Brother Wolf, Sister Sparrow: Stories about Saints and Animals
Grade 3 Up-Kimmel provides glimpses at the lives of 12 saints, each of whom has been linked to an animal in some way. In short expository essays, no more than three pages each, he presents the legends and gives the chronological and geographical context for each individual. His superb storytelling allows readers to come away with a clear sense of why these people are honored above others. Mention is made of the saints' feast days, their emblems and their meanings, and the particular groups over which they are considered patrons. Kimmel recounts how Francis of Assisi brokered a bargain between a menacing wolf and the community that agreed to feed it meat in exchange for peace. In another story, angels assist Ireland's Saint Brigid when her father demands that she replace the milk and butter that she has already given away to the poor. Winch's dramatic, full-page paintings are filled with deep colors and images that highlight each saint's identity and significance. An author's note describes the process of canonization. For collections where saints are important, this is a rich treasure, but it could bring understanding and tolerance of differing traditions to any reader.Harriett Fargnoli, Great Neck Library, NYCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.