Joseph and Chico: The Life of Pope Benedict XVI as Told by a Cat

by Jeanne Perego

This work features the most discussed topics of the life of the Church, treated with unique frankness and depth by the Church's spiritual and theological leader. In this collection of essays, theol This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1586172522
• ISBN13: 9781586172527
• Release Date: January 2008
• Publisher: Ignatius Press
• Length: 36 Pages
• Weight: 1.02 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 8.4" x 12.0"

Customer Reviews

A Heartwarming story that is true

With Pope Benedict XVI visiting in the United States, I thought it would be a good time for the kids to read more about him. After reading the reviews posted here, I purchased Joseph and Chico, The Life of Pope Benedict XVI as Told by a Cat and I must agree with the positive reviews. Told from the point of view of Chico, we learn about the life of Pope Benedict XVI, beginning with his birth in Bavaria up until his election as Pope. In a simple storybook form, it relates the major events of his life. Although it is rather long for a picture book, the lively prose and interesting point of view held my daughters' and my interest. While the bright, colorful illustrations are not exceptional, they nicely complement the text. The unusual point of view adds an element of fun as the cat makes humorous comments. This elicited laughs from my ten-year-old daughter on more than one occasion. A heartwarming story that is true, Joseph and Chico is a delightful read. Thanks for posting the positive reviews and inspiriting us to read it.

Endearing and Informative

This tender book about Pope Benedict and his love of cats is very endearing and informative. It shows the gentle nature of a somewhat shy scholar who was reluctant when chosen Pope. His reputation as the stern head of the Holy Office preceded him. Now after these few years as Pontiff, he has become an beloved writer and thinker to so many.

Charming biography of the Pope for children

This is a charming book about Pope Benedict XVI for slightly older children. It is released at a most fortunate time -- as the Holy Father will soon be coming to the US and is much in the news. I expected it to be for quite young children because it is "narrated" by the Pope's cat. It is written in a more mature style, however, suitable only for parents to read to their young children -- which is perfectly acceptable. The drawings are adorable and add a lot. I enjoyed it.

Wonderful Story with Beautiful Illustrations

This is a great story for children about the life of Pope Benedict. It is written from the perspective of a beautiful tabby cat named Chico. He draws you into his story with the first sentence: "MEEOOOOW! I'm Chico, and who are you?" Sprinkled with humor throughout the entire book, we also find a lot of very interesting information about the life of Pope Benedict. It is written in a fashion that will keep children interested even though there is a lot of text for a children's book. Chico's great sense of humor shows in his reaction to war. He writes: "We cats do not make war. We don't even know what wars are. In order to make other cats aware that they are crossing over into our territory, or that they are courting a cat who's already engaged to be married, we put on a threatening look, raise the fur on our backs, puff out our tails, and screech at the top of our lungs, "RRRREEEOOOOOWWW!", which would frighten anyone. It's a shame that you humans are not so advanced." I agree with the previous review that the book is actually appropriate for slightly older children than 4-8 years, possibly 7-12; and there is no doubt that cat lovers will love this book. I also recommend "Friday Night with the Pope" if you haven't already read it. It is a beautiful story about Pope John Paul II and a Friday evening meal with Jewish friends told through the eyes of a young boy.

Cute Book For Children and Cat Lovers

I bought this book for my mother, a devout Catholic and a cat lover. This book pleased both the Catholic and the cat lover in her. Although this book appears to be written for children, it is the type of cute book that will appeal to the cat lover as well. I am not an expert in assessing reading levels for children, but this book seems to be too difficult for the lower elementary grades. At that level, an adult might want to read the book to the child.