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The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica
Offers the tale about two amazing twins, Benedict and Scholastica, and their experiences as children in northern Italy that influenced their great accomplishments in their adult lives. 40,000 first printing.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2001
About the author
Kathleen Norris
132 books455 followersKathleen Norris was born on July 27, 1947 in Washington, D.C. She grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii, as well as on her maternal grandparents’ farm in Lemmon, South Dakota.
Her sheltered upbringing left her unprepared for the world she encountered when she began attending Bennington College in Vermont. At first shocked by the unconventionality surrounding her, Norris took refuge in poetry.
After she graduated in 1969, she moved to New York City where she joined the arts scene, associated with members of the avant-garde movement including Andy Warhol, and worked for the American Academy of Poets.
In 1974, her grandmother died leaving Norris the family farm in South Dakota, and she and her future husband, the poet David Dwyer, decided to temporarily relocate there until arrangements to rent or sell the property could be made. Instead, they ended up remaining in South Dakota for the next 25 years.
Soon after moving to the rural prairie, Norris developed a relationship with the nearby Benedictine abbey, which led to her eventually becoming an oblate.
In 2000, Norris and her husband traded their farmhouse on the Great Plains for a condo in Honolulu, Hawaii, so that Norris could help care for her aging parents after her husband’s own failing health no longer permitted him to travel. Her father died in 2002, and her husband died the following year in 2003.
Her sheltered upbringing left her unprepared for the world she encountered when she began attending Bennington College in Vermont. At first shocked by the unconventionality surrounding her, Norris took refuge in poetry.
After she graduated in 1969, she moved to New York City where she joined the arts scene, associated with members of the avant-garde movement including Andy Warhol, and worked for the American Academy of Poets.
In 1974, her grandmother died leaving Norris the family farm in South Dakota, and she and her future husband, the poet David Dwyer, decided to temporarily relocate there until arrangements to rent or sell the property could be made. Instead, they ended up remaining in South Dakota for the next 25 years.
Soon after moving to the rural prairie, Norris developed a relationship with the nearby Benedictine abbey, which led to her eventually becoming an oblate.
In 2000, Norris and her husband traded their farmhouse on the Great Plains for a condo in Honolulu, Hawaii, so that Norris could help care for her aging parents after her husband’s own failing health no longer permitted him to travel. Her father died in 2002, and her husband died the following year in 2003.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 31, 2012
The Holy Twins is a children’s introduction to St. Benedict, with a little bit about his twin sister, and a number of legendary stories about his life. Well illustrated and decently written. I read this book to my daughter and it led to a lot of question, such as, “Why is it more about the boy than the girl? That’s not fair!” and “Wait, is this guy in the Bible?” and “Hold on, did that really happen?” and “What if I want to be a nun but I still want to get married? Why can’t I do both!?” (I told her she could become an oblate.)
May 24, 2008
I love this book! Written by two favorite authors, Kathleen Norris and Tomie dePaola. I fell in love with the Benedictine Rule and Norris when I read her "A Cloister Walk" . . . wish I could remember when but I loaned my copy. And dePaola was familiar to me for his many charmingingly-illustrated children's stories which teach faith, history, and good lessons.
Both of their expertise is brought together in this wonderful book! Most highly recommended. I used it all the time for my religious education classes. The 'read' date I give below is just one of the many times I shared this book with children.
Both of their expertise is brought together in this wonderful book! Most highly recommended. I used it all the time for my religious education classes. The 'read' date I give below is just one of the many times I shared this book with children.
February 4, 2012
I am teaching my kids about the lives of saints as part of our homeschool curriculum. Surprisingly, I've had a hard time finding good books geared to kids about saints. This book is thorough and detailed with facts about the lives of Benedict and Scholastica, yet it's written in a style that makes it accessible. The illustrations (by the renowned Tomie de Paola) add to its appeal for my 8 y.o. and 6 y.o. My only criticism is that it doesn't clearly state the dates they were born and died.
April 2, 2019
A solid biography with dePaola's signature illustrations.
February 22, 2021
Kathleen Norris and Tomie de Paola are a dream team for a picture book based on the lives of Benedict and Scholastica. de Paola's simple yet nuanced artwork illustrates Norris's lovely words about the Holy Twins, their spiritual journeys, and their associated miracles.
I appreciated de Paola's depictions of Scholastica on almost every page, even though most of the text was about Benedict, who has a much larger textual legacy. This was an excellent means of keeping her presence in the story without making things up. de Paola is so perfectly suited to this subject: he considered a Benedictine vocation, adeptly illustrates in a compositional style reminiscent of medieval art, and illustrates sibling relationships perfectly (as anyone who has read his autobiographical children's books can attest, he writes that as well as he illustrates it).
To anyone looking for a children's book on Benedict and Scholastica, I can't recommend this title highly enough.
For sensitive young readers, beware mentions of chattel slavery (and a G-rated picture of an enslaved young man being whipped), poisoning, and near drowning. In all, fairly mild content compared to other saint stories.
There is a note about Benedict's Rule at the end, with de Paola's illustrations of a few chapter titles, and titles for further reading at the adult level.
I appreciated de Paola's depictions of Scholastica on almost every page, even though most of the text was about Benedict, who has a much larger textual legacy. This was an excellent means of keeping her presence in the story without making things up. de Paola is so perfectly suited to this subject: he considered a Benedictine vocation, adeptly illustrates in a compositional style reminiscent of medieval art, and illustrates sibling relationships perfectly (as anyone who has read his autobiographical children's books can attest, he writes that as well as he illustrates it).
To anyone looking for a children's book on Benedict and Scholastica, I can't recommend this title highly enough.
For sensitive young readers, beware mentions of chattel slavery (and a G-rated picture of an enslaved young man being whipped), poisoning, and near drowning. In all, fairly mild content compared to other saint stories.
There is a note about Benedict's Rule at the end, with de Paola's illustrations of a few chapter titles, and titles for further reading at the adult level.
April 24, 2016
My kids really enjoyed this book and I have to say it is an excellent example of illustration and prose working together. Written at a primary grade reading level, the book functions on both higher and lower levels of reading because the illustrations enlarge and specify various points. The book's prose may not have been speaking about what St Scholastica was upto, but the pictures showed you. Or it did not say how St. Benedict felt, but the illustration showed you. Also for historical context, the book is illustrated in that famous monastic icon style of the Middle Ages, with several time frames illustrated on the same page, using the same palette of earthy colors and the style of the trees. As the adult reading the book, although I had read the dry story in Butler's, I felt the text in this particular book leading me to ponder what exactly was God trying to tell the author of The Benedictine Rule. It also led me to a new respect for St Scholastica.
May 22, 2014
I love these stories of the saints. Their lives are fascinating as are the fantastic tales that spring up about them.
TdP beautifully and classically illustrates this book by Kathleen Norris for older primary school readers about St. Benedict and his twin sister Scholastica. This picture book spans their lives from childhood through their deaths, and the way their lives were spent together and apart and through many intersections.
My favorite part of the book is at the end, when Ms. Norris tells the story of the siblings' final meeting. It was loving, emotional, spiritual and deeper than any of their previous visits with each other as adults.
This book definitely makes me want to read more about them, and Ms. Norris provides a helpful bibliography.
TdP beautifully and classically illustrates this book by Kathleen Norris for older primary school readers about St. Benedict and his twin sister Scholastica. This picture book spans their lives from childhood through their deaths, and the way their lives were spent together and apart and through many intersections.
My favorite part of the book is at the end, when Ms. Norris tells the story of the siblings' final meeting. It was loving, emotional, spiritual and deeper than any of their previous visits with each other as adults.
This book definitely makes me want to read more about them, and Ms. Norris provides a helpful bibliography.
November 7, 2010
I like this one, and so does my 4 year old, though the 2 year old wandered off about 20 pages in. We did have a big discussion about death due to this book, just to prepare you, as Scholastica dies and an illustration shows her laid out on a funeral bier with mourning nuns and a very distraught Benedict looking on. I don't mind, but it really took my 4 year old by surprise so I sort of wish I'd previewed the book first to prepare myself. There's some humor in it aimed at a knowledgable adult reader, which is fun. Nice to see a children's book on some less mythologized saints.
December 1, 2015
We go through picture books like socks around here, so I thought I'd start highlighting stand-outs. Anything illustrated by Tomie dePaola is a stand-out; this is no exception. My kids were bored by the rather didactic storytelling, but the illustrations are fantastic. They carry more weight when you know the artist spent part of his youth in a Benedictine monastery. I enjoyed the introduction to saints I wasn't familiar with and how the illustrations enlarge on the text, keeping Scholastica's life on the page when the words left her history out.
January 31, 2018
Summary: The stories of Benedict and Scholastica.
Why I Read This: St. Scholastica's feast day is Febrauary 10
Review: I actually really liked this book. It told the story of these two Saints with an emphasis on the fact that they're brother and sister. There was the interplay between them, and it made it more accessible and more relatable to kids. I don't normally request that the library purchase the Catholic books that I read, but with a name like Tommi de Paulo and the fact that I find it relatable, I think that I'll ask for it.
Why I Read This: St. Scholastica's feast day is Febrauary 10
Review: I actually really liked this book. It told the story of these two Saints with an emphasis on the fact that they're brother and sister. There was the interplay between them, and it made it more accessible and more relatable to kids. I don't normally request that the library purchase the Catholic books that I read, but with a name like Tommi de Paulo and the fact that I find it relatable, I think that I'll ask for it.
April 12, 2016
The Holy Twins is a children’s introduction to Saint Benedict and his sister St. Scholastica. The main focus is on Benedict and a number of legendary stories about his life. The illustrations by the renowned Tomie de Paola add to its appeal for children read aloud story. I highly recommend this book for religious education classrooms.
January 31, 2014
I read this book because it was illustrated by Tomie DePaola and I love his artistry.
This is the story of St Benedict and St Scholastica. True to the lives of the saints and a good pick for catholic families.
This is the story of St Benedict and St Scholastica. True to the lives of the saints and a good pick for catholic families.
November 30, 2016
“The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica” by Kathleen Norris (Author), Tomie dePaola (Illustrator)
Twins Benedict and Scholastica cared for those in need and miracles guided their lives as they developed the Rule of St. Benedict.
Twins Benedict and Scholastica cared for those in need and miracles guided their lives as they developed the Rule of St. Benedict.
April 16, 2020
I love Benedict and Scholastica and it is very refreshing to read about their twin relationship as they dedicated their lives to God and the church.
May 6, 2008
It would be hard for me not to like this book Kathleen Norris can write about theology in a way that totally grips me. Tomie de Paolo can use a few simple lines to illustrate anything.
February 4, 2016
Tomie de Paola's illustrations in this book are fantastic, as usual, and the story of the love between Benedict and Scholastica is truly amazing.
April 24, 2018
Really nice biography mostly of Benedict but some of Scholastica too. Pictures really impactful.
February 9, 2019
The artwork is beautiful. My 8 and 7 year old kids loved learning about these Saints who were twin brother and sister.
April 8, 2019
Biography
Good book that teaches about the life of St. Benedict
Good book that teaches about the life of St. Benedict
September 20, 2020
Though this is a children's book about St. Benedict and St. Scholastica, twins from Northern Italy, I learned so much about them that I didn't know. Being educated by Benedictine nuns from grade school through college, I know the Rules of St. Benedict, and have been blessed by them...yet it was so delightful reading from a child's view, more about these twins' history. I love Kathleen Norris, the author, and Tomie de Paola's art, and this book and illustrations didn't disappoint!
July 26, 2023
A beautiful book and a great addition to any collection.
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June 1, 2017
It's a fascinating story about the creator of the Rule of St. Benedict and his sister. But Norris (whom I love) tells it in language that is too long for a picture book, in my opinion. I love DePaola's illustrations and especially how he has St. Scholastica on every page, even when she isn't being discussed, as is then discussed at the end. A great story.
November 15, 2012
Cute artwork can't make up for lousy content. We have no record of St. Scholastica saying anything. Norris' portrayal of her supposed influence on her brother is a bizarrely anachronistic - and willful - misrepresentation both saints and their times.
October 29, 2013
I enjoyed and learned from this picture book, but most children won't have a context to appreciate it.
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March 8, 2012I have a boy who likes to learn about the saints. This was not my favorite, but I have such fond memories of "Sixty SAints for Girls" that I might be biased.
October 13, 2025
The story of a sister and brother growing up as best friends on the family land. Sent to school in different places, they miss each other but love what they are learning. They each, in their own ways, find the world exciting, hungry, cruel and beautiful. Scholastica stays in the convent where she is educated and becomes a nun. Benedict goes to school in Rome but soon leaves the city and becomes a hermit for a while, finally establishing his own monastery. Benedict’s adventures lead him to seek a simple, devoted life following a Rule he develops to help his community serve, pray, work, and live in peace. Scholastica and Benedict live close enough that they can visit each other from time to time and can find comfort again in their friendship towards the end of their lives. Norris writes this story with just enough detail and complexity to draw in young readers with the wonder of life’s everyday challenges and the richness of family and community. DePaola's dramatic illustrations are vivid, colorful, and reminiscent of vibrant religious art. This truly is an excellent gift book for anyone in your life that wonders about our favorite saints and loves to be enchanted by great story telling and delightful illustrations. Highly recommended!
September 9, 2023
I love how the book is illustrated like a medieval illuminated manuscript. Read it to my short attention span child, and he stayed! Currently taking an RCIA course to become Catholic. Learning about saints is something new for me as I wasn’t raised with those beliefs. As a lover of biographies, I look forward to reading the rest of these books from dePaola. TIL the Saint from the Exorcist prayers had a twin sister! It’s a sweet story. Recommend
November 24, 2019
I enjoyed this biography of the twin saints, Benedict and Scholastica. The author offered an interesting tale of their lives, and the illustrations were superb. I was fascinated by Benedict's moving each time he had conflict in his surroundings, and their deaths close to each other in time.
November 5, 2020
Teaching my kids about early medieval monastic life with the story of Benedict (author of the Rule of Benedict, founder of the Benedictines) and his twin sister Scholastica. Illustrated by Tomie de Paola, which is always a good time.
February 10, 2021
Liturgical reading for the feast of St Scholastica, February 10th
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews