Portrait of the Son: A Tale of Love

by Josephine Nobisso BA, Theodore Schulenderfritz (Illustrator)

Here is a Christian allegorical story that treats of superlatives. The richest man in the world, with the most varied and treasured art collection in existence, begets the most wonderful son who, like himself, loves and appreciates every creation they possess. They relish entering the very worlds of their seascapes, landscapes, cityscapes and even abstract forms, but, most of al, they cherish their portraits, sharing in the very lives of their subjects. Under the father’s solicitous eye, and with their motherly estate keeper’s assistance, the exceptional son grows in wisdom and stature, extending his wealth to whomever wants it. What becomes of this son? And what later becomes of the treasures when the father decides to offer his immensely vast collection at auction? What superlative will be the most superlative of all? The man who wins the auction for the Portrait of the Son is in for the surprise of his life, and the would-be bidders witness a miracle of conversion. This is the long-awaited third volume in a trilogy of The Theological Virtues--faith, hope, and love--which began with THE WEIGHT OF A MASS, A Tale of Faith, and TAKE IT TO THE QUEEN, A Tale of Hope. Printed on the front and back underflaps are theological insights into the text and art of this story for all ages, for the true protagonists are the Persons of the Holy Trinity, the seen and unseen world of Creation, and the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Genres: Picture Books, Religion, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

Published November 15, 2021

Reviews

[Mary Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

My boys rave about this book. Beautiful story.

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of a trio of books, The Weight of a Mass: A Tale of Faith, which I have read and Take It to the Queen: A Tale of Hope, which I haven't, this book is dedicated to my sister, so she gave me a copy this past weekend. It is based on an old story, about God the Father who offers his priceless art collection for sale. The first item, a seemingly worthless and ugly painting of a young man, actually His Son, Jesus, is the deal-breaker. Whoever buys that, gets all the rest. A beautifully illustrated tale as well an allegory about Love, it completes the set which honor and illustrate the theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Love.

[Antoinette Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Josephine Nobisso did it again. Portrait of the SON A Tale of Love is the latest Gingerbread House Books release. Ms. Nobisso continues her collection of exquisite picture book stories of faith and love. Portrait of the SON A Tale of Love delivers the message of the Trinity in metaphorical form. The language speaks in an oral storyteller’s cadence and style. The stunning illustrations carry the imagery on every page. Set in an art collector’s mansion, the author takes her readers and listeners into the beauty and generosity of the father and the inspiration of the son’s teaching and sacrifice. Portrait of the SON A Tale of Love is a wonderful book for children of all ages.

[V Forr · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most delightful story. Creatively written and beautifully illustrated, it is one of three installments in the Theological Virtues Trilogy. I thoroughly enjoyed the series. Happy reading!

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful complement to Josephine's two other theological virtues books. A great way to explore and explain these virtues to children and to visit them yourself as an adult.

[Janet Noonan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had higher hopes for this book just by reviews and illustrations. It was too obvious in its attempt to being an allegory and it just didn’t flow .

[Myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cry every time I read it, but I'm a big softie and a bigger Catholic, so take that with a grain of salt.