My library has an area where they set out free books and magazines. I skim through, looking for treasures, but also looking for random things I never would have thought to look for.
Max and Benedict: A blue rock-thrush tells us about the Pope’s day is one of these random finds. It makes sense that there would be children’s books about the Pope, but I’d never sought one out, or even heard of one. Jeanne Perego’s 2009 picture book (illustrated by Donata Dal Molin Casagrande) tries to give readers a glimpse into the life of Pope Benedict XVI (along with a brief sketch of the papacy and a little its history).
Sigh.
This book is intelligent and informative. It means well, and I respect its goals. The illustrations have a nice gentle wash of color and good design.
And…this is not a good book. Part of it is that this feels old, meaning it is incredibly wordy for a modern picture book. Page 10 opens the story with an illustration. The words start on page 11…and fill it completely, top to bottom. Max, the rock-thrush, tells his story, and it does not flow well. It feels like an adult who does not spend any time with kids decides to tell them a story. It is preachy in the worst way, meaning, it does not inspire or illuminate, but rather, pounds points home through repetition and over-explaining.
I can imagine lots of kids, Catholic or not, wanting to learn more about the Pope. I can’t imagine most of them would finish this book. Maybe not any of them.
