The Circle of Days - Softcover

Lindbergh Reeve

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0744572843 ISBN 13: 9780744572841

Publisher: Walker Books Ltd, 2000

Synopsis

In 1225, Saint Francis of Assisi wrote the Canticle of the Sun, a moving hymn of praise for all creation that has been adapted to poetry and song for centuries. Reeve Lindbergh evokes its gentle power once again with The Circle of Days, quietly blending her words with those of Saint Francis to honor the elements, the animals, the heavens, and the very breath of life. With marvelous, jewel-toned paintings by Cathie Felstead echoing the childlike reverence of the poem, The Circle of Days reminds children and adults alike to pause, to wonder at, and to give thanks for the beauty of our world.

About this title

Review

In 1225, Saint Francis of Assisi (1182-1226)--Italian founder of the Franciscan order of monks and a notorious nature lover--wrote "The Canticle of the Sun," an incantatory hymn of praise for all creation. Poet Reeve Lindbergh--daughter of aviator Charles Lindbergh and poet Anne Morrow Lindbergh--has gently respun part of this work in the stunning picture book The Circle of Days. A celebration of air, water, fire, earth, and life itself, this mesmerizing hymn begins, "Lord, we offer thanks and praise / For the circle of our days. / Praise for radiant brother sun, / Who makes the hours around us run."

We take our hats off to artist Cathie Felstead, illustrator of A Caribbean Dozen, who with watercolor, gouache, and collage, has created some of the most breathtaking land, sky, and seascapes we've ever seen. With a remarkable use of color and cut paper, we witness the change of seasons, the scuttling of crabs, a skyful of fireworks, and moonlit cows. As an artist, she says she responded to the simple poem because, "Saint Francis took pleasure in the world with a childlike directness. He is the kind of saint whose words reach out to everyone." Youngsters will be soothed by the simple rhythm of the poem, and there's no better way to celebrate the wonders of our planet than with the graceful beauty of Felstead's unforgettable paintings. (Click to see a sample spread. Illustrations © 1998 by Cathie Felstead. Permission by Candlewick Press.) (All ages)

About the Author

Reeve Lindbergh, daughter of aviator Charles Lindbergh and poet Anne Morrow Lindbergh, says, "I have always loved the simple, strong voice of Saint Francis of Assisi giving thanks for life itself and celebrating everything in existence."

Cathie Felstead was eager to illustrate THE CIRCLE OF DAYS because, she says, "Saint Francis took pleasure in the world with a childlike directness. He is the kind of saint whose words reach out to everyone"
From the Trade Paperback edition.

Edition details

• Publisher: Walker Books Ltd
• Publication date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0744572843
• ISBN 13: 9780744572841
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 32