peaceful means. This book makes for a wonderful read aloud to herald in the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King's Day. ... Read more

Book Description

Best-selling children's author Amy Welborn explains why having heroes is important for children in Loyola Kids Book of Heroes, a companion to her popular Loyola Kids Book of Saints. Welborn tells the stories of devoted Christians, including Mother Teresa, Dorothy Day, and John the Baptist, who made significant contributions to people and the world around them.

Welborn introduces Christian role models who exemplify the seven cardinal virtues-faith, hope, charity, temperance, prudence, fortitude, and justice, and leads children on their personal journeys of faith. Colorful illustrations and a delightful storytelling style bring these inspiring stories to life for young readers. Ages 8-12. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Truly the Adventure of a Lifetime
It is incredible to think that a single young lady could accomplish so much in such a short lifetime. Only someone sold out to God could be used in wonderful ways like this. Thank the Lord that people like Gladys Aylward do answer the call to spend their lives serving Him. She gave up all of the normal comforts of western life and totally followed God's will. She even sacrificed the hope of a husband and family, but God gave her a bigger family than she could have ever imagined! She dared to head off into the unknown with nothing but her faith in God. It proved to be more than enough and God blessed her with spiritual fruit beyond our understanding. You must read this book! It is so well done and inspiring! It would be great for the whole family. I pray He will call out many more people like Gladys Aylward into the dark corners of the world.

A fantastic and inspirational story for students of all ages
This biography of Gladys Aylward takes as resources all of the other biographies. It is written at a level so that children 9 and up can enjoy and benefit from. Gladys' life shows how God can do great things through a submitted and willing servant. Gladys started life as a servant for wealthy families, but God had other plans for her. While at a revival meeting, she became convinced that he was leading her to China. Even though she knew no Chinese, had no contacts in China and flunked out of China mission school, Gladys saved up her money and bought a one-way ticket to China. The adventures and close escapes she had keep you glued to the pages, all the while glorifying God and all that He did for the Chinese people through His humble servant. Well recommended for home-schools.

Gladys Aylward -- Our New Heroine!
We saw the movie "Inn of the Sixth Happiness" and had to know more about this amazing woman. Our search lead us to this book. I read it out loud to my 12 year old daughter as my husband did the driving back from our Christmas vacation in Illinois. We read it straight through as we drove straight through! It was even more exciting than the movie! We, too, are on the lookout for anything more we can find to read about Gladys Aylward -- a true role model for our kids!!!

What a fantastic family book
My boys and I (ages 10 & 6) just finished reading this wonderful book. We home school and read many books together. Honestly, my guys did not want to read about a woman missionary. However, by the middle of the book, they would ask me to read another chapter. It was inspiring and exciting. Her life was full of life and danger. It was incredible for my boys to realize this was a real story, not fiction. I highly recommend it as a book to read as a family. We loved it.

A read-aloud delight for the whole family
I've literally just tucked my children into bed, having read the last three chapters of this amazing story--we couldn't stop! My 7 year-old son was intrigued from start to finish, and my 4 year-old daughter, asked "Could we read it again, PLEASE? " I'm now on the look-out for any other books about Gladys Aylward. What a shame that I grew up not knowing anything about this Godly, brave woman. What a story! We've been reading a chapter each day aloud, and have enjoyed every single word. I highly recommend it! ... Read more

Book Description

Against the fascinating tapestry of Frances history during the Hundred Years' War, Diane Stanley unfolds the story of the simple thirteen-year-old village girl who in Just a few years would lead France to independence from English rule, and thus become a symbol of France's national pride. It is a story of vision and bravery, fierce determination, and tragic martyrdom. Diane Stanley's extraordinary gift to present historical information in an accessible and child-friendly format has never been more impressive, nor her skillful, beautifully realized illustrations (here imitating medieval illuminated manuscripts) more exquisite.

Reviews (5)

A superb illustrated juvenile biography of Joan of Arc
I was sold on Diane Stanley's juvenile biography of "Joan of Arc" after reading her two-page prologue, "A Hundred Years of War," in which she explains the political situation in France when King Charles VI of France died two months after King Henry V of England. If you remember the end of Shakespeare's "Henry V," then you might be familiar with the agreement that was put into place following the Battle of Agincourt, but how many young readers have really studied that particular bit of English history by the Bard? However, in these two pages Stanley explains why the 19-year-old dauphin, Charles VII, was still uncrowned when Jeannette d'Arc in the small town of Domremy began receiving heavenly visions.

Stanley tells the familiar story of Joan of Arc in considerable detail, but always with one eye towards understanding what was happening from the perspective of a seventeen year old girl who road into battle and was proclaimed the savior of France and the other on the historical context of these events. She also pays attention to the details, listing the specific charges for which she was tried and the "confession" that she signed, which are often omitted from similar juvenile biographies, and at the end of her story she pays as much attention to the aftermath of her martyrdom as she did to setting up her life.

Throughout the book Stanley makes nice use of historical texts, dropping a lot of quotations and specific lines from the trial transcript and other sources. The text is accompanied by Stanley's illustrations, which are done in the style of the illuminated manuscripts of the time. As a result young readers will get a solid understanding of life of times of the woman called Joan of Arc by history, and be able to inform their friends that the new hit show on CBS should really be called "Jeanette (or Janet) of Arcadia."

Diane Stanley does it again!
A beautiful book! Diane Stanley carefully traces the life of Joan from her humble beginnings to her tragic end. The book even comes with a pronunciation guide to help those of us who haven't been to France. Although the language is at 8+ year old range, my 5 year old daughter loves it anyway!

Wonderful for kids
Not only was this an accurate portrayal of Joan of Arc's story, it was wonderfully written and illustrated. I would recommend it for anyone who is starting out in learning of the saint. It is educational and enjoyable for a child.

A role model for girls
This is a beautiful book that I purchased for a seven year old girl. I am a medievalist and the depictions in this book of the clothing, etc. are true to fact. The next copy I buy will be for myself as I collect good children's books on medieval times. Every year I publish of list of children's book on this time period that I recommend in our group's newsletter and this book is high on the list.

MY DAUGHTER LOVED IT
My 8 year old daughter devoured this book in one sitting, which is amazing considering that she hardly ever reads non-fiction. (She was not pleased at the not-so-happy ending, however!)

Beautiful illustrations. ... Read more

Amazon.com

In this elegant pictorial biography of Martin Luther King Jr., authorDoreen Rappaport combines her spare, lyrical text with King's own words for aneffective, age-appropriate portrayal of one of the world's greatest civil rightsleaders. From King's youth, when he looked up to his preacher father and vowedone day to "get big words, too," to his death at a garbage workers' strike ("Onhis second day there, he was shot. He died."), Rappaport imbues the story withreverence.

Acclaimed artist Bryan Collier depicts his subject with stunning watercolor andcollage illustrations, balancing glorious recreations of stained glass windowswith some of the more somber images of peace marchers and the famous bus thatpitched Rosa Parks into the civil rights movement. A brief chronology andbibliography provide additional resources for readers. Here is an exquisitetribute to a world hero. (Ages 4 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Simply amazing!
I bought this book, not really knowing much about it. Once I opened it up, saw the beautiful artwork and imagery and read the story, I was amazed. This book gives an excellent, truthful, beautiful portrayal of a restless time in our history. The final page with the picture of Martin in the stained glass windows, overlooking four candles which represent the four little girls who died in the Birmingham church bombing was beautiful. Yes, it's true: some of this history might be frightening for small children. But the theme is important: Dr. King taught people to use their voices, not their fists. As long as a parent is engaged enough to talk about this with their child, the child should have no problem hearing, reading and loving this book.

Now I want to buy a copy for every kid (and adult) I know.

Big, Powerful, Strong Words.....
Martin Luther King was a man of BIG words. When others said "hate", Martin said "love." When others said "separate", he said "together." And when he heard others say "war", Martin said "peace." "Sooner or later, all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together." Martin always went where he was needed in the struggle for equality. He shared his dreams and filled people with hope. "He walked with them and talked with them and sang with them and prayed with them." Doreen Rappaport has written a simple and inspirational picture-book biography that combines her quiet, yet powerful prose, with Dr King's own "big words." Her text emphasises his courage and strong committment to non-violence, equal rights, and the civil rights movement. "White ministers told them to stop. Mayors and governors and police chiefs and judges ordered them to stop. But they kept on marching." Bryan Collier's watercolor and cut paper collage illustrations are stunning and evocative, and together word and art create a passionate and powerful tribute to a great man of peace. Perfect for youngsters 4-8, Martin's Big Words is an engaging and elegant introduction to a man who stood up and struggled to change America and the world, and includes a marvelous timeline of important dates and additional books and web sites to explore. "His big words are alive for us today."

Great Book!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The book Martin's BIG Words by Doreen Rappaport is excellent for children between the ages of 4-8. It depicts the life of Martin Luther King and the struggles he had to endure his entire life. I like that on each page you were given a quote by Dr. King himself. I also thought that having a list of his important dates at the end of the book was great for the children to see. This is an excellent book to share with your child or classroom.

1st time reader
...I was very impressed with how the book was written. I was able to learn something myself that I didn't know. I think the pictures bring out the picture of Martin standing tall as an activist in those days. i enjoyd reading things that Martin said himself, things that was quoted in the book.

Marvelous
A mavelous book. Well written and beautiful art work. With simple words and simple style, will bring you to tears by the end. A wonderful way to introduce teachings of peace, justice, and a belief in God that leads to change to children. We read this book every year on MLK Day and my young sons talk about MLK all the time. ... Read more

Book Description

The king was going mad . . . So begins Polly Schoyer Brooks's account of one of history's most compelling stories and one of the world's most popular heroines-Joan of Arc. Brooks tells us of a fifteenth-century France ravaged by war, plague, and religious conflict; of a king who suffered fits of madness and his weak son who made a disappointing successor; and of a peasant girl from the countryside who accomplished what appeared to be miracles by rallying the dispirited French nation with her desire to see the rightful king rule. Little more than a year after her astounding triumphs-uniting the nation and securing the throne for Charles VII with her victory over the English at Orlean-nineteen-year-old Joan was imprisoned on charges of witchcraft and sorcery, tried for heresy, and burned at the stake. Polly Schoyer Brooks's detailed narrative unveils the spirited young woman who became a patron saint and continues to inspire courage and faith. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

I'm young again !

Ms. Brooks concise biography of Joan, marketed toward "young adults," makes me feel sure that I must be young again! It exactly suits me.

The Joan that emerges from these pages is an entirely believable, if extraordinary, human being. It is written at a perfectly intelligent level, is measured in its judgments, provides historical and social context, and is never dogmatic. It seems careful throughout and provides a bibliography. And it is ~very~ engaging. What's not to like?

I proudly place this work for "young adults" on my shelves and will, in the future, look more deliberately for work in this category.

I have an interest in French history but a regular life as well, not endless expanses of time for huge historical tomes. I was extremely pleased with the return this book gave me for a modest investment of time. And nobody has accused me lately of not being a full-fledged adult ;-)

Getting beyond the myths about Joan of Arc
In "Beyond the Myth: The Story of Joan of Arc," Polly Schoyer Brooks provides a biography for young adults that makes a point of separating historical facts from popular legends. One of the main strengths of the volume is how Brooks establishes the situation in 15th-century France which involved a king who suffered fits of madness and his weakling son and then tells the story of a peasant girl from the countryside who accomplished what appeared to be miracles in rallying the French to her banner. The result is a book about Joan of Arc that captures her humanity as well as her heroism.

Brooks neatly divides the story of Joan in half, with the first six chapters starting with Joan's life in the village of Domremy and ending with the crowing of Charles the Dauphin as King of France, and the last six depicting Joan's fall from glory, trial, and execution. Brooks emphasizes that the situations that brought about her martyrdom were beyond Joan's control and details the political calculations that ended up putting her in the hands of the English. However, as Brooks emphasizes, though the English burned Joan's body to ashes they could not wipe out the memory of her deeds from the French people. I appreciate that Brooks makes it clear to her readers how the effort's to restore Joan's name and honor after the English left France were just as politically motivated as the trial that condemned her.

This young adult biography is illustrated with historic prints and paintings, including a sketch by a clerk of his idea of Joan drawn in the margin of his report, as well as contemporary photographs of historic sites, such as Joan's stone-and-rubble house in Domremy and the statue on the post were she was burned at the stake in the marketplace at Rouen. Brooks has also written similar biographies of Eleanor of Acquitaine and Cleopatra. However, as Brooks notes, although more books about Joan have been inspired than any other women in history, she remains an enigma. In "Beyond the Myth," Brooks tries to answer the key questions concerning Joan's life and to restore her humanity, which in the final analysis, Brooks sees as being her greatest virtue. For students who are ready to get beyond your basic juvenile biographies of Joan of Arc, this is a thoughtful volume to which to turn next.

Detailed biographical study garnered from intense research.
Like many females, I enjoy learning about female historical figures. I want to know as much truth as I can find. The author does exactly that for the reader. This book is a detailed account of the events that triggered Joan d'Arc's dedication to her country and its rightful king. The author traces the history based on documents and other works that have been carefully researched. She provides the reader with the personality traits and beliefs of the time which drove the events that led to Joan's trial and death. Accusations of witchcraft and sorcery were used by church and secular leaders to destroy the young life of a heroic woman because of jealousy, superstition, and shady business surrounding the church and state. In addition, health and medical issues of the times are revealed that are shocking and entertaining. Read this book to learn about Joan, but also about the way people lived. Just learning about the reasons for the need for all those castles made the read worth the time.

Informative non-fiction--and actually interesting, too
I don't generally read non-fiction (I have the non-fictionattention span of a gnat). I'm glad I got my hands on this book. Itwas very well written, and so interesting that I ended up retelling it to several friends. Joan had a fascinating life and the author recaptures it very well.

Nice Book with a lot of Information and Facts
The book Beyond the Myth: The True Story of Joan of Arc was quite good. It provided many facts about Joan: including information on the battles she fought, the people she met, her personality, and her trial. The book also contained facts about the time period in which she lived. With many illustrations and photographs, this book made an interesting and educational read. The only reason why I did not give this book five stars is because in some parts it got a little dull, but overall it was really great. I do recommend you read this book, it's super! ... Read more

Book Description

On August 28, 1963, more than 250,000 people came to the nation's capital to speak out against segregation and to demand equal rights for everyone and to hear Martin Luther King, Jr. This book captures the spirit of this landmark day and brings Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech to vivid life. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent illustrated story of the March on Washington
"Martin Luther King, Jr. and the March on Washington" tells the story of the historic day when one of the most famous speeches in American history was delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Author Frances E. Ruffin sets the stage for King's "I Have A Dream" speech by providing the background on why civil rights leaders called for the March on Washington. The illustrations of Stephen Marchesi are combined with photographs of white only laundromats, colored entrances, and separate (and clearly unequal) drinking fountains. By the time the story gets to King's speech, students will have a good understanding of the rhetorical facing the speaker. The "I Have A Dream" speech is nicely summarized and the book concludes by talking about how the Civil Rights Act of 1964 changed a lot of the wrongs depicted in the opening section. This book is designed for students in the first through third grades (Level 2) and makes an excellent introduction to the civil rights movement and would be very useful for students to read during Black History Month to help them understand why King's birthday is a national holiday. I especially liked Marchesi's picture of President Kennedy watching King's speech on television; it might be useful to ask students to look at that picture and imagine what the President might be thinking as he listens to what King had to say. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Learn about Martin Luther King, Jr. for young readers
This book will be enjoyed by all students. It really speaks from the heart and instead of continually writing on all the negative stuff that authors seem to write on, i really think that Adler focused on writing on all the positive things that King did for the nation. The book was beautifully written.

History in pictures
Filled with teachings of peacefully protesting fair laws for all people, David
Adler gives us a picture book of Martin Luther King, Jr. In it, he shares the
early life of MLK Jr, his young experiences with racism and segregation and on
to his dreams as well as highlights some of his well-known protests. In these
protests, he speaks of a world free of hate, prejudice and violence.

This book is a great lesson in history for our children and also covers a few
other events in the plight for civil rights. Casilla's illustrations do a
decent job of giving us a pictorial view of the events chronicling King's life.

Reviewed by Tee C. Royal
...

Excellent first biography
The entire "A picture book of..." biography series byDavid Adler is outstanding. Perfect for lower elementary studentsdoing their first real report. Makes a great read-aloud for non-readers as they are easily completed in one sitting. They are loaded with information including a timeline of important dates. The illustrations in this book are not cartoon-like as in his other biographies of Washington or Lincoln, but are appealing to young children. ... Read more

Book Description

This is Joyce's third biography and continues the fine work she has already done in A Piece of the Mountain (Blaise Pascal) and The Ocean of Truth (Sir Isaac Newton). The River of Grace is unique in that it is the only biography of Calvin available for the young adult market. Joyce focuses especially on Calvin's childhood and youth, tracing his days at the university and the circumstances of his conversion. She traces his early and precocious leadership of the Protestants in France and his flight from France to Basel, Strassburg, and Geneva when King Francis I began executing Protestants. The result is a warm and affectionate picture of the leader of the second generation of the Protestant Reformation. "... if Luther sounded the trumpet, Calvin was the one who orchestrated the score."Written on a 5th/6th grade reading level, but worth reading out loud to younger students. Older students and adults will also find this to be a valuable introduction and an aid in understanding the author of the Institutes of the Christian Religion. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

It may be a children's book, but I learned so much from it!
After reading two of Joyce McPherson's other books, I knew I was in for a treat when I picked up River of Grace, the biography of John Calvin. While the language is easily understandable for a child, it holds the interest of the adult. I have even seen my husband, who rarely picks up a book, reading this one. John Calvin is famous as a theologian, but I found out lots of things that I didn't know about him. It made his life come alive for me. ... Read more

Book Description

Timeless Lessons for Families From Great Christians of the Past

Drawn from the lives of fifteen key Christian heroes, Hero Tales is a beautifully illustrated treasury of forty-five exciting and educational readings designed to help foster Christian character qualities in families with elementary-age children. This inspiring collection presents a short biography and three true stories for each hero, including:

Amy Carmichael

Martin Luther

Dwight L. Moody

Samuel Morris

Harriet Tubman

John Wesley

Whether read together at family devotions or alone, Hero Tales is an ideal way to acquaint children ages six to twelve with historically important Christians while imparting valuable lessons.

DAVE & NETA JACKSON are full-time writers and editors whose talented work on the bestselling TRAILBLAZER BOOKS has earned them numerous awards as well as world-wide acclaim. They bring their gifts for meticulous historical research and carefully crafted stories to the pages of Hero Tales.

Reviews (2)

On a Scale of 1-5, this rates at least 100 stars!
Every one of these brief biographies is inspiring. The one on George Muller is one of my favorites. Mr. Muller gave all of his requests to God, with amazing results. (I've read that Mr. Muller literally wore grooves in the floor boards by his bed because of the time he spent in prayer). The reader sees how his life changed from that of a ne'er-do-well to that of a compassionate Christian who dedicated his life to providing food, clothing, and shelter for orphans in the name of Christ. He even refused a generous check for his ministry because he preferred to rely completely on God to supply every need. God's faithfulness in his life is awesome. Mark 8: 35 says: "...whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel's will save it". Mr Muller is one example of many in this book who dedicated his life for the sake of Christ and the gospel.
This book is a perfect bedtime or devotional read-aloud. The biographies are brief and inspiring. Scriptures and discussion questions are included after each reading. In a time when children need positive role models, this series is a real treasure. Don't let this one go out of print!
Everything I've read by these authors is top notch.

Simplifies our view of active faith through godly people
For all ages this book is inspiring. A taste of what it means to trust in the Almighty God, who always provides a way for those who follow Him and listen to their inner most heart. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Celebrated children's-book illustrator Demi puts the Buddha's life story into words any child can enjoy. Even more, children will love the lush, meticulously painted scenes, rendered in traditional Asian fashion yet as light and whimsical asCalvin and Hobbes. (Ages 9 to 12.) ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Moving, Great Book!
This book tells the story of Buddha so clearly and precisely that it taught me a lot that I previously didn't know or understand. I am hoping to share this book with my students during the Buddhist New Year in April. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Memorable!
I was looking for a book that would teach children as well as entertain them, and I was skeptical that I would find one that did both. Tomie DePaola is an absolute winner! The stories are complete, rather than abbreviated as so many children's stories are. He gives the children credit for being able to appreciate and understand the complex stories of St. Francis's life. The account of when Francis renounced his father was depicted completely, but respectful. His remarkable illustrations are helpful as well. In a time when we need to be teaching simplicity, this is the book to read to your children! If you love this book, I would also recommend his book on St. Patrick!

Francis: The Poor Man of Assisi
For anyone who is a fan of Tomie DePaola and wants to teach children about St. Francis of Assisi this is a terrific book. I have read this book to my children, to my religious education class and shared it with adults studying the spirituality of St. Francis. It appeals to both children and adults. Children love the stories and adults are inspired by how Mr. DePaola brings St. Francis to life. He took the time not only to research the text of the book but also the illustrations. He actually drew St. Francis from the likeness painted by the artist who knew him. It's a must have for those who celebrate St. Francis Day. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Informative & Fun!
Growing up in an Irish Catholic family myself, I had heard a great deal about St. Patrick. When we received this book as a gift I started reading it to my children, and they loved it. There were stories even I hadn't heard about St. Pat! As with his St. Francis book, Tomie DePaola's book holds children's interest throughout the many stories while other books of this length lose children. Kids remember the stories and repeat them because they are told so lovingly and in such a fun way! I now bring this book to their school and read it to all their classrooms every St. Patrick's Day to let children know that there is more to Patrick than green beer!

Learn more about the Patron Saint of Ireland
A wonderful book by Tomie dePaola filled with helpful information about the true story of St. Patrick's life, as well as fun legends attributed to the patron Saint of Ireland. dePaola's bold illustrations lend to the attraction of the book. He mentions at the end of the book his reasons for writing it and his attraction to Saint Patrick. My own eight year old son has a strong devotion to Saint Patrick and this book is among his favorites. I appreciate the clear differentiation between fact and legend in this book and would highly recommend it for any family.

knowledge, good drawing and simple shapes make a joy to see.
Tomie dePaola's Patrick, patron-saint of Ireland is a joy to read and see. The story is clear and simple, the drawings strong and cheerfull. Not many historians mention the Irish hounds on the the ship to France. Tomie dePaola does, with knowledge and artfull humor. ... Read more

Book Description

Kathleen Norris, acclaimed author of The Cloister Walk, offers a moving text to accompany beloved artist Tomie dePaola's strikingly beautiful frescolike paintings in the dramatic and inspiring story of two miraculous, yet very human siblings.

The twins, Benedict and Scholastica, grew up as lively best friends in northern Italy, but their paths diverged when it became time for them to enter adulthood. Benedict's life was filled with dramatic moments and miracles as he grew into an important spiritual leader. Scholastica lived a quieter life, but she remained a strong influence on her brother as he developed the Rule of St. Benedict, which guides the Benedictine order to this day. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Saints preserve us
I read my first Kathleen Norris book, "Dakota: A Spiritual Geography", in a Humanities class in 1996. Little did I know then that the adept writer would pop up later in my life with the book, "The Holy Twins". Examining the lives of St. Benedict and Scholastica from childhood to their deaths, the book is a careful examination of the path to spiritual enlightenment. To me, this book falls firmly into the category of picture-books-for-adults. The book is a spiritual journey, one that could easily bore children but that contains enough life and verve within its pages to retain interest amongst the older crowd. Illustrated by Tomie de Paola, the book is also bound to garner some interest amongst the "Strega Nona" fans as well.

The story follows the twins, Benedict and Scholastica. As children they played together in the hills of northern Italy. As time passed, however, they were separated and went their different ways. Scholastica joined a convent and Benedict studied, eventually becoming a holy man of sorts. The book mostly examines Benedict and his life, from one near poisoning to another. When the siblings are united their personalities haven't changed much since their days as children and they still react to one another similarly. In the end, Scholastica is the first to pass away and Benedict decrees that he be buried with his twin when he too dies. An author's note at the end (also accompanied by de Paola's illustrations) explains the rule of St. Benedict and gives some additional information about how Benedict influenced monasteries for centuries to come.

As I mentioned before, I personally can't see the little ones put to bed with this as their bedtime story. Certainly the words are simple enough but there's a sophistication to the plot and language that suits an adult reader better. That and the fact that not a whole lot happens in this tale. The book's exceeding interest in Benedict who, as the book itself notes was, "extremely strict and demanding of the monks", and others, is baffling. Why not give us more of a glance on the life of Scholastica? This character obviously has a sense of humor but one minute she's a girl entering a convent and the next she's greeting her grey-haired twin brother. Why the lapse? Benedict's preferential treatment belies the title of the book that would have suggested the tale told the stories of both the characters. Alas that this is not the case.

No objection could possibly ever be made to de Paola's illustrations, by the way. He is just as talented today as he was when he first began illustrating. The use of distance and multiple actions taking place on a single page is impressive. All in all, the tale is given a respect and dignity that a lesser illustrator might have squandered. Such is the beauty of a de Paola book.

Should you wish to teach the tale of two saints from birth to death, this is a good resource to have. But for fun recreational reading, I direct you to look elsewhere. It's a great book, but dry at times and skimpy on the details at others. Altogether an interesting effort.

A DELIGHTFUL AND INSPIRING STORY
Twin brother and sister Benedict and Scholastica were rambunctious youngsters who lived many years ago in Nursia, a small mountain town in northern Italy. They climbed trees, raced each other up and down the hills, and befriended stray cats. They were not only twins but constant playmates and best friends.

When the twins grew older, as was the custom of their day, Benedict was sent to Rome to study while Scholastica went to a nearby monastery to learn to read and write. While Scholastica easily adapted to her new live, enjoying the women she met and the prayers that were said, Benedict was troubled by the poverty and cruelty to slaves that he encountered in Rome. Although he knew that the great city opened many avenues for him and that he was expected to remain there to study, Benedict chose to go to a small village where he joined a small number who spent their days in prayer and labor.

Later, Benedict felt God was calling him to live alone so he found a cave for shelter. It was there that shepherds found him and deemed him to be a holy hermit. As Benedict's reputation spread other clerics became envious and even tried to do away with him.

Eventually the solitary believer went to the peak of Monte Cassino where he founded a monastery, which became a refuge for many.

Scholastica, along with a group of other nuns, would come to the monastery to visit her brother once a year and became a great source of support for him and his work.

Tomie de Paola's delightful, boldly colored acrylic illustrations enliven this inspiring story of faith and devotion.

- Gail Cooke ... Read more

Book Description

Long before he became a world-famous dreamer, Martin Luther King Jr. was a little boy who played jokes and practiced the piano and made friends without considering race. But growing up in the segregated South of the 1920s forced a very young Martin to learn a bitter lesson -- little white children and little black children were not to play with one another. Martin decided then and there that something had to be done. And as a seven-year-old, he embarked on a journey that would change the course of American history.

Renowned educator Christine King Farris, older sister of the late Dr. King, joins with celebrated illustrator Chris Soentpiet to tell this inspirational story of how one boyhood experience inspired a movement. It's a tale that will touch the hearts of all people, and remind us all that if you believe hard enough, dreams can become reality. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

There's no better Martin Luther King Jr. Book!
This is a straight forward, compassionate, informational story of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life. His sister tells their story simply and provides perspective where Martin Luther King Jr. got many of his ideas and courage - from his dad! It is a quiet appreciation for the life the family led. I really appreciated the story and it brings a new more realistic meaning to King's life.

A touching memior of the childhood that shaped the man
I LOVE this book. It is a well-written, personal account of a family. It spans from fun carefree days to the realization of prejudice. It is not about the man, it is about the boy. It was not graphic in it's description of violence and hatred, which made it completely appropriate for my six year old (who also really enjoyed the book). And the poem at the end was the perfect ending. GET THIS BOOK!

Unique Perspective
I loved this book because whenever i read a biogaphy I always want to hear from someone who really knew the person and in this book by Martin Luther King's sister, Christine King Farris, I get that perspective. Farris writes beautifully and poetically about their childhood and sheds light on the experiences and influences that shaped MLK to be the great inspirational leader that he was. I highly recommend this wonderful biography! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (2)

Recommended for readers of all ages
Deftly written and superbly illustrated by Don Brown, Across A Dark And Wild Sea is the true story of Columcille (also known as Columba), a beloved figure from Celtic history. Columcille loved books so much that he secretly copied a volume of psalms from Rome against it's owner's wishes. The resulting and bitter fallout in 521 A.D. caused Columcille to deliberately leave Ireland in a tiny boat, vowing never to return. He founded a famous monastery on the Scottish island of Iona and left a legacy that endures to this day. Brought to life with moody, windswept color illustrations, Across A Dark And Wild Sea is a most engaging picture book and recommended for readers of all ages.

The Man Who Loved Books.....
"Columcille was born in 521. He was the son of a king, from a corner of Ireland scrubbed hard by ocean winds, in a time that came to be known as the dark ages..." So begins Don Brown's marvelous picture book biography of the scribe and monk, known now as Saint Columba. Brown traces the Celtic legend of this remarkable man who desperately wanted to bring learning and books back into the world after much was lost with the fall of the Roman Empire. After a bloody war was waged over the copying and ownership of a special book of psalms, Columcille left Ireland forever and with twelve followers "set sail on a dark and wild sea." Landing on the tiny Scottish island of Iona, he and his followers built a monastery and scriptorium where books were copied and scribes were trained. "Books were made and dispatched, like small boats on a dark and wild sea, to places where reading and writing had been forgotten or ignored. The books made colonies of learning, and people's minds, once dark with ignorance, were brightened." Mr Brown's poetic text is filled with imagery, is rich in history and drama and complemented by powerful and evocative artwork in quiet and subdued tones. Together word and art bring Columcille's inspiring story to life with passion and respect. Perfect for youngsters 8 and older, or as a read aloud for younger children, Across A Dark And Wild Sea includes an Author's Note to enhance and complete the story, the Unical alphabet used by scribes, and a bibliography. This is a rare and wonderful story celebrating books and learning, that shouldn't be missed. "Columcille, the man who loved books, helped the world love books. So we remember him and retell his story." ... Read more