Francis: The Poor Man of Assisi [Paperback]

Tomie DePaola (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

The beloved saint's remarkable life is re-created through vignettes. An ALA Notable Book. Introduction, historical note, list of dates.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In lively prose and folksy paintings, dePaola tells of the Italian brother who forsook his worldly possessions to travel from village to village helping the poor and sheltering animals. All ages.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Tomie De Paola is internationally recognized for having written and illustrated many children's books, including "The Lady of Guadalupe", "The Clown of God", "Cat on the Doverfell", "Big Anthony and the Magic Ring", and "Strega Nona", a Caldecott Honor book. Using watercolours and inks in this book to create full-colour illustrations, Mr. de Paola is faithful to the text. Since St. Nicholas is described in the poem as "a right jolly old elf," the artist has made him elflike, and shows him driving a miniature sleigh with eight tiny reindeer. Mr. de Paola has set the poem in a mid-nineteenth century New England town, using quilt designs from his own collection for the borders. This is the 100th book he has illustrated.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House (April 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823408124
• ISBN-13: 978-0823408122
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #769,787 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #79 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Catholicism > Saints

More About the Author

"Tomie dePaola was born in Meriden, Connecticut, in 1934 to a family of Irish and Italian background. By the time he could hold a pencil, he knew what his life's work would be. His determination to create books for children led to a BFA from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York, and an MFA from the California College of Arts & Crafts in Oakland, California.
It drove him through the years of teaching, designing greeting cards and stage sets, and painting church murals until 1965, when he illustrated his first children's book, Sound, by Lisa Miller for Coward-McCann. Eventually, freed of other obligations, he plunged full time into both writing and illustrating children's books.
He names Fra Angelico and Giotto, Georges Rouault, and Ben Shahn as major influences on his work, but he soon found his own unique style. His particular way with color, line, detail, and design have earned him many of the most prestigious awards in his field, among them a Caldecott Honor Award for Strega Nona, the Smithsonian Medal from the Smithsonian Institution, the Kerlan Award from the University of Minnesota for his ""singular attainment in children's literature,"" the Catholic Library Association's Regina Medal for his ""continued distinguished contribution,"" and the University of Southern Mississippi Medallion. He was also the 1990 United States nominee for the Hans Christian Andersen Medal for illustration.
Tomie dePaola has published almost 200 children's books in fifteen different countries. He remains one of the most popular creators of books for children, receiving more than 100,000 fan letters each year.
Tomie lives in an interesting house in New Hampshire with his four dogs. His studio is in a large renovated 200-year-old barn.
- He has been published for over 30 years.
- Over 5 million copies of his books have sold worldwide.
- His books have been published in over 15 different countries.
- He receives nearly 100,000 fan letters each year.
Tomie dePaola has received virtually every significant recognition for his books in the children's book world, including:
- Caldecott Honor Award from American Library Association
- Newbery Honor Award from American Library Association
- Smithson Medal from Smithsonian Institution
- USA nominee in illustration for Hans Christian Andersen Medal
- Regina Medal from Catholic Library Association

"

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Francis: The Poor Man of Assisi, April 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Francis: The Poor Man of Assisi (Paperback)

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.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Memorable!, January 12, 2003

By 

"pcritchley" (Duluth- God's country) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Francis: The Poor Man of Assisi (Paperback)

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!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Simple Poor Man of Assisi, November 26, 2005

By 

Miryam Shoresh (Adirondack Mountains, New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Francis, the Poor Man of Assisi (Hardcover)

As with all of Tomie de Paola's books for children, the story and the artwork are well worth reading and enjoying. While it is geared for children 4-8 years old (with the older being able to read it for themselves) adults can also enjoy her books in general and this book in particular. The watercolor pictures done in deep earth tones is a delight to the eyes and covers all of one of each two facing pages. While this book focuses on St. Francis, it also talks about St. Clare to a lesser degree.
From the cover of this book you can read "Mr. de Paola's lifelong ambition has been to bring the story of St. Francis to people of all ages and cultures. Drawing on his extensive artistic background, primary source material, and two trips to Assisi, he has finally made this dream come true." About his book Tomie states " have tried to give you at least a glimpse of their [Francis' and Clare's] lives; a glimpse into the essential Franciscan spirit - simplicity, joy, the love of nature, and the love of Lady Poverty."
Thus you will get the usual parts of his life - his:
youth,
being captured in battle,
being called by Jesus' to "rebuild my church"
taking his father's money to give to the priest
repairing the church of San Damiano, San Pietro and what would be known as the Portiuncula
publicly separating from his father
joyful celebrating his new life
being joined by others
going before the pope and having his community blessed
preaching to the birds
befriending the wolf of Gubbio
staging the first live Christmas creche
meeting with St. Clare
receiving the stigmata, and finally,
having his brothers sing the song to the sun at his death.
It also tells of St. Clare and her:
sisters and mother joining her in community
blessing the meal and how "suddenly on every loaf a cross appeared".
But it also tells other stories not normally told - his:
needing to be born in a barn
prophecy about himself received from a beggar
first non-religious follower - Jacopa de Settesoli.