Pope Leo has declared 2026 the year of St. Francis! 2026 marks 800 years since this remarkable saint’s death. The Catholic Church is celebrating with a special jubilee year and plenary indulgences available for the faithful. You can read all about it in this document. Brian Wildsmith’s new book, St. Francis, is the perfect picture book to share the life of St. Francis with children.

St. Francis

by Brian Wildsmith

Published by Sophia Institute Press

St. Francis’ Guardian Angel

The story is told from the perspective of St. Francis’ Guardian Angel. The illustrations are bright and lively, and the author/illustrator has included the Guardian Angel on each page. It’s fun to find the angel (Where’s Waldo style) throughout the book. The story gives clues so that you can find the angel even in the more hidden spots.

St. Francis’ Early Life

The story begins by painting a picture of St. Francis’ lavish lifestyle in his youth, and how he loved being merry and making others’ laugh. It then follows his journey of joining the army. He wanted fame and prestige, but he ultimately was put in prison in Perugia. After spending a year in prison and becoming ill, his father bailed him out.

It took another year for his mother to nurse him back to help. He eventually came across the Church of San Damiano in ruins, and he heard the famous message from God to repair His Church. His life was transformed.

St. Francis’ New Mission

St. Francis renounced all of his worldly possessions so that he could complete the mission that God gave to him. He rebuilt the broken down church, and, later founded the Franciscan Order. His friendship with St. Clare is also included, as well as his encounter with a pesky wolf, the first live Nativity, and other adventures and miracles. His love of nature is also emphasized, and the Canticle of Brother Sun and Sister Moon is included at the end of the book.

Who Would Enjoy This Book

This beautiful picture book is great for children ages 5 and up. You can enjoy it any time during this year of St. Francis or on his feast day (October 4).

You can find St. Francis at Sophia Institute Press.