We think we know St. Francis…but behind the familiar stories of birds and animals lies something far more extraordinary: the story of a man who learned to say yes to God.
When Francis was born, a mysterious visitor foretold that he would become one of the greatest men in the world. These words inspired dreams of worldly greatness in his father, but God’s idea of greatness for Pietro Bernardone’s son was quite different! The young Francis loved fine clothes and merry company, and dreamed of becoming a great knight. Yet life’s unexpected detours led him to discover a far greater adventure: following in the footsteps of Christ.
This wonderfully illustrated retelling of the life of St. Francis has surprising depth for a children's book. For here we see what the Holy Spirit can accomplish through the weakness of our human nature when we respond to God's grace. Had Francis become merely a prosperous merchant, the world would likely have forgotten him long ago. Instead, by learning to say yes to God in little things, he became truly great—indeed, one of the most beloved saints in history!
Originally published in France in 1929, this is the third and final volume in the Our Friends in Heaven trilogy by Pierre and Germaine Noury. Its lively illustrations, carefully restored and color-corrected in warm shades of brown, gold, and green, accompany a lovingly adapted English text that preserves the poetic charm of the French original.
You can read more about the translation and restoration of this trilogy in our blog.
11" x 8.5" hardcover 36 pages
