Book Review: Saint Francis and Brother Duck by Jay Stoeckl, SFO

Saint Francis and Brother Duck written and illustrated by Jay Stoeckl, SFO

This kid-friendly biography of Saint Francis of Assissi is both charming and informative. It covers the basics of his life--his attempt to be a soldier, his misinterpreting the dream about rebuilding the church, his founding of the order, his visit to the Holy Land to stop the war, his love for the poor, and his love for animals. The one obvious literary license is Brother Duck, a talking duck that accompanies Francis during his adventurous life. The duck mainly cracks jokes and provides a way for Francis to monologue without monologuing, especially in scenes where he'd otherwise be alone.

It's an honest, simple, humble, and joyous book that well reflects the life and spirituality of Saint Francis.

Highly recommended.