The Blessing of Beasts

This is a story of Francesca and Martin, a cockroach and a skunk who wonder if they will be welcome at the St. Frances Blessing of the Beasts. The elephants, zebras, pigs and more will be going, but will the priest and God welcome the two usual outcasts. Whether you are religious or not, the story is lovely and the illustrations are absolutely fantastic.

I purchased this book because of the illustrations, but I enjoyed the story as well. For me, it recalled the quality of art in the books I grew up with 60 to 65 years ago.

This is a dear and sweet book, wonderfully illustrated and creatively written, the point of the story is a great lesson not to be missed.

A delightful story by Ethel Pochoki filled with the imagined settings and words of the animal kingdom. The engraved illustrations by Barry Moser show a master artist and illustrator at his best. Fine detail is revealed in every curving line wonderfully composed and skillfully executed in the challenging medium of block engraving. Subtle and vivid colors are used with sparing grace. A storybook to read again and again. A terrific combination of word and picture.