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The oldest stories are often the best ones, surviving the centuries on sheer merit, timeless bundles of wit and grace. Brothers David and Mark Shannon have preserved one such tale that dates back to the France of the Middle Ages: the winsome folk story of the legendary Acrobat of God.

Young P�quel� ("PAY-kul-lay") is separated from his parents as a baby when his village falls to t... More

The oldest stories are often the best ones, surviving the centuries on sheer merit, timeless bundles of wit and grace. Brothers David and Mark Shannon have preserved one such tale that dates back to the France of the Middle Ages: the winsome folk story of the legendary Acrobat of God.

Young P�quel� ("PAY-kul-lay") is separated from his parents as a baby when his village falls to the plague. His mother weaves an angel from twigs and dried flowers and tucks it into P�quel�'s blanket to protect him as he goes to live with his grandmother in the mountains. P�quel� proves to be a vibrant, joyful boy, earning money for his grandmother with juggling and acrobatics in the village square. Every night, the two pray before P�quel�'s angel, giving thanks for each other and "the warmth and light" inside them, "all simple folks like ourselves can understand of God's mysterious ways." But when P�quel�'s grandmother passes away, he must find a new home yet again. Rescued by sweet Friar John, P�quel� reluctantly abandons his acrobat ways for life with the monks--but his gift, his leaping, spinning repertoire of tricks, turns out to be just the miracle the monastery needs.

Thoughtfully written by Mark Shannon and energetically illustrated by his brother David Shannon (of Caldecott Honor Book No, David!), this touching tale makes a warm, winning choice for story hour. (Ages 4 to 8) --Paul Hughes

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