The Song of Francis and the Animals

by Pat Mora, David Frampton (Illustrator)

Saint Francis of Assisi, friend to all creatures, sings with various animals.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, School, Religion

32 pages, Hardcover

First published August 22, 2005

About the author

Pat Mora (born 1942) is a female Mexican-American author and poet. Pat Mora was born in El Paso, Texas. She is married and has 3 grown children.

Reviews

[Kelly Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cute books pictures were amazing

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderfully illustrated children's book telling some of the story of Saint Francis simply. The Illustrations are wonderful woodcuts by David Frampton. The author imbellishes interact of animals with Francis which is sure to connect with children and to delight all. I note that the author dedicates the book to Father Murray Bodo, a Franciscan priest.

Highly recommended.

[KathKin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the text poorly written, not poetic to my ear. But the woodcut illustrations are so amazing that I had to give 4 stars. The amount of detail and the expressiveness of the illustrations have to be seen to be believed. If you are looking for a Christian view of St. Francis, be warned that the book presents a secularized version of Francis' life, with no real mention of why he loved animals and nature so much.

[Bayne Marrs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations in this book are amazing. David Frampton uses woodcut on each page to bring the story to life. This book would be a great way to introduce the importance of illustrations that match the story and different types of illustrations.
2005
Fantasy

[Chelsea]

Catholic oriented

[Liz DeLise · Rating 3 out of 5]

a cute children's book about St Francis and his connection with animals

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful language and intricate woodcuts tell a story of St. Francis and his love of animals. Not a biography (as I initially thought when interlibrary-loaning it) but a fictionalized account of the Saint whose love of animals is the stuff of countless legends and garden statues, this story should stretch beyond those familiar with St. Francis and find audience with those who respect animal lives. "Francis and the nightingale sang a duet in their brown robes. Their voices twirled and whirled over the rooftops and over the hills and over the world like ribbons in the wind." Lovely.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The wood cuts are fantastic, they deserve 5 stars. The story.. well it's a little hacked up. The poetry of the lines is beautiful, but the sudden segue to the wolf makes no sense. It would definitely help if you knew some of the stories about St. Francis and unfortunately the author includes no additional information.

[Dave Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

As any one who has experienced this book will tell you, the wood cut illustrations in this book are jaw-dropping to look at. Very much captures the imagination of St. Francis and his theology of love toward animals. This is a great work to introduce children to the historical figure of St. Francis and his ideas. The text is also poetic and inspiring.

[Maggie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Children’s Books, Second Place, The Catholic Press Association, 2006
Paterson Prize for Books for Young People, Special Recognition, 2006

Sweet story with beautiful woodcut illustrations, Francis sings to and tames all the animals he meets.

[Sam Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

As other reviewers have already said, it's the wood cut illustrations that really make this story stand out. There is a musicality to the text and St. Francis is about how I imagined him. But it doesn't quite capture any specifics of the St. Francis mythology, which I think is too bad.

[Patricia · Rating 2 out of 5]

The woodcut illustrations are beautiful, but the song/prose/poem (can't tell) is really difficult to follow. I was disappointed.

[Jennifer Nydahl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Genre: Traditional
Copyright: 2005

Beautiful woodcut illustrations are let down by disappointing writing. The author fails to capture the essence and spirit of St Francis.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear woodcuttings with imaginative creatures. Nice story about St. Francis.

[Julia Beavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The woodcuts are absolutely breathtaking!

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful children's book about St Francis and his special relationship with animals. The woodcut illustrations are marvelous!

[Paul · Rating 3 out of 5]

Choppy storytelling. Wonderful woodcuts!