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Joan of Arc
As a young girl in a small village in France, Joan prayed daily that France would be delivered from the English and Burgundian invaders who were ravishing the country. When Joan was thirteen, she had a life-changing experience. The archangel Michael appeared in a vision and told her that she would save the kingdom of France and lead the dauphin (heir to the throne) to Reims Cathedral to be crowned king. Calling herself the Maid of God, Joan set off to gather an army, win a number of crucial battles, and install the dauphin on the French throne. Although the king later deserted her when France’s enemies put her on trial for heresy and burned her at the stake, her bravery and faith inspired the French people and led them to victory. Demi has drawn Joan’s battles and triumphs with exquisite detail inspired by the stained glass, architecture, painting, and sculpture of the fifteenth century.
56 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2011
18 people are currently reading
209 people want to read
About the author
Demi
182 books179 followersDemi (September 2, 1942) born Charlotte Dumaresq Hunt, is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator. During her career she has published over 300 titles.
Demi was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is the great-grand daughter of the American painter William Morris Hunt, and the great-grand niece of architect Richard Morris Hunt. Demi earned her nickname as a young child when her father started calling her demi because she was half the size of her sister.
She studied art at Instituto Allende, Mexico, and with Sister Corita at the Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She was a Fulbright scholar at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India where she received her Master’s degree.
Demi is known for her biographies for spiritual figures including Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tzu, Jesus, Mary (mother of Jesus), Muhammad, Rumi, Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama.
In 1990, Demi and her husband Tze-si “Jesse” Huang represented the United States at the First Children’s International Book Conference in Beijing.
Source: Wikipedia
Demi was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She is the great-grand daughter of the American painter William Morris Hunt, and the great-grand niece of architect Richard Morris Hunt. Demi earned her nickname as a young child when her father started calling her demi because she was half the size of her sister.
She studied art at Instituto Allende, Mexico, and with Sister Corita at the Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles. She was a Fulbright scholar at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, India where she received her Master’s degree.
Demi is known for her biographies for spiritual figures including Buddha, Krishna, Lao Tzu, Jesus, Mary (mother of Jesus), Muhammad, Rumi, Francis of Assisi, Gandhi, and the Dalai Lama.
In 1990, Demi and her husband Tze-si “Jesse” Huang represented the United States at the First Children’s International Book Conference in Beijing.
Source: Wikipedia
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
January 7, 2018
Well done! The story was perfectly told for children. Illustrations amazing. We read this on Joan’s birthday (Jan 6) to also honor our daughter Bella whose birthday is the same.
July 26, 2024
I really liked it. all those battles she fought were crazy
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March 15, 2022Did St. Joan of Arc temporarily "lose her way" after the coronation of Charles VII? I've never seen that thesis advanced before and Demi's version of the story didn't convince me. The pictures are beautiful though and you can easily separate the fact from the interpretation while reading aloud if you want to.
December 18, 2011
This is really a unique picture book. The author describes the details of Joan of Arc's life and the complex political situation in which she found herself in language that is simple enough for children to understand. The illustrations, patterned after illuminated manuscripts, shine with bright silver and gold. A wonderful way to introduce Joan's story to kids (at least for parents who are ready to tell their kids a tale about a martyred saint...)
...did I mention that it's very shiny?
...did I mention that it's very shiny?
November 7, 2011
In this exquisitely illustrated new picture book biography of Joan of Arc, award-winning author/illustrator Demi retells Joan's timeless story for today's young people, with simple text suitable for elementary school children and gorgeous mixed media illustrations, inspired by 15th century medieval manuscripts, stained glass, paintings, and sculpture.
Joan's story is told chronologically, beginning with her ordinary girlhood in rural France, in a time when the lives of peasants like Joan's family were made dangerous by the ravages of a long war with Burgundy and England. At the tender age of thirteen, Joan begins to have visions telling her that she would save the kingdom of France by leading the heir to the throne, or Dauphin, to Reims Cathedral to be crowned king. The story of how Joan convinced powerful men to back her, a poor and friendless maiden, convinces the Dauphin she is sent by God, leads the French army to victory, and then falls from the height of power to her ultimate tragic end as she is burned at the stake, remains compelling for all ages, and is rendered in glowing detail by Demi. The oversized book's pages mimic the ivory colored parchment of the Middle Ages, while the illustrations seem to glow with gold, vibrant purple, and the red of the flames that ended Joan's life. While the faux illuminated manuscripts are the star of this book, with exquisitely detailed borders enriching each image, Demi's simple retelling of Joan's story should fascinate young people not familiar with her history. Enough details are provided to make the book useful for school reports as well as pleasure reading.
This book is a must-buy for school and public libraries alike. Highly recommended!
Joan's story is told chronologically, beginning with her ordinary girlhood in rural France, in a time when the lives of peasants like Joan's family were made dangerous by the ravages of a long war with Burgundy and England. At the tender age of thirteen, Joan begins to have visions telling her that she would save the kingdom of France by leading the heir to the throne, or Dauphin, to Reims Cathedral to be crowned king. The story of how Joan convinced powerful men to back her, a poor and friendless maiden, convinces the Dauphin she is sent by God, leads the French army to victory, and then falls from the height of power to her ultimate tragic end as she is burned at the stake, remains compelling for all ages, and is rendered in glowing detail by Demi. The oversized book's pages mimic the ivory colored parchment of the Middle Ages, while the illustrations seem to glow with gold, vibrant purple, and the red of the flames that ended Joan's life. While the faux illuminated manuscripts are the star of this book, with exquisitely detailed borders enriching each image, Demi's simple retelling of Joan's story should fascinate young people not familiar with her history. Enough details are provided to make the book useful for school reports as well as pleasure reading.
This book is a must-buy for school and public libraries alike. Highly recommended!
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September 18, 2016Joan of Arc was sent to fight in wars by God.
July 28, 2021
Excellent picture book biography of Joan of Arc. Lovely illustrations and a very informative collection of facts about Joan of Arc.
August 15, 2021
I love Joan of Arc but this is a lazy summary that paints her merely as a religious nut and shows nothing of her innate goodness, empathy, and care and love for her people and others. The illustrations are uninspired to say the least, and she draws Jesus as a blonde. No.
November 10, 2021
Beautiful illustrations and biography of St. Joan of Arc. Read aloud to the kids.
January 10, 2012
Demi illustrates this picture book biography of Joan of Arc with her usual gorgeous illustrations touched with gold. In a note at the beginning of the book, Demi states that she studied French, Flemish, and Burgundian medieval manuscripts, which is demonstrated by the illuminated border around each of her illustrations. I found myself drawn to the women's hats for some reason--I loved the details of how people dressed. The story begins with her birth in 1412, and ends with her death in 1431 at the age of 21. According to this biography, Joan believed that her downfall came about when she failed to heed the what the voices told her, when she followed man's will instead of God's. I think, from the French point-of-view, she may have been viewed as a threat of some sort to someone of power, perhaps the king or a commander of the army. I must read more books about her to get a better understanding of the politics of the time. Demi makes the life of this mysterious and complex women into a very readable biography for children. Once drawn to the story and the gorgeous illustrations, like me they may want to read more. Recommended!
October 7, 2016
The illustrations were beautiful!
I am glad that I read this to my son as this version talks about her visions and belief in God. He told me that he first learned about her in school (public), but they never mentioned any of this this. Considering that the whole reason she was driven to do what she did was because of her visions and faith, it should have been mentioned, even briefly. One doesn't have to discuss doctrine when identifying someone's belief. It is sad that our government and society are so anti-God and Christianity, that you can't identify someone's belief in school, because it is now a "religious" book. We wouldn't know about Joan today, if she chose to listen to her government and society who originally thought she was a stupid girl and sent her home for saying God sent her.
I am glad that I read this to my son as this version talks about her visions and belief in God. He told me that he first learned about her in school (public), but they never mentioned any of this this. Considering that the whole reason she was driven to do what she did was because of her visions and faith, it should have been mentioned, even briefly. One doesn't have to discuss doctrine when identifying someone's belief. It is sad that our government and society are so anti-God and Christianity, that you can't identify someone's belief in school, because it is now a "religious" book. We wouldn't know about Joan today, if she chose to listen to her government and society who originally thought she was a stupid girl and sent her home for saying God sent her.
January 18, 2022
The illustrations seem to match the time period it is telling about but I didn't like them personally. I've learned about Joan multiple times but there were parts that were new to me. It is very informative but as I'm not really into French history or the history of Catholic Saints I think it just wasn't a good fit.
December 27, 2015
These historical picture book biographies by Demi are interesting, and the illustrations have a distinct style. I love the quote from Joan of Arc at the beginning. Great idea to use this.
June 12, 2024
Another great historical biography by Demi. She tells a great story of Joan of Arc. At the center of it, is Joan's faith. She is on a holy mission. The problem comes when she loses her faith for a time. Things go wrong then.
What's so interesting is that people want to put this coward on the throne. Charles VII didn't want the throne. Over and over again, he just wouldn't take it. Joan risked her life to get this turkey on the throne. He was a very weak ruler.
In 1920, the Catholic church finally sainted Joan of Arc. My one question is does God really care who is on the throne. Why wouldn't God have cared if the English took the throne. I guess I'll never know.
The artwork is very medieval beautiful artwork. It's pure Demi. She has a gift with her brush. She doesn't always give a ground for people to stand on and so much of the time people float around in her paintings. It's just her style.
What's so interesting is that people want to put this coward on the throne. Charles VII didn't want the throne. Over and over again, he just wouldn't take it. Joan risked her life to get this turkey on the throne. He was a very weak ruler.
In 1920, the Catholic church finally sainted Joan of Arc. My one question is does God really care who is on the throne. Why wouldn't God have cared if the English took the throne. I guess I'll never know.
The artwork is very medieval beautiful artwork. It's pure Demi. She has a gift with her brush. She doesn't always give a ground for people to stand on and so much of the time people float around in her paintings. It's just her style.
March 23, 2018
A tour de force! Fascinating picture-biography of one of the world’s most enigmatic figures, simply told with elegant illustrations of the battles, triumphs, and failures to fulfill her mission as the Maid of God. The picture of her “great indecision” is brilliant!
May 14, 2025
A good telling if Joan of Arc, accompanied by stylistic illustrations that are nicely done. While I don't love the art style, I can appreciate it. I'd definitely utilize my library's copy in the future.
May 24, 2019
This children's version of Joan of Arc was beautifully illustrated and simply told. Such a great way to review the highlights of Joan of Arc's life and vision and sacrifice.
September 7, 2021
Good! Clear story and illustrations
January 3, 2023
A beautifully illustrated book about the famous heroine of France.
February 28, 2023
Beautiful illustrations
June 24, 2024
I was amazed at how much information was provided in this short book. It was beautiful. It nearly brought me to tears. A lovely read.
July 13, 2024
The illustrations with metallic inlays are gorgeous.
January 31, 2025
Nicely illustrated
Brief history
Brief history
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June 22, 2025notes in back
November 20, 2025
2nd star for lovely artwork. A little complicated and didn't explain clearly.
June 9, 2021
Language: G (0 swears, 0 "f"); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG
November 10, 2011
Biography
Joan of Arch was born on January 6, 1412 to Isabelle and Jacques d'Arc in Domremy, France. Little did she know tht one day she would beccome one of the greatest general in the history of France. She had three brothers and one sister, she learned to spin and sew, and she loved the sound of church bells and the music and singing in church. From a early age; Joan began to care for the sick and give money to the poor. France was at war with Burgundians and England. Each of them wanted to ascent the throne of France. The English and Burgundias were killing French people burning their homes and stealing their livestock. As a young girl joan deeply felt the injustice of the invaders and she fervently prayed for the delivance of France. When she was thirteen, she went to pray in his father's garden and she saw a great light, dazzling and brilliant. From that light, there came the voice and appearance of Archangel Micheal, who told her that it was she who would save the kingdom of France, who would go to the dauphin Charles and lead him to Reims. From that day on Joan, prayed devoutly. She saw angels and heard their voices and she learned the language of the saints. Joan then sought the help of Sire Robert of Baudricourt, Lord of Vaucouleurs.
Joan did not give up. She went back to Baudricout two or more times with urgent news from her voices."The dauphin is being besieged at Orleans!" She told him "I must help him!. The English and Burgundians were everywhere. Joan had to travel by night and keep herself hidden by day. Her escorts began to lose heart and wanted to trun back, but Joan answered "Fear nothing for God is leading me!" The court of Dauphin Charles could not agree on whether to receive Joan. Many urged the dauphin not to see heer at all. But Orleans were surrounded and about to fall to the English, and Joan was the dauphin's last hope of saving the city. Still suspicious, Dauphin Charles decided to test Joan to see if she really was inspired by God. He dressed in plain clothes and put one of his nobles on the throne to impersonate the king BY the light of flaring torches, Joan entered the throne room. Joan had nev er seen Dauphin Charles before, but immediately her voices helped her single him out kneeling before him. She said, "Very noble Lord Dauphin. I am come and am sent by God to bring help to you and your kingdom, to reaised the siege of Orleans, and to crown you king"Still the cowardly dauphin hesistated. Fearing Joan might be an evil sorceress, he sent her to be examined by learned aqnd powerful churchmen. For three weeks JOAN boldly answered every question with great clarity and self-control.Swayed by Joan's faith, the churchmen finally agreed to accept her as their military leader. Amidst great cheering crowds. Joan roade to meet the French forces at Blois commander Dunois greeted he, and Joan said to him . "I bring you the best of King of Heaven! It comes not from me but from God Himself.
Joan's great confidence inspired everyone, and soon the battle for Orleans began. "Nothing is impossible with the power of God!" Joan yelled from the center of the fight. With her banner that said "Jesus, Maria" raised high, she gave great courage and hope to all the soldiers.Cammander Dunois was jealous of Joan and wanted to grab victory for himself. when they went to the war, they won. The new news of the victory of Orleans spread far and wide, the French came to believe that Joan was lead by God. After the victory, she went back to fighing the English. She won the battles of Jargeai. Finally, charles agreed to go to Reims for his coronation. This story is good for children from the 4,5.6 grades, young readers and even adults. I recommen d this book for every body around the world. It should not be limited to only in USA but all across the world. The colors are look like painting
Joan of Arch was born on January 6, 1412 to Isabelle and Jacques d'Arc in Domremy, France. Little did she know tht one day she would beccome one of the greatest general in the history of France. She had three brothers and one sister, she learned to spin and sew, and she loved the sound of church bells and the music and singing in church. From a early age; Joan began to care for the sick and give money to the poor. France was at war with Burgundians and England. Each of them wanted to ascent the throne of France. The English and Burgundias were killing French people burning their homes and stealing their livestock. As a young girl joan deeply felt the injustice of the invaders and she fervently prayed for the delivance of France. When she was thirteen, she went to pray in his father's garden and she saw a great light, dazzling and brilliant. From that light, there came the voice and appearance of Archangel Micheal, who told her that it was she who would save the kingdom of France, who would go to the dauphin Charles and lead him to Reims. From that day on Joan, prayed devoutly. She saw angels and heard their voices and she learned the language of the saints. Joan then sought the help of Sire Robert of Baudricourt, Lord of Vaucouleurs.
Joan did not give up. She went back to Baudricout two or more times with urgent news from her voices."The dauphin is being besieged at Orleans!" She told him "I must help him!. The English and Burgundians were everywhere. Joan had to travel by night and keep herself hidden by day. Her escorts began to lose heart and wanted to trun back, but Joan answered "Fear nothing for God is leading me!" The court of Dauphin Charles could not agree on whether to receive Joan. Many urged the dauphin not to see heer at all. But Orleans were surrounded and about to fall to the English, and Joan was the dauphin's last hope of saving the city. Still suspicious, Dauphin Charles decided to test Joan to see if she really was inspired by God. He dressed in plain clothes and put one of his nobles on the throne to impersonate the king BY the light of flaring torches, Joan entered the throne room. Joan had nev er seen Dauphin Charles before, but immediately her voices helped her single him out kneeling before him. She said, "Very noble Lord Dauphin. I am come and am sent by God to bring help to you and your kingdom, to reaised the siege of Orleans, and to crown you king"Still the cowardly dauphin hesistated. Fearing Joan might be an evil sorceress, he sent her to be examined by learned aqnd powerful churchmen. For three weeks JOAN boldly answered every question with great clarity and self-control.Swayed by Joan's faith, the churchmen finally agreed to accept her as their military leader. Amidst great cheering crowds. Joan roade to meet the French forces at Blois commander Dunois greeted he, and Joan said to him . "I bring you the best of King of Heaven! It comes not from me but from God Himself.
Joan's great confidence inspired everyone, and soon the battle for Orleans began. "Nothing is impossible with the power of God!" Joan yelled from the center of the fight. With her banner that said "Jesus, Maria" raised high, she gave great courage and hope to all the soldiers.Cammander Dunois was jealous of Joan and wanted to grab victory for himself. when they went to the war, they won. The new news of the victory of Orleans spread far and wide, the French came to believe that Joan was lead by God. After the victory, she went back to fighing the English. She won the battles of Jargeai. Finally, charles agreed to go to Reims for his coronation. This story is good for children from the 4,5.6 grades, young readers and even adults. I recommen d this book for every body around the world. It should not be limited to only in USA but all across the world. The colors are look like painting
Want to Read
September 26, 2016France ages 10-12
September 11, 2013
I'm a Demi lover and can never pass up owning a Demi book. This one is no disappointment. Demi is a skilled writer and takes care with her research of historical figures and the artwork she creates to go with her picture books. She tells the story of Joan of Arc beautifully using the religious text version which was common in her time. Joan was a young 16 year old when she heard voices telling her to help crown the King of France. It is sad that the King was so unworthy of her. While the people were French speaking in most parts, the English and Burgundians ruled much of France as we know it today, including Paris. The Dauphin or crown prince of France was too afraid to go to the legendary cathedral where French kings were crowned as the area was controlled by foreign invaders. Joan was able to convince him to allow her an army and fight a path to the cathedral. Later after being crowned the French king failed to fight his enemies again and left Joan to be captured and executed. The French were so outraged at her death, they took the lead in defeating the invaders. Demi tells this story appropriate for higher elementary grades and up as well as students learning English. I have used her books in the classroom and no one is insulted by her books being picture books, they quite enjoy them and appreciate their worth. Highly recommended.
August 22, 2013
Joan was a very virtuous young girl and open to God in her prayer life. Like Mary the mother of Jesus, she was preparing herself for her future (God's plan).
As a young girl of 13, Joan was given a dream by the Archangel Michael. She was to be instrumental in saving the kingdom of France and have the dauphin of France re-instated.
Joan of Arc was not recognized during her lifetime for all the courage, faith and obedience. The Catholic Church, the citizens of France and even the dauphin (the King of France) did not stand by her. Like Jesus, Joan endured pain and heartache and was burnt at the stake by the enemies of France.
The most painful was the doors of France that were closed to her after her many triumphs.
Like most saintly persons it takes some time to re-assess the life of a noble person. Joan of Arc died at the young age of 19 with the words Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. The executioners and judges around her wept. We have killed a saint.
Joan was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1920.
As a young girl of 13, Joan was given a dream by the Archangel Michael. She was to be instrumental in saving the kingdom of France and have the dauphin of France re-instated.
Joan of Arc was not recognized during her lifetime for all the courage, faith and obedience. The Catholic Church, the citizens of France and even the dauphin (the King of France) did not stand by her. Like Jesus, Joan endured pain and heartache and was burnt at the stake by the enemies of France.
The most painful was the doors of France that were closed to her after her many triumphs.
Like most saintly persons it takes some time to re-assess the life of a noble person. Joan of Arc died at the young age of 19 with the words Jesus, Jesus, Jesus. The executioners and judges around her wept. We have killed a saint.
Joan was canonized by the Catholic Church in 1920.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews