John Paul II: The Journey of a Saint, written by Guy Lehideux and Louis-Bernard Koch and illustrated by Dominique Bar, is a non-fiction graphic novel (sounds like an oxymoron, I know).
The graphic novel format means that it is comic-book style. Some people love it, some people hate it. The graphic novel format has gained respect in the literary world and is used to lure reluctant readers, especially boys.
John Paul II: The Journey of a Saint is different from a regular comic, not just in its content, but also it's size and binding. This book is large, making it easy to read, and the hardcover binding guarantees that it will last a long time.
The story of John Paul II: The Journey of a Saint is compelling and thoughtfully told. I found the Polish names hard to read and remember (who's who), but the pictures are a great aid in this. Beginning before his birth, we follow Karol Wojtyla through his youth, the loss of his family members, his foray into the theater, his abrupt decision to enter the priesthood, his role in post-WWII Poland, and his papacy.
After John Paul II is elected pope, the storyline dwindles into a list of dates of prominent writings, journeys (World Youth Days are noted), and canonizations. The book ends shortly after the canonization of St. Josemaria Escriva.
I felt that this left out an important part of the saintliness of John Paul II, namely his suffering and death. His decline of health was a public witness to the power of suffering, which modernity would have us eschew.
Despite the omission of his end days, John Paul II: The Journey of a Saint is an excellent and attractive book for children of all ages.
Do not judge a book by its cover.
Do judge this book by it's entire title: Our Holy Father, the Pope: The Papacy from Saint Peter to the Present.
This beautifully illustrated book by Don Caffery is NOT a biography of Pope Francis, as I had first thought, but rather a very good explanation of the papacy, how Christ began it all with St. Peter, how popes are elected, what they do, and where they live.
Our Holy Father, the Pope: The Papacy from Saint Peter to the Present is written in language geared to early readers and would make an excellent First Holy Communion gift. Especially considering that a few popes are given special focus including St. Clement, St. Leo, St. Pius X (who allowed young children to receive Holy Communion and encouraged receiving the Eucharist among all Catholics) and soon-to-be St. John Paul II.
You can order these books through Ignatius Press, or through my Amazon affiliate links. I do get a small percentage of the proceeds from Amazon. Ignatius did not pay me for my opinions, they only provided me with the books. You still have time to get them for Easter if you use Amazon Prime free shipping! You have even more time if you would like them for the canonizations on April 27th.
I'm thinking about sending these books to my godson for his first communion present. I always struggle with boy gifts for occasions like these but these books are Catholic, geared for children, and somewhat masculine.
Your comment about Pope Francis on the cover is spot on. I totally thought I was getting a book about him, which I would have loved. However, I liked this book even more. It's great for teaching and catechizing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing these! We are hosting a big party over that weekend in honor of JPII and I'm planning to have games and contests for the kids with prizes. These would be great!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! What are you serving? Polish and Italian specialties?
DeleteThanks for sharing! I think the babysat will like these in their baskets. :)
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