From Booklist
Gr. 2-4. Sharing the middle name of Francis with his father, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. felt especially close to St. Francis while growing up, and the gentle saint continues to play an important part in his personal and family life. Here Kennedy offers a straightforward telling of Francis' life that, nonetheless, seems imbued with the splendor of the saint's mission. As Kennedy notes in his introduction, Francis' life was so full that not everything about it could be included. But his well-told biography, which introduces Francis as a frivolous yet charming King of Youth and follows him to his welcoming "Sister Death," also describes incidents such as Francis' reconciliation with the wolf of Grubbio and his relationship with St. Clare, who started an order of nuns similar to the Franciscan brothers' order. The book is illustrated with full-page, realistic paintings, which, while technically adept, have little sense of wonder or mystery. It's the words (including Francis' Canticle of the Sun on the back cover) that paint the pictures in this book. Ilene Cooper
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Book Description
He turned away from his life of wealth and privilege to live with lepers, the "untouchables" of his society. He preached the idea of the sanctity of all life, becoming an advocate of animal rights and environmentalism in a time when even human life often had little value. He found joy in owning nothing, and giving everything away. He was story of Saint Francis of Assisi and the story of his life is inspiring and radical. And now more than ever, it bears important messages for American children living in a culture of casual abundance and waste. Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.-a father, a devout Roman Catholic, a crusader for clean air and water, and a member of a family famous for its dedication to public service. It is no wonder, then, that this saint's story should resonate so powerfully with him. Mr. Kennedy has retold Francis's story as a lesson and inspiration for his own children-and for children everywhere.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Saint Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.-a father, a devout Roman Catholic, a crusader for clean air and water, and a member of a family famous for its dedication to public service. It is no wonder, then, that this saint's story should resonate so powerfully with him. Mr. Kennedy has retold Francis's story as a lesson and inspiration for his own children-and for children everywhere.

FROM THE CRITICS

Children's Literature - Joyce Rice

"Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace" is a familiar phrase to adults, but may not be familiar to young readers. This prayer of St. Francis is presented beautifully in this picture book that tells the reader of the life of St. Francis. Even as a young boy in his father's clothe shop, Francis was known for helping the poor, much to his father's chagrin. Francis' father loved to count his money, but Francis' mother taught him the value of giving and caring about others. Unable to serve in the military forces because of an illness, Francis became a soldier for the poor and diseased. At a time when lepers were feared, Francis chose to live in a leper colony and help the sick. Each page contains a phrase of the famous prayer, and each illustration is good enough to frame. This is a lovely gift book, and an excellent book of lessons about moral integrity. 2004, Hyperion Books for Children, Ages 9 to 12.

Kirkus Reviews