Stories of the Saints

Saints are ordinary men and women who touch the world in extraordinary and inspiring ways. Sometimes they prevail, sometimes they come to a tragic end—but always they change the world they live in for the better. In this freshly told and boldly illustrated book, children will find the stories of the best-known and best-loved saints, from Augustine to Mother Teresa (officially canonized as St. Teresa of Calcutta). Meet Joan of Arc, whose faith inspired her to lead an army when the king’s courage failed. Francis of Assisi, whose gentleness tamed a man-eating wolf. Christopher, whose medal is often worn by travelers. Valentine, a bishop in the time of ancient Rome who spoke so often of Christ’s love that his saint’s day, February 14, has been associated with courtly love since the Middle Ages. St. Thomas Aquinas, the great teacher. Peter Claver, who cared for hundreds of thousands of people on slave ships after their voyage as captives. Bernadette, whose vision of Mary instructed her to dig the spring that became the healing waters of Lourdes. Each tale is more vivid than the last; also included in each entry are the saint’s dates, location, emblems, and patronage. Taken together, they create a rich and entertaining history of faith and courage.

“" Unlike other children's books about the saints that can be heavy-handed in imparting spiritual lessons, Wallace's work relies on the stories themselves to leave their own impressions. They incorporate both legend and historical facts." --Catholic Review "The saints included span centuries and cultures, including well-known figures... more obscure ones like Mary of Egypt and John Nepomucene, and those from non-Western cultures... Wallace presents them all with quiet confidence that the stories matter, and she convinces us that they do. Thornborrow's illustrations combine traditional iconography with modern graphic art, effectively dramatizing each tale. Unusual, well-done." -- Kirkus Reviews "Wallace's prose is evocative and reverent. She opens with 2nd-century CE Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, and weaves chronologically to end with Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa). Each biographical sketch begins with the date, location where the saint lived or is known, emblem, patronage, and feast day, culminating in legends about the saints amplified by Thornborrow's luminous ink illustrations... Wallace's accounts of the lives of saints will appeal any Christian, particularly those who read graphic novels." -- Publishers Weekly "An accessible and dynamic compendium... the emphasis here is on humanity and faithful deeds, not grisly martyrdom." -- The Wall Street Journal Named by Quill Quire as one of the best book covers of 2020.”

"Unlike other children’s books about the saints that can be heavy-handed in imparting spiritual lessons, Wallace’s work relies on the stories themselves to leave their own impressions. They incorporate both legend and historical facts."
—Catholic Review

"The saints included span centuries and cultures, including well-known figures… more obscure ones like Mary of Egypt and John Nepomucene, and those from non-Western cultures... Wallace presents them all with quiet confidence that the stories matter, and she convinces us that they do. Thornborrow's illustrations combine traditional iconography with modern graphic art, effectively dramatizing each tale. Unusual, well-done."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Wallace’s prose is evocative and reverent. She opens with 2nd-century CE Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, and weaves chronologically to end with Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa). Each biographical sketch begins with the date, location where the saint lived or is known, emblem, patronage, and feast day, culminating in legends about the saints amplified by Thornborrow’s luminous ink illustrations... Wallace’s accounts of the lives of saints will appeal any Christian, particularly those who read graphic novels."
—Publishers Weekly

"An accessible and dynamic compendium... the emphasis here is on humanity and faithful deeds, not grisly martyrdom."
—The Wall Street Journal

Named by Quill  Quire as one of the best book covers of 2020.
"Unlike other children’s books about the saints that can be heavy-handed in imparting spiritual lessons, Wallace’s work relies on the stories themselves to leave their own impressions. They incorporate both legend and historical facts."
—Catholic Review

"The saints included span centuries and cultures, including well-known figures… more obscure ones like Mary of Egypt and John Nepomucene, and those from non-Western cultures... Wallace presents them all with quiet confidence that the stories matter, and she convinces us that they do. Thornborrow's illustrations combine traditional iconography with modern graphic art, effectively dramatizing each tale. Unusual, well-done."
—Kirkus Reviews

"Wallace’s prose is evocative and reverent. She opens with 2nd-century CE Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, and weaves chronologically to end with Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa). Each biographical sketch begins with the date, location where the saint lived or is known, emblem, patronage, and feast day, culminating in legends about the saints amplified by Thornborrow’s luminous ink illustrations... Wallace’s accounts of the lives of saints will appeal any Christian, particularly those who read graphic novels."
—Publishers Weekly

"An accessible and dynamic compendium... the emphasis here is on humanity and faithful deeds, not grisly martyrdom."
—The Wall Street Journal

Named by Quill  Quire as one of the best book covers of 2020.

Carey Wallace was raised in a small town in Michigan. She is the author of The Blind Contessa's New Machine, The Ghost in the Glass House, and Choose. She lives and works in Brooklyn.

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