Wildsmith’s gorgeously illustrated life of Saint Francis of Assisi is told in Francis’s voice. The large thin volume highlights the important events in the saint’s life and his embrace of poverty, simplicity, and all others including enemies and animals. ( )

This book was a brief history on how a wealth young man, Francis turned away from his family's riches in order to help and serve the poor. Saint Francis sought out the poor and sick to help them and also to teach the people he met about the word of God. His words were so influential he turned other people to a life of poverty in order to join him on his journey. His mission was blessed by the Pope as he continued to preach his doctrine even to both sides of the Crusades, who took no notice to him. He became ill and asked to be returned to Assisi so he could pass away at home. ( )

Absolutely gorgeous illustrations. Gorgeous. ( )