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Share with your children the moving and faith-filled story behind the beautiful tradition of the St. Joseph Altar!
With colorful folk art illustrations and instructions for celebrating the St. Joseph Altar tradition, families will read this book every St. Joseph’s Day and all through the year.
Giovanni and the Fava Beans: The Story of the St. Joseph Altar
Written by Joseph P. Ruli
Illustrated by Jaclyn Warren
Word on Fire Votive | September 30, 2024
Hardcover | 58 Pages | 8.5" x 11"
Suggested Age Range: 5 - 12
Retail Price: $24.95 $19.96
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About Giovanni and the Fava Beans
Giovanni feeds fava beans and other scraps to the pigs each day. But when his community suffers a terrible drought, fava beans are all his family has to keep from starving. Giovanni is grumpy and frustrated at being served food he deems only fit for pigs, but then he encounters a hungry young girl in need of his help. His newfound generosity and devotion to a heavenly patron sets the stage for this charming story of faith and the origins of a beautiful tradition: the St. Joseph Altar.
Here’s 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
About the Author
About the Author
Joseph P. Ruli is a native of New Orleans and a second-generation Sicilian American. He and his family love hosting a St. Joseph Altar in their home. Joseph dons his chef’s hat and apron and cooks a big pot of homemade Pasta Milanese, serving a bowl to whomever walks through the door.
About the Illustrator
About the Illustrator
Jaclyn Warren lives in Covington, Louisiana, with her husband, children, and three cats. She is the illustrator of the award-winning book Brilliant! 28 Catholic Scientists, Mathematicians, and Supersmart People.
