Canticle of the Sun

The beloved hymn of Saint Francis of Assisi, The Canticle of the Sun, is one of the greatest songs of Christendom. In it he praises the Creator for all the glories of creation, especially "Brother Sun" and "Sister Moon". Inspired by Byzantine art, acclaimed artist Fiona French presents twelve mosaic tableaux that light up a sparkling translation of the canticle. The hymn is a beautiful poem, and a profound prayer, touching on the incredible beauty of God's creation, but also the profound meaning and importance of how we give praise to God when we forgive each other, and when we endure sickness and tribulation in peace. These original mosaic illustrations by French are a dazzling celebration of God's gift of life and all creation. Her splendid art combined with the beauty of the the hymn of St. Francis present a book that will be deeply inspiring for all ages. Saint Francis of Assisi (1181/2-1226) was born Francesco Bernadone, the son of a rich merchant. While a young prisoner-of-war in Perugia he started to experience visions of Christ and in 1210 founded an order of friars known as the Franciscans, who took a vow of poverty. His rejection of the Church's worldliness and his love of nature earned him an enormous following throughout Europe. Music played a large part in his life and Canticle of Brother Sun is his most well-known composition. Fiona French studied Art Education at Croydon College of Art and went on to work as Bridget Riley's assistant. In 1986 she won the Kate Greenaway Medal for Snow White in New York. In 1992 her first book for Frances Lincoln, Anancy and Mr Dry-Bone was shortlisted for the Kate Greenaway Medal and chosen as a Children's Book of the Year. Pepi and the Secret Names (written by Jill Paton Walsh), was one of Child Education's Best Story Books of 1994 and shortlisted for the 1995 Children's Book Award. She is renowned for her distinctively sharp and colourful illustrations.

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