A Gift from Saint Francis: The First Creche

by Joanna Cole, Michele Lemieux (Illustrator)

Traces the life of the Italian who turned his back on his family's wealth to help the poor and teach about God; discusses Francis' role in the making of the first cráeche.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1989

About the author

Joanna Cole, who also wrote under the pseudonym B. J. Barnet, was an author of children’s books who teaches science.

She is most famous as the author of The Magic School Bus series of children's books. Joanna Cole wrote over 250 books ranging from her first book Cockroach to her famous series Magic School Bus.

Cole was born in Newark, New Jersey, and grew up in nearby East Orange. She loved science as a child, and had a teacher she says was a little like Ms. Frizzle. She attended the University of Massachusetts and Indiana University before graduating from the City College of New York with a B.A. in psychology. After some graduate education courses, she spent a year as a librarian in a Brooklyn elementary school. Cole subsequently became a letters correspondent at Newsweek, and then a senior editor for Doubleday Books for Young Readers.

Reviews

[Lana Kamennof-sine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love the fact that no matter how old, how well read, how.... there's ALWAYS something to learn.
Did NOT know that St Francis was responsible for the first "live" creche. Definitely need to do some research/reading of his works & those of others about him.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

St. Francis of Assisi was born into a wealthy family. Though he could have all that he needed and wanted from his father, he turned his back on wealth and his inheritance and followed God. He walked among the poorest of the poor. He spent hours in the woods and farms. It is said that he talked to the animals. One night near the celebration of Christmas, he saw shepherds huddled around the fire. It was a starry night and he was inspired to create the beauty of this scene for the townspeople. He worked long and hard out in the country. He created a creche and manger scene. He brought in donkeys and other animals. It is at this spot that may be the first Christmas carols were sung. Thus began the tradition of the manger scenes at Christmas time. (I have 17 nativity scenes of all sizes and from many different countries.) This book is illustrated by Michele Lemieux- beautifully done.

[Sean Magee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great children's retelling of the Franciscan legend. Really liked the art work in the book. Beautiful paintings. The emphasis on tradition and lore bringing us into contact with the divine was great. Francis had an ability to see God and what God's presence does for the potential for goodness in all things is something I hope to instill in my little one.