Saint Francis and the Nativity

by Myrna A. Strasser, Fausto Bianchi (Illustrator)

This beautifully illustrated premier Christmas book tells the story of St. Francis and the first Christmas pageant.

Genres: Christmas, Picture Books, Childrens, History, Christian

39 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 11, 2007

Reviews

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

ଘ(੭*ˊᵕˋ)੭*:･ﾟ✧ What an absolutely beautiful book depicting Italian stained glass illustrations and a lovely story about the good Shepard. It is based on the true accounts of Saint Francis of Assisi bringing the first Christmas pageant to the people of Greccio, Italy.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

An imaginative tale of how St. Francis created the nativity. And like many children's books, at the heart of the story is a unsuspecting little boy named Mario. The pictures are fabulous, and the story is sweet reminder of what the Christmas season is all about.

[Jessica Romportl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very beautiful children’s story about St. Francis sharing the Nativity with a young boy and their town - helping us experience the love of baby Jesus and our Good Shepherd.

[Pamela Mettler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so privileged to work on publicity for this beautiful picture book during my days at Zondervan Publishing House. Love the spirit of St. Francis that clearly comes through.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great depiction of the beginning of one of the most popular traditions/decorations for Christmas, The Nativity Scene. The pictures were like stained glass and eye catching and the coming to know Jesus's love as Mario learned it and shared it while assisting St. Francis was beautiful. St. Francis is one of my favorite saints so I love the fact that he started this tradition. This is a book I will have to share with my nephews soon. The suggestions at the end for things to do with the family to acknowledge and understand the nativity scene were great and there are at least two I want to try. Would recommend this highly and it will sit on my shelf and be shared in years to come.

[Miri Gifford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I begin to wonder if people who write books about Saint Francis must love to have especially rich, incredible illustrations, because both this book and the biography I read are notable specifically for that. Strasser's look almost like stained glass.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple, lovely text is magnificently highlighted by gorgeous artwork by Fausto Bianchi.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story and beautiful, colorful illustrations.

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't know the history of the nativity. Well done.