THE LITTLE FRIAR WHO FLEW

by Patricia Lee Gauch ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 18, 1980

Across the ocean in the heel of a country shaped like a boot,"" a clumsy, foolish fellow who ""even called himself 'Little Donkey' "" takes such joy in the flowers and the birds and the statue of Our Lady in the garden that he flies a bit in their presence. Thus observed, Little Donkey is asked to join the friars in the convent, but then his more and more extended flights attract such crowds and attention that the peace-loving friars send him off to an isolated convent of his own. Still he continues to fly and feel joy because he still has the birds, flowers, and a similar statue and so is ""not alone."" An author's note identifies Little Donkey as St. Joseph of Copertino, a 17th-century Franciscan who became the patron saint of aviators. Gauch treats him here with benign affection, which de Paola matches with his old dreamy charm treatment. It's unsubstantial, but not sappy, like some of de Paola's own saintly portraits. Those so inclined might hear the little friar humming on an alpha wavelength as he glides through the pastel pages.

Pub Date: Aug. 18, 1980

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1980

Categories: CHILDREN'S