“The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter. ’tis the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.” Mark Twain

Perfect Picture Book Friday:Brother Sun, Sister Moon

I'm joining with the delightful Susanna Leonard Hill today, sharing a fun picture book I encountered last week for Perfect Picture Book Friday. Thanks, Susanna, for giving us a place to share our favorite picture books! (Check out her ever-expanding list of perfect picture books here - and check out what she, and several others, are adding to the list here at her blog)

I had intended to post this last week, the day after Thanksgiving, because of the gratefulness theme. But last week completely got away from me, so here we go.

Title: Brother Sun, Sister Moon: St. Francis of Assisi's Canticle of the Creatures

Author: "reimagined by" Katherine Paterson

Illustrator: Pamela Dalton

Publisher: Handprint Books, 2011

Age Range: 4-6 years

Theme/Topics: Gratitude, Prayer, Nature

First Page/Spread: "We come to sing a song of praise to you, O God, the Lord of Heaven and Earth, who by your power and out of your love have created all things and called them good."

Synopsis: In Brother Sun, Sister Moon, award-winning author Katherine Paterson re-imagines a hymn of praise originally written by Saint Francis of Assisi in 1224. Illuminated with the exquisite illustrations of cut-paper artist Pamela Dalton, this picture book offers a stunningly beautiful tribute to nature.

Resources: The original prayer/canticle is included in the back of the book to look at. There are some activities related to St. Francis of Assisi at this site. Most nature-related activities would also work, including looking through the gorgeous paper-cut illustrations for specific plants or animals.

Why I LOVE it: The language is absolutely gorgeous, as are the pictures. The prayer itself is just lovely and peaceful.And the whole idea of praising the Lord for nature warmed me - especially at this time of year. It is a lovely story to share about thankfulness (yes - last Friday would have been better - right?)

Hope you'll give this book a look - and check out the OTHER perfect picture books for today at Susanna's blog - and Susanna's ever-growing list of wonderful picture books.


My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer. Psalm 45:1

16 comments:

  1. What a beautiful choice today. That cover really engages you so I imagine beautiful illustratioons. I also love the focus on nature!

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    1. ALL the illustrations are beautiful like that cover - truly. I loved just about everything about this one - thanks for stopping by, Patricia!

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  2. I remember seeing a movie years ago based on this story. What a gentle, peaceful book to reflect on during the Christmas season!

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    1. Thanks so much, Jarm. I think I might have seen something about the movie when I was googling the book to get the cover pic. And who doesn't need peace this time of year. :) I appreciate you stopping by!

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  3. I'm very much looking forward to reading this beautiful book - thanks for posting!

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    1. It really is beautiful, Julie - thanks for stopping by. I'm sure you will enjoy it!

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  4. Oo, it is lovely to see a new version of this. Thanks, Joanna.

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    1. You're very welcome - thanks for stopping by!

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  5. I really love the illustrations in this book! Quite unique! Thanks for sharing!

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    1. You're very welcome - I love them too! Thanks for stopping by!

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  6. I've always loved this story. The cover looks gorgeous. Thanks for reminding me about this story.

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    1. You're quite welcome, Sue - I had never heard of it :) Thanks for stopping by!

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  7. Lovely book and at just the right time of year too. Beautiful choice, thanks.

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    1. It is lovely :) Thanks for stopping by, Diane!

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  8. LOVE the sound of this book and have read a middle grade novel by that name which was so good. Glad this came out as a picture book. :)

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    1. OH - I may have to pick up that middle grade and give it a look. Thanks for stopping by!

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Thanks for stopping by. I would love to hear your thoughts - please share them!

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