The Song of Francis

by Tomie dePaola

[cherryblossommj]

[a:Tomie dePaola|8725|Tomie dePaola|http://photo.goodreads.com/authors/1200682227p2/8725.jpg] is a children's book author/illustrator that I became familiar with in my youth. He has a vast array of books under his name and thankfully some are with a Christian, if not event Catholic belief which is not always easy to find in the world of picture books. Yet, while it seems almost everyone and list I come in contact with just loves Tomie dePaolo's work, I just seem to find myself a bit ambivalent. This book was a purchase to go along with the recommendation from Memoria Press Junior Kindergarten and honestly, this is the best experience I have ever had and the most beautiful one from Tomie dePaola I have ever seen and it really makes me want to keep him on my to-read list as I'm noticing we are getting several recommendations for his books in the future. Even though it's is not a favorite type of artwork for me to view, the material is there and obviously the quality too. Penguin's Putnum imprint sure does seem to have a winner here with plenty to come.

We are also using from time to time the [b:Tomie dePaola's Mother Goose|25161|Tomie dePaola's Mother Goose|Tomie dePaola|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1347752445s/25161.jpg|25910], although I do not love it and really prefer our replacement of [b:Richard Scarry's Best Mother Goose Ever|313329|Richard Scarry's Best Mother Goose Ever (Giant Little Golden Book)|Richard Scarry|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1333576380s/313329.jpg|304222]. With titles coming recommended from Sonlight, Memoria Press, MODG, Seton and more all raving Tomie dePaola as well as even Barnes & Noble online storytime showing his ever popular [b:Strega Nona|581409|Strega Nona|Tomie dePaola|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1348009308s/581409.jpg|1442720]. It's a learn to love and let it grow on my type of author I believe.

As to specifically referece [b:The Song of Francis|4579256|The Song of Francis|Tomie dePaola|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1347673215s/4579256.jpg|4628648] as poetry, 'eh I guess that works for this week, but it is an awesome resource to sit back and look at. Just to stop and really examine each of these page of pictures and illustrations. To talk about the colors, each and every color of bird (and reassure my preschooler that yes it says violet and I know it's purple *grin*). She became excited as the birds all joined together and I think that is exactly the type of thing that is wanted from this read. I can honestly say that if I found more absolutely lovely dePaola books like this, I will find myself to be quite a fan as well.