Clare and Francis - Hardcover

Guido Visconti is the author of several books for children, including The Genius of Leonardo (Barefoot Books). Born in Milan, Italy, Gudio earned a degree in literature and philosophy and then taught school in Italy for several years. In 1985 he moved to India, where he and his wife direct a village school.

Kindergarten-Grade 4–While many have heard the legends associated with Saint Francis, few know the second saint from Assisi–Clare. Both were born to noble families and exhibited sensitivity to those less fortunate, even in their youth. Both ultimately rejected their families' wealth and founded religious orders known for humility, generosity, and devout faith. This book details what is known about their early and mature years, as well as their relationship with one another. Landmann's paintings recall the nonlinear perspective, figural style, and narrative frescoes of the 14th-century artist Giotto. She alternates between multiple panels on a page to lavish spreads. Gilt highlights add a richness to the scenes. Initial pages present a pair of illustrated time lines, comprising significant moments in the saints' lives. The closing offers two translations of Francis's "Canticle of Brother Sun." To extend children's enjoyment of stories about Francis and to help them understand the legacy introduced in this artful picture-book biography, share Margaret Mayo's Brother Sun, Sister Moon (Little, Brown, 2000) and Frances Ward Weller's The Day the Animals Came (Philomel, 2003) with them.–Wendy Lukehart, Washington DC Public Library
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