Publishers Weekly
Poet, feminist and Benedictine oblate Norris (The Cloister Walk) turns to the sixth-century twins Benedict and Scholastica for this informative dual biography. In easily accessible language and a straightforward tone, she describes the twins' embrace of the monastic life and Benedict's miraculous visions and special calling. Norris is at her most appealing in her wry contrast of Benedict's hard-won insights into the peaceful maintenance of monastic order, codified in his famous Rule, with Scholastica's natural understanding of the shared spiritual life. Young readers will be lured into the narrative by dePaola's friendly art, presented in panels that loosely recall the structure and composition of medieval religious art. Like Norris, he emphasizes Benedict's and Scholastica's humanity rather than their saintliness. Readers will be able to identify with these protagonists, even if the complexities of their vocations elude them. Ages 4-8. (Sept.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
From The Critics
The order of St. Benedict has survived for more than 1500 years and it's still strong in the contemporary world. This book beautifully relates the story of its founder, St. Benedict, and his saintly twin sister Scholastica. I was educated by Benedictine nuns and Scholastica is my birthday saint so I've been familiar with their story all my life. DePaola's illustrations serve the theme masterfully, while Norris offers their story to children in powerful yet accessible language. A superb gift for a religious occasion. 2001, Philomel Books, $16.99. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer: A. Braga SOURCE: Parent Council, September 2001 (Vol. 9, No. 1)
School Library Journal
Gr 2-4-This fictionalized biography of Saints Benedict and Scholastica, twins who lived in sixth-century Italy, is told in a lively, authoritative manner. Born to a respected family in the mountain town of Nursia, the children were separated for their education. Scholastica was placed in a convent and Benedict was sent to Rome. Repelled by the power struggles, injustice, and greed he encountered in the city, Benedict longed for a simple, prayerful life. First he became a cave-dwelling hermit, and later, after many difficulties, he founded a monastery on Monte Cassino, which eventually became the Benedictine order of monks. Meanwhile, his sister remained in the convent and supported her beloved brother with prayer. Many stories of miracles are woven into the text. A brief summary of the Rule of St. Benedict, still used by monks and nuns today, is included. As usual, dePaola's elegant, stylized artwork seems particularly well suited to the eternal quality of religious subjects. The framed spreads are painted in soft, warm acrylics on tea-stained watercolor paper, which gives the semblance of an old manuscript. The text is arranged in boxes of various sizes to help create an eye-appealing format.-Patricia Pearl Dole, formerly at First Presbyterian School, Martinsville, VA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
DePaola's inexhaustible wellspring of creativity is never more evident than in ecclesiastical subjects, and in this biography of the twin saints, Benedict and Scholastica, he has outdone himself. Luminous color and suppleness of line shape the narrative, whose progression can be traced along the borders and through the central panels as in illuminated manuscripts. Norris, who has written with intelligence and discernment about spirituality for adults, fares a little less well in writing for children. Overlong sentences sometimes impede the flow in reading aloud; too much information occasionally clogs the story. And it's a wonderful story-of twin siblings growing up in the hills of Umbria, of a young man disillusioned by study in the city of Rome, seeking first to serve God by living alone and then to serve further by creating a rule under which those who chose could live together in God's service. Scholastica stayed at the convent where she was educated, and among other tales, Norris relates the one where she kept her brother visiting through the night, despite his protestations, because she knew it was the last time she would see him. An author's note explains the history of the Rule of St. Benedict, which is still followed today. There's always a place for dePaola's work; older children, or those intent on connecting the words to the beautiful pictures, will find their attention amply repaid. (note, bibliography) (Biography. 7-10)
