Francis di Bernardone was born in the small Italian town of Assisi in 1182 A.D. The son of a wealthy cloth merchant, he enjoyed the privileged life of a young nobleman. Many a night, the good people of Assisi were awakened from a sound sleep by the noise of his loud singing and guitar playing.

But as Francis grew older, he began to change. After serving in one war and being forced home by illness from another, his worldly experiences no longer satisfied him. A love for poverty, nature, simplicity, and joy—these were the qualities that gradually seemed important. As the desire to lead a simpler life became pressing, Francis renounced his father in front of the citizens of Assisi and exchanged his wealthy life for one of poverty. He wandered the streets, begging his meals and preaching about the joy of Lady Poverty. Slowly, he began to attract a loyal group of followers, the first "brothers" in the famous order he founded. Together, they traveled across the country, helping the poor and rejoicing in the love of God. Among those who heard Francis was Clare Scifi, the beautiful daughter of a nobleman of Assisi. She was so moved by his teaching that she left her family and started the order of Poor Sisters. She and Francis became lifelong friends and companions.

In 1228, two years after his death, Francis was proclaimed a saint. To celebrate the 800th anniversary of the birth of Francis of Assisi, Tomie de Paola has brought his extraordinary talents to illuminate, both in words and in paintings, this beloved man's remarkable life.

From the dust jacket