Artwork © Sophia Press
Guest Reviewer: Christine Peters
By Anthony DeStefano & Illustrated by: Richard Cowdrey
This beautifully written and illustrated children’s book follows the pattern of a fairy tale.
The beggar and bluebird meet in a snowy city park on the day before Christmas. Like a fairy tale with 3 turn-of-events, the beggar pleadingly charges the bluebird with 3 tasks of flying across town to help people in need – a hungry beggar, a poor young widow with children, and a boy in the hospital.
All art © Richard Cowdrey/Sophia Institute Press
The bluebird knows a winter storm is coming and reminds the beggar that he needs to fly south to survive the cold, but he selflessly gives of himself and performs the 3 tasks anyway. This leads to a surprising, “happily ever after” ending. I read it to a 1st grade class at St. Joseph Catholic School (in Vancouver, WA) and they were engaged from the beginning, and very surprised at the end.
This book subtly teaches children about the Corporal Works of Mercy, as well as Jesus’ teachings in the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 25, “Whatsoever you do to the least of my people…”
Find it at your local Catholic Bookstore or at Sophia Institute Press!
Information:
Author: Anthony DeStefano
Illustrator: Richard Cowdrey
Publisher: Sophia Institute Press
Age Range: 7-12 years
