Giovanni and the Fava Beans
Giovanni and the Fava Beans
The Story of the St. Joseph Altar
Illustrated by Jaclyn Warren
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Set in Sicily during the Middle Ages, this inviting picture book shares the origins of the St. Joseph Altar tradition. When young Giovanni’s community suffers a terrible drought, he is upset to find fava beans—what he feeds the pigs—on his dinner plate due to the failure of the crops. An encounter with a starving girl sparks a conversion of heart from ingratitude to generosity, and Giovanni looks to heavenly patron St. Joseph to intercede for his community. When rain arrives the answered prayers are celebrated with building altars in honor of St. Joseph (a tradition still carried on in New Orleans and other communities today). With colorful folk art illustrations and instructions for celebrating the St. Joseph’s Altar tradition, families will read this book every St. Joseph’s Day and all through the year.
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What People are Saying
“This darling book about the history behind a beloved liturgical living tradition is engagingly told and beautifully illustrated. It's the perfect complement to any St. Joseph's Day celebration, whether you plan to follow the included instructions for creating your own St. Joseph's Altar at home or just want to learn more about fun Catholic traditions!”
—Kendra Tierney Norton, Author of The Catholic All Year Compendium, founder of catholicallyear.com
“As a St. Joseph devotee, I am thrilled that Joseph P. Ruli wrote this charming story of Giovanni and the Fava Beans, which tells the rich meaning and tradition of the St. Joseph altar. I absolutely love this lusciously illustrated book with its endearing story, which is sure to delight families everywhere!”
—Donna-Marie Cooper O'Boyle, EWTN TV Host, international speaker, journalist, and award-winning author
“In our times, devotion to St. Joseph has increased around the world. Books have been written about the cultural traditions, pious practices, and beautiful shrines associated with this great saint. Now, in Giovanni and the Fava Beans, people of all ages can discover the Sicilian tradition of the St. Joseph Altar. A truly delightful book!”
—Fr. Donald Calloway, MIC, Author of Consecration to St. Joseph
“As young Giovanni awakens to gratitude in the midst of a famine, children will discover a new sense of generosity in these pages. I love the simplicity and warmth of this origin story of St. Joseph feast day altars. The story is direct, but charming, told as if it’s your very own family's folk tale.”
—Charity Hill, Host of Bright Wings: Children’s Books to Make the Heart Soar podcast and Well-Read Mom Family Supplement editor
“This warm tale brings to life a family bridging terrestrial scarcity and heavenly virtues of hope, charity, and gratitude. The illustrations and writing will captivate any reader while children will enjoy its old-world charm. The story brilliantly passes on the lessons that animate the devotional practice of the Saint Joseph altars still found in vibrant Catholic communities today. What a blessing!”
—Fr. John Brown, S.J., President of Jesuit High School of New Orleans