Illustrated by Donata Dal Molin
Casagrande This lovely illustrated book
for children (of all ages!) is a sequel to Joseph and
Chico, the international best-seller that told the
story of the life of Pope Benedict XVI from his youth
through his election as the Pope. With the same
award-winning author and illustrator, this lavishly
illustrated book is aimed at children but in a way that
even adults will enjoy. It takes up the story of
Benedict’s XVIs new life as the Pope.
The
narrator of this book is a blue rock-thrush that spends
most of his time on the dome of Saint Peter’s
Basilica and in the Vatican gardens. (The scientific name
of this kind of bird is Monticola Solitarius, and
it really lives in Rome.) This particular bird’s
name is Max, and from his solitary perch, he observes
everything in the vicinity. He is fascinated by one human
in particular: the Pope. Max tells readers what the Pope
does on a typical day, as well as about special moments in
his life, such as his vacations and apostolic trips. The
book provides a delicate portrait of the Holy Fathers many
responsibilities, and it helps us understand the Pope
Benedict’s important obligations that he always
strives to carry out with love, faith and dedication.
Max talks about the Pope’s private and public
audiences, his meetings with heads of state and with
children, important liturgical moments, and the Angelus. He
also describes more curious events, such as the blessing of
the lambs and of a fire truck. He tells us about the
moments that the Pope devotes to writing and to prayer. Max
flies to see the Pope at his summer home, Castel Gandolfo,
and is sorry he cannot accompany him on his important
apostolic trips, but is happy each time the Pope returns to
the Vatican. Max is also delighted when he sees the Pope
relax a bit, playing the piano or strolling through the
Vatican gardens. Max loves music, too, as do many of his
friends, who live in the Vatican gardens. The
lavish color illustrations throughout make this a wonderful
gift book and a cherished keepsake.
Through
this wonderful story, the author presents some of the
fundamental ideas of Pope Benedict XVI and the important
daily life and activities of the successor of St. Peter,
told in simple words that young readers can understand and
enjoy. The lavish watercolor illustrations make a wonderful
gift book and a cherished keepsake for all ages.
This
book can not be sold in the following countries:
| AUSTRALIA |
| GREAT BRITAIN |
| IRELAND |
Sample images from the book:
