God's Troubadour, the Story of Saint Francis of Assisi: The Story of Saint Francis of Assisi (Yesterday's Classics) [Paperback]

Sophie Jewett (Author)

Book Description

Relates how the gay, courtly young soldier became a knight of Jesus Christ, vowed devotion to Lady Poverty and proved himself the "little brother" to all men and even to the birds and beasts. The son of a wealthy merchant, Saint Francis of Assisi kept company in his youth with a lawless band of young nobles who were bent on having a good time and thought nothing of the comfort of other people. When sickness puts an end to his soldierly ambitions, he turns his back on earthly possessions, much to the disgust of his father, and dons a dust-colored robe and ties a rope around his waist. Traveling barefooted and bareheaded through the hills of Italy he begins his ministry to the outcasts of society: the lepers, the poor, the hungry. He gathers other men to his side to share in his work, including three robbers who feel the transforming power of his love. His powers extend over the animal kingdom as well. He preaches to the birds and he tames the wolf who has been terrorizing the villagers of Gubbio. When he journeys eastward with the Crusaders, he ministers to Saracen and Christian alike. One year at Christmas he presents a living nativity scene to his neighbors, beginning a tradition that has lasted for centuries. One reviewer writes, "We wish this charming book might be the introduction of most children to this medieval saint." Suitable for children ages 8 and up.

Product Details

• Paperback: 100 pages
• Publisher: Yesterday's Classics (November 16, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1599150557
• ISBN-13: 978-1599150550
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,921,208 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a simple introduction, March 12, 2009

By 

T. Walker - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: God's Troubadour, the Story of Saint Francis of Assisi: The Story of Saint Francis of Assisi (Yesterday's Classics) (Paperback)

For those wanting to give their children a brief introduction to the life of Saint Francis, this little book may be just the right choice (91 pages). The prose is very manageable for young, emerging readers, the subject matter easy to grasp for children 6-9 years old. The story relates how a young privileged boy grows from desiring war and fighting to eventually being an instrument of peace and comfort to the down-trodden of society. The style doesn't necessarily lend itself to an exciting read-aloud, but it will certainly be informative and allow for fruitful discussions about character and morality. As a supplement to one's study of the time period, this short work is a worthy addition to your curriculum.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars For beginners or youth, June 27, 2008

By 

Laura H. Diviney (Charlotte, NC United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: God's Troubadour, the Story of Saint Francis of Assisi: The Story of Saint Francis of Assisi (Yesterday's Classics) (Paperback)

In prose directed to 6th-to-8th graders, this is a biography of the life of Giovanni Francesco Bernardone, now known as St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the environment, animals and Italy. A simplistic account his life, the book gives little insight into the person that was and is a powerful influence on Christianity and Western Civilization. His motives are not remarked, but his experience within a culture driven by hierarchies, vendettas, revenge and exclusivity do give an idea of what Francis fought against. A good-quality copy and just what I paid for, there are no complaints, only a little disappointment. Youth vocabulary has plenty of room for reflection, depth and a purposeful portrait. Even for this young, this is an appetizer and not an entree.