SAINT FRANCIS SINGS TO BROTHER SUN

Beginning with several pages of biography, the writer and illustrator then move to stanzas of “Canticle of Brother Sun” interspersed with stories from the life of St. Francis. The patron saint of ecology, with his romantic, dramatic life, is universally appealing for his love of and respect for the natural world, flora and fauna. Pandell and Le Tord capitalize on that beautifully. Le Tord’s illustrations are watercolor, charcoal and mixed-media heightened with gold; often a frame is soft-focus grisaille with a few linear details and a glowing sun, halo or tree. Other times the images are in full color, like a pear that might be carved of agate, across from “Sing praises to Sister Earth . . . [who] produces herbs and flowers and fruits of many colors.” The stanzas of the Canticle overlay a pale green trefoil geometric pattern that is repeated in a band of colors along the edges of the story pages. An excellent introduction to Francis and to his ancient and beloved canticle, for older children. (note to the reader, medieval sources, bibliography) (Biography. 8-12)