Max and Benedict - A Bird's Eye View of the Pope

 General Description:

Illustrated by Donata Dal Molin Casagrande

This lovely illustrated book for children (of all ages!) is a sequel to Joseph and Chico, the international best-seller that told the story of the life of Pope Benedict XVI from his youth through his election as the Pope. With the same award-winning author and illustrator, this lavishly illustrated book is aimed at children but in a way that even adults will enjoy. It takes up the story of Benedict’s XVIs new life as the Pope.

The narrator of this book is a blue rock-thrush that spends most of his time on the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica and in the Vatican gardens. (The scientific name of this kind of bird is Monticola Solitarius, and it really lives in Rome.) This particular bird’s name is Max, and from his solitary perch, he observes everything in the vicinity. He is fascinated by one human in particular: the Pope. Max tells readers what the Pope does on a typical day, as well as about special moments in his life, such as his vacations and apostolic trips. The book provides a delicate portrait of the Holy Fathers many responsibilities, and it helps us understand the Pope Benedict’s important obligations that he always strives to carry out with love, faith and dedication.

Max talks about the Pope’s private and public audiences, his meetings with heads of state and with children, important liturgical moments, and the Angelus. He also describes more curious events, such as the blessing of the lambs and of a fire truck. He tells us about the moments that the Pope devotes to writing and to prayer. Max flies to see the Pope at his summer home, Castel Gandolfo, and is sorry he cannot accompany him on his important apostolic trips, but is happy each time the Pope returns to the Vatican. Max is also delighted when he sees the Pope relax a bit, playing the piano or strolling through the Vatican gardens. Max loves music, too, as do many of his friends, who live in the Vatican gardens.

Through this wonderful story, the author presents some of the fundamental ideas of Pope Benedict XVI and the important daily life and activities of the successor of St. Peter, told in simple words that young readers can understand and enjoy. The lavish watercolor illustrations make a wonderful gift book and a cherished keepsake for all ages.

Jeanne Pergeo, an Italian journalist who lives in Bavaria, is the author of the best-selling Joseph and Chico, as well as of Benedict XVI’s Bavaria.

A great book about Pope Benedict and The Vatican - For Children and Adults alike!

As a primary note, I do have to say that this book is technically a follow up to another book: "Joseph and Chico" but I can tell you I did not know that until after I bought it. So you can buy this as a stand alone if you would like, but take it from me, once you purchase one, you will want the other... they are that good!

The position of Pope is not only important and technical, but it is created by God. Few adults know or understand the full explanation of what the position of the Pope entails, let alone what he does on a day to day basis. So how are we supposed to explain that sort of thing to a child? This book definitely will help in that regard.

The story is told from the point of view of a blue thrush, a rock-thrush to be exact. His name is Max and the book opens with the telling of his day to day life and the story behind his name. As well all know, most animals in the "wild" don't have names, but this isn't just any animal... Full Review...

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• Catholic Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction
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